SAS International Provides Sustainable Ceiling Solution for New Commissioners of Irish Lights HQ

At the new Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) headquarters in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, SAS International’s System 600 acoustic lighting rafts were specified throughout the circular three-storey building. Designed by architects Scott Tallon Walker, the building incorporates many of the latest sustainable design technologies with the aim of reducing the client’s carbon footprint.

The headquarters’ ceiling has been designed as a feature in its own right. The ceiling rafts have been installed in radial coffers throughout the open plan office space, perforated acoustic rafts alternate with acoustic rafts that incorporate luminaires. This alternating design has been enhanced by coffers with curved ends to emphasise the circular nature of the atrium.

David Cahill, Project Director for Scott Tallon Walker Architects, commented: “Our brief for the Commissioners of Irish Lights headquarters was to design a 21st century landmark building which was sensitive and reflective of the surrounding historic structures and marine environment. We worked with SAS International to design a ceiling system that would serve as one of the building’s features while ensuring that we adhered to CIL’s vision statement of delivering reliable, efficient and cost effective services to the navigation industry.”

System 600 rafts and modules are an ideal acoustic and lighting solution; exposing the concrete soffit allows the thermal mass of the building to be exploited. By allowing free air movement to the exposed concrete slabs 25w/m² of cooling can be achieved, while offering design flexibility, reducing capital and installation costs.

The new CIL headquarters was opened on 22nd February by Irish President Mary McAleese and employs a number of sustainable technologies including Photovoltaic panels as external brise-soleil (also utilised on the client’s offshore navigation buoys) and uses the adjacent Irish Sea as the source for both heating and cooling the building.

SAS International’s dedicated Dublin office has completed a number of sustainable projects across Ireland including chilled ceilings for 75 St Stephens Green and International House, Dublin; chilled ceilings for the intensive care neo natal unit at Mid-Western Hospital, Limerick.

File size: 0.06mb