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A radiant chilled ceiling, from SAS International, has been specified as a vital component in the recent refurbishment of the ‘20 On Hatch’ office building in Dublin’s central business district. The 5,000 square metre, six-storey building, formerly known as International House, was designed by Frank Hughes of Forrest Hill Architects for building owner Lavelle Coleman Solicitors and incorporates many sustainable design technologies. The project involved the reuse of a 1970’s structure and significant extension of all floors with additional upper levels.
“SAS System 330 metal ceilings were specified for their streamlined aesthetic appeal, flexibility of design and the ability to incorporate radiant chilled ceilings,” commented Frank Hughes. “In this challenging refurbishment and extension project, the radiant chilled ceilings allowed us to maximise the floor to ceiling height and included a ceiling void of less than 100mm. They also allowed us to balance the heating and cooling in tandem with partial natural ventilation at the perimeter of the building.”
“The floor to ceiling height was an important consideration in this refurbishment project as the client plans to let three of the six floors,” said Maurice Ramsay of Ramsay Cox and Associates, the project’s specialist low-energy M&E Consultants. “In order to maximise rental potential, and at the advice of the client’s letting agent, a minimum floor to ceiling height of 2.5 metres was required. The passive nature of the ceiling also complemented the ultra low-energy design, which was actively embraced by the client.”
The radiant chilled ceiling system occupied 25% of the total ceiling area, with SAS International manufacturing suspended metal ceilings throughout the rest of the building. Due to inconsistencies in the underside of the existing coffers, it was necessary for SAS International to survey the entire building prior to the manufacturing of the ceiling system.
"Any dimensional discrepancies in the original double T, precaste ceiling beams were absorbed in the detailed design process of the ceiling,” added Frank Hughes. “This close collaboration and strong attention to detail added significantly to the project’s positive outcome.”
Radiant chilled ceiling panels use water as a cooling medium which removes heat from the occupied space as it flows through the system. The chilled ceilings work by radiating energy (cooling) downwards meaning there is no perceptible air movement and noise levels to contend with.
In addition to the energy efficient SAS International chilled ceiling system, ‘20 On Hatch’ features a number of the most advanced energy saving systems available including rainwater harvesting, wood-chip fuelled central heating and double skin thermal insulation.
SAS International’s dedicated Dublin office has recently completed a number of projects across Ireland including acoustic lighting rafts at the new Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) headquarters in Dun Laoghaire; chilled ceilings for the 75 St Stephens Green office development in Dublin; chilled ceilings for the intensive care neo natal unit at Mid-Western Hospital, Limerick; and architectural metalwork for Charlestown Mall on the outskirts of Dublin.
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