Drinksology was tasked with creating a new visitors experience at the Shed Distillery. It was important to design a building that was sympathetic to the rural location whilst contrasting the existing industrial buildings. Taking cues from local traditional building forms, the visitors centre consists of two contemporary brick and timber clad pitched roof buildings, one housing the reception and retail space, the other a cafe and hospitality areas. A greenhouse sits centrally between both buildings, flooding in natural light to illuminate the experience. The greenhouse showcases a myriad of plant species from around the world and of course no greenhouse, or distillery tour is complete without a bar.

The design approach was split into two stages. The first stage was the design of the extension building which would house the reception and hospitality facilities. The central greenhouse acts as a lantern allowing natural light to illuminate the full building whilst also providing feature views from many parts of the building. 

Opened to the public in September 2020 the distillery extension faithfully follows the design by Drinksology. Care was taken to soften the aesthetic and built upon the 'curious & curation' brand narrative through the careful consideration of unexpected landscaping and dramatic lighting.

From concept to fruition, Drinksology worked with our client and their curation team to make the ordinary, extraordinary. Step out of the extension buidling and enter a curious journey into the curious mind that brings you Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. The curation or curiosities combined with the repurposing on the existing industrial space delivers a sensory extravaganza. By request of our client we are keeping the tour content secretive and sharing just enough to to beckon you in.