With the ICE Awards Gala Event fast approaching on 27th April in the Convention Centre in Dublin, over the next number of weeks, we will be highlighting each of the finalists in the three Fit Out or Refurbishment categories, which Surety Bonds continue to sponsor. We kick off the series with a look at the fit out of General Motors’ Limerick HQ by FKM Fit Out.
Category: Fit Out or Refurbishment Up to €5m
Project: General Motors HQ, Limerick
Contractor: FKM Fit Out
Client: General Motors
Engineer: Loscher Moran & Pro Cad Engineering
Architect: Lawrence Mc Farlane from SLMD
Having established offices in Limerick in 2013, American multi-national General Motors were given the go-ahead to expand their Irish operations in 2017. The time frame for this project was to start before Christmas 2021 and complete before St. Patricks day 17/03/2022. With a narrow window within which to carry out the work, contractors FKM delivered the project on time and on budget.
This fully operational workplace was designed to the client’s unique specifications with a high-end CAT B fit out over 3 floors of a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited building.
While representing the functionality and style of the GM brand without compromising work space, the design incorporates inspiration from road infrastructure and aspects of car engine parts, which is reflected in the use of exposed services, through clever use of floor finishes and lighting.
Given the surroundings and the view from the offices, the scope was to connect the building’s occupants to the outdoors, through biophilic design, which was accomplished by bringing elements of nature inside, through the use of moss walls incorporated into the design.
By creating a successful partnership with clients throughout the project process, FKM offer a broad range of critical managerial and technical resources for diverse projects. The combination of the client’s knowledge of their processes with FKM’s design talents and practical technical abilities, creates successful designs as evident in the incorporation of motor inspired design in this fit out.
Loscher Design Practice was established in February 2013 by Keith Loscher. The company is a dynamic and proactive multidisciplinary design practice, offering a wide range of professional services to meet needs and specific requirements of clients.
As design partner for the fit-out of General Motors new offices, SLMD took into account the inherent quality of the location at Hawthorn, Limerick, as a workplace destination for one of the worlds leading car manufacturers, thus ensuring the interior delivered an equal if not higher calibre experience.
