Discreet Surface Drainage for Shackleton Museum, Athy

At the redeveloped Shackleton Museum in Athy, Galco supplied Recyfix Pro slotted drainage channels to match the project’s striking, iceberg-inspired architecture. Designed for both performance and appearance, the system provides discreet and efficient surface water management around the museum’s new glass extension and public areas.

The Shackleton Museum, now called The Shackleton Experience, reopened in October 2025 after a €7.5 million redevelopment funded by Kildare County Council and the Irish Government under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

Led by OBFA Architects with K-Design Studio, the design combines an eye-catching glass extension with carefully restored heritage interiors inside Athy’s 300-year-old town hall. To support the new structure and surrounding public realm, Galco supplied precision-engineered slotted drainage channels, a vital but often overlooked element that keeps the site safe and visually clean.

Challenges and Solutions

The project’s location on Emily Square, a busy heritage area in Athy’s town centre, required a drainage system that was both technically reliable and visually discreet.

Traditional grated systems were unsuitable for the architectural setting, where seamless paving and clean lines were essential. Galco’s Hauraton Recyfix Pro Brickslot channels offered the ideal solution – a low-profile linear system that integrates smoothly with surrounding stonework and landscape finishes.

The installation supports both pedestrian and light vehicle traffic, ensuring long-term performance in a highly exposed public space.

Why Slotted Drainage Channel?

The Hauraton Recyfix Pro slotted channel system used for the Shackleton Museum redevelopment delivered key benefits:

• Discreet appearance – the slim slot design blends with paving for a clean, minimalist look.
• High drainage efficiency – handles heavy rainfall without disrupting surface design.
• Durability and stability – made from corrosion-resistant materials for demanding public environments.
• Simple maintenance – easy access for cleaning through inspection units and removable tops.
• Design flexibility – adapts to complex layouts and mixed surface types in heritage zones.
• Long service life – ensures reliable, low-maintenance performance for years to come.

Practical Design That Lasts

For the Shackleton Museum, every design choice had to balance heritage protection and modern functionality. The drainage system may not be visible, but it plays an essential role in maintaining safe, dry, and accessible surfaces for visitors.

By integrating modern slotted drainage technology into this historic site, Galco helped the project achieve a neat, durable finish that complements both the old and new architecture – keeping the museum’s public spaces as resilient as the explorer’s own legacy.