The Glasshouse Hotel is a landmark structural achievement situated on a prominent site overlooking the River Garavogue and Hyde Bridge in the heart of Sligo City Centre. This high-rise development involved the construction of a multi-storey hotel and apartment complex (reaching up to eight storeys) situated over a significant three-storey basement car park. Replacing an existing hotel, the project demanded a sophisticated structural approach to accommodate the striking, non-vertical architectural geometry that defines the building’s identity.
A primary challenge for the structural design team was the execution of works below tidal waters on an extremely confined urban site. To facilitate the deep basement excavation, a secant pile wall was engineered to provide robust perimeter support and protection. The basement was constructed using in-situ reinforced concrete, creating a stable foundation for the complex superstructure above. The building’s signature sloped feature and extensive glazed facades are supported by a precision-engineered structural steel frame, which integrates seamlessly with the vertical cladding.
To address the logistical constraints of the restricted city-centre location, the flooring system utilized a combination of precast hollowcore and composite steel/concrete decks. This hybrid solution allowed for rapid assembly and structural efficiency while maximizing the internal floor area. The total project footprint spans 29,000m², comprising 20,000m² of hotel and residential space and 9,000m² dedicated to underground parking.
Jennings O’Donovan provided full civil and structural engineering services, managing the project from initial feasibility and geotechnical analysis through to contract administration and site supervision. The successful completion of this modern landmark demonstrates our ability to deliver cost-effective, high-rise solutions within complex, high-density urban environments and challenging hydraulic conditions.