The extension to the City Hall in Cork turns the existing building back to front, and provides a dramatic four storey civic space linking new offices to the existing classical building. Established off the back of their competition-winning design for Trinity College in 1961, the practice has always been more revered and rewarded in Ireland than in the UK. This is the latest in a long line of fine projects completed across the water. The highly intelligent engineering strategy uses groundwater for heating and cooling through pipe work in the exposed concrete soffits. Office floor plates are typically naturally ventilated but internal areas have fresh air delivered via rooftop wind cowls.