Portlaoise Library, a brand-new public library in the heart of Portlaoise town, has been designed as a contemporary space that fosters learning, community engagement and research. The new facility offers a community hub space, a dedicated study area, children’s services, extensive archives and a local studies reading room.

To complement the building’s modern architectural design; featuring wooden cabinetry, concrete elements and brightly coloured feature walls, a sophisticated and energy-efficient lighting solution was essential.

The lighting scheme was meticulously planned to enhance the aesthetic and functional needs of the library while ensuring long-term sustainability.

The key elements of the lighting design included Contemporary Lighting Aesthetic, Energy Efficiency & Sustainability, Optimised Light Distribution and Smart Lighting Control with DALI.

Specialised Product Selection included;

LED Luks ILO50 Linear Pendants formed the primary task lighting within the main library space, ensuring clear and comfortable illumination for reading and study areas.

Lightnet’s Ringo Star Pendants used as a feature luminaire in both the entrance and above the reception desk.

Lightnet’s recessed Basic Circular LED fixtures were strategically used to achieve uniform lighting across cellular rooms and circulation spaces, providing a seamless and cohesive lighting experience.

Rovasi’s Koramu 100 Bollard were included in the outdoor seating area

Portlaoise Library’s lighting design successfully combines aesthetics, efficiency, and sustainability to create a welcoming and functional public space. The integration of high-performance LED solutions and intelligent controls ensures that the library remains an energy-efficient and comfortable environment for all users, now and into the future.

Photo Credit: Donal Murphy