IRISH NATIONAL SEED VAULT

Eva Maria Hierzer

Embrace the past. Appreciate the present. Enable the future.

Rank's Silo signifies Limerick's agricultural and industrial heritage. This classic functional modernist structure embodies historical significance. But how can such a symbol be preserved and repurposed without losing its essence? At its core, the silo’s function of "storing" should be maintained and adapted for contemporary needs. In the face of climate, economic, and social changes, preserving Ireland’s agricultural and natural heritage is crucial. Thus, repurposing the silo as a seed vault becomes a meaningful endeavor.
Our concept for revitalizing the silo and its surroundings includes: transforming the storage bins into climate-controlled archive bins for Ireland's seeds, creating a publicly accessible open space on the ground floor for entry, information, gallery exhibits as well as events and establishing a public observation deck on the roof. Additionally, we propose adding a research and preservation laboratory with access to adapted lower floors and creating a public park linking the silo with a new pavilion for concerts, talks and events.
The main idea is to make minimal interventions while enabling future extensions and adaptations. This reuse marks a transition point, reflecting the shift from an agricultural landscape to an industrial harbor and now to a post-industrial era that respects its history instead of erasing it.
We aim to plant small seeds of development with this "Noah's Ark" within the docklands, facilitating future growth. Whether the harbor continues its current operations or closes down, Rank's Silo could remain an ark within an industrialized harbor or open up to its surroundings by expanding the park into the docklands or utilizing vacant buildings for a science or cultural hub.

Project was awarded 1st Place of the Rank’s Silo in The 21st Century DoCoMoMo Architecture Ideas Competition.

Project Gallery

irish national seed vault - Nightview

irish national seed vault - CONCEPT

irish national seed vault - Visuals

irish national seed vault - floorplans

irish national seed vault - sections

Eva Maria Hierzer AT

http://www.nowarchitektur.at
Volksgartenstraße 6 | 8020 Graz