Zumtobel Group creates a lighting scheme that celebrates community and culture

Zumtobel and its sister brand Thorn, both lighting brands of the Zumtobel Group, have helped breathe new life into the historic Templemore Town Hall with a tailored lighting solution for the newly opened Templemore Library and Enterprise Centre. The result is a vibrant, multi-functional facility that reflects both the heritage of its surroundings and the ambition of a forward-looking community.

Located in the heart of Templemore, County Tipperary, the revitalised Library and Enterprise Centre is a symbol of civic pride and creativity. The project, led by EML Architects and specified by MWP M&E Consultants, transformed the town’s historic hall into a contemporary library and enterprise hub. LeeTherm served as the main contractor, with Tom Kennedy Electrical as the electrical contractor, helping bring the vision to life through close collaboration with the wider team. The new facility includes a dedicated Makerspace, extensive book stock, quiet reading zones, and a glazed extension that floods the space with natural light.

Officiated by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, the centre is the first in Tipperary to offer advanced public technology, including robotics and 3D printing. With over 15,000 new books, the space is as much a tribute to the past as it is a platform for future innovation.

The lighting challenge

John Sexton Electrical Design Engineer, MWP commented, “We needed a flexible solution that could adapt to the unique ceiling conditions of the building.”

Designing a lighting scheme that aligned with the architect’s vision for this historic refurbishment posed unique challenges. Ceiling constraints on the first floor and changing ceiling types in the reception area required bespoke lighting responses. The scheme had to deliver not only functionality and efficiency but also elevate the architectural experience.

Lighting the way forward

Zumtobel and Thorn responded with a lighting solution that balanced technical performance, visual harmony, and architectural sensitivity.

John Sexton continues, “The SLOTLIGHT range offered everything we needed in terms of performance and aesthetics. It made a complex design challenge feel seamless.”

At the heart of the interior scheme was Zumtobel’s SLOTLIGHT infinity II family, used in both surface and pendant versions. The linear SLOTLIGHT luminaires were deployed creatively, including a stunning configuration around the void area—a concept proposed by the lighting team – that enhances the visual depth and flow of the space. The SLOTLIGHT’s flexible modularity, reduced glare, and the 10 percent indirect ceiling illumination helped open up the interiors and establish a calming, balanced atmosphere.

Other Zumtobel luminaires, including SLOTLIGHT round and TECTON, were used to support a variety of interior functions, from offices and reading zones.

Thorn’s extensive portfolio also came into play with solutions such as Omega, Equaline Mini, Chalice, College, Katona, Graffiti, and Voyager for the emergency lighting, each selected to suit specific environments within the centre. The exterior areas were illuminated with weatherproof and aesthetically robust luminaires including D-CO LED Bollards, Urba, Caelon, Eroa and Eyekon, delivering safe, welcoming surrounds for visitors after dark.

Lighting for showcase destination

The lighting design not only met the functional requirements of the various zones but elevated the entire architectural experience. The products were chosen as part of a conscious decision to work with a premium lighting supplier, ensuring that the lighting solution would serve as a benchmark for future public sector projects.

Philip Dewey, Key Account Manager at Zumtobel Group, commented: “Templemore is a great example of what’s possible when community investment meets thoughtful design. The lighting complements the architecture and purpose of the space, and it’s exciting to see the SLOTLIGHT infinity II range used so creatively in a heritage setting.”

A beacon for the future

The Templemore Library and Enterprise Centre is a powerful symbol of regeneration, community focus, and sustainable design. With lighting that enhances its usability, safety, and aesthetic quality, the centre will continue to inspire generations to come—a perfect fusion of past and future, brought to light by Zumtobel and Thorn.

Michael Heffernan, Project Manager LeeTherm, the main contractor, said “From day one, this project was about delivering quality. Working with Zumtobel and Thorn ensured we had lighting that not only performs well but also looks exceptional. It’s a scheme that really enhances the finished environment.”

Photography accreditation: Paul O’Connell.