Client Vision.
The project aim was to restore the Cathedral to its former glory whilst developing a liturgical setting fitting of a Cathedral for the 21st century.
Key Challenges
The major Challenge was to match the remaining Railings originally installed in 1856.
The castings and bosses of the existing railings were handmade and none of the off the shelf solutions available on the market were appropriate. A second portion of the works involved the Supply Manufacture and Commissioning of a 15,000mm wide sliding gate to match the perimeter railing it is designed to travel across the tiled forecourt of the Cathedral and be automated.
Overcoming The Challenges
The matching of the railings was achieved because of our long-term relationship with Athy Co Op Foundry, copies were made of the original castings and they were recast individually in sand moulds using virtually the same methods as used in making the originals160 years ago. The castings were then fabricated into the railing and gate structure at our Dublin plant. One improvement to the original which had been repainted countless times was the provision of a Plasgalv Powder Coated over Hot dipped Galvanised finish which we believe will not require maintenance for probably 50 years and then only cosmetic as the galvanised surface should be un-troubled this will significantly reduce potential painting costs and reduce VOCs (Volatile organic compounds) which are present in Paint and are extremely polluting.
The design of the structure for the sliding gate was a close collaboration between Colm Redmond of FKP, Ronan Moore of Gem Purcell and Eoin Ennis our Contracts manager, Working with Gem Purcell to a mutually agreed programme a 35 metre long track was laid within the forecourt area before tiling. An upstanding granite block wall was formed to carry the railings to front the gate.
The gate was delivered in one piece and automation consisting of an Electric motor with inbuilt safety features including automatically reversing drive when an obstacle is encountered and Infra-red beams to prevent closure on a body or a vehicle. The gate is designed to be operated by an attendant so no remote operation was required.
Products Used
Railings, Automated Gates, We also provided and installed Hardwood timber fencing on a steel framework to the bicycle parking area.
Positive Outcomes
The restoration received several awards, including the Irish Building and Design Awards 2015 “Building Project of the Year” and “Interior Architectural Project of the Year”: the RWI Architecture Awards 2015 , winner of “Public Choice” award, Best Conservation/Restoration and Best Universal Design Project; the Fit Out Awards 2015, Conservation Project of the Year and overall Project of the year; and the Property Industry Excellence Awards 2015, Winner of Property Conservation Award.It was an Honour to be selected for such a project.
