The Shackleton Museum, Athy, Co. Kildare with structural, civil and fire engineering design by McCrae Consulting Engineers represents an exemplary conservation-led transformation of Athy’s former 1740s Town Hall into a museum. Executed by an SME practice, the project carefully balances contemporary design with the safeguarding of a protected historic structure. 

Working for Kildare County Council, the team removed previous interventions, stabilised historic brick vaults and integrated new reinforced concrete structure to support a striking cantilevered staircase. The scheme also involved the design and integration of a new four-storey steel structure glazed atrium in the shape of an iceberg.  

Complex fire, access and environmental upgrades were incorporated within the original fabric to achieve modern standards. 

The project demonstrates how a team using expertise and innovation can successfully unite heritage conservation with modern structural, environmental and fire performance requirements.