Solstice Arts Centre Navan

click on image to launch gallery

This project was constructed on behalf of Meath County Council by Bennett Construction Limited. A distinctly modern building on a steeply sloping, prominent site in central Navan, this building uses exposed concrete as the principal structural and architectural material. The Navan Theatre and Arts Centre consists of a 350-seat auditorium, performance area with fly tower, a foyer with cafe facilities, offices and a gallery space above the auditorium.

A District Court facility was also part of the project at the tender and initial construction stage although was redesigned for the gallery at the request of the client. The design was developed to make use of the sloping site for example by ensuring the tiered seating in the auditorium matched closely the existing ground profile. The building is also constructed tight against the Navan Public Library which was maintained open at all times and had to be underpinned locally to accommodate the construction of the Arts Centre.

Roughan & O'Donovan's structural design included provision of long span concrete floors and visually striking 10m long cantilevers in reinforced concrete at the main entrance. Concrete walls were used as deep beams in order to facilitate the roof over the auditorium which has clear spans in excess of 20m. The foyer roof constructed in steel and glass is suspended from the overhanging concrete gallery floor. The Solstice Arts Centre was completed on programme and within budget.