ABOUT INFO
THE CLIENT: The Lir – National Academy of Dramatic Art is Ireland’s leading conservatoire for theatre, film, and television. Situated within Trinity College Dublin, The Lir delivers intensive, industry-led training programmes designed to cultivate the next generation of performing artists, directors, designers, and technicians.
THE PROJECT: To realise a visually arresting architectural façade that precisely reflects the artist’s vision, integrating form, material innovation, and engineered performance.
SCOPE OF WORK: To develop, engineer and manufacture bespoke GRP spheres to exacting tolerances, combining dimensional precision with high-performance composite fabrication techniques.
INTRODUCTION IN BRIEF
The client: Trinity College Dublin, together with Smith + Kennedy Architects, appointed Hayward GRP to develop and fabricate a landmark external feature for The Lir – National Academy of Dramatic Art. The goal: to transform the façade with a distinctive architectural expression that celebrates the creativity housed within.
The large-scale public art installation, titled Units of Potential, was conceived by renowned Irish artist Alice Rekab. Comprising a series of visually compelling spheres emerging from the building’s exterior, the sculpture demanded an advanced engineering approach to ensure aerodynamic stability, structural resilience, and a discreet yet secure building interface capable of withstanding varied wind load conditions.
OUR SOLUTION AND OBJECTIVES
Working from an initial concept brief and visual references, Hayward GRP was tasked with resolving the core engineering and manufacturing challenges posed by the project. With only five weeks from commission to installation, we deployed our full suite of in-house capabilities, refining the design, executing structural calculations, creating precision tooling, and carrying out advanced GRP fabrication, to deliver a fully integrated composite solution.
Each sphere was manufactured as a seamless, single-piece moulding using GRP. These durable yet lightweight spheres were designed to deliver both engineered durability and visual consistency. Internally, each sphere incorporated a precision-engineered stainless-steel connection, enabling a reliable long-term attachment to the façade. This meticulous approach ensured enduring structural stability with excellent resistance to dynamic wind loads.
THE RESULT IN CONCLUSION
Hayward GRP collaborated closely with Smith + Kennedy Architects to realise Alice Rekab’s bold vision: perfectly formed green spheres that appear to emerge organically from the façade. Our engineered approach and deep technical expertise in composite materials were instrumental in achieving the project’s striking aesthetic and structural performance.
The Lir installation exemplifies Hayward GRP’s ability to deliver ambitious and technically demanding projects to the highest standards within a compressed timeline. The collaboration with Trinity College Dublin, Smith + Kennedy Architects, and Alice Rekab was a privilege, uniting art, architecture, and engineering in one cohesive expression.
WHY CHOOSE HAYWARD GRP KNOWLEDGE. EXPERTISE. COMMITMENT.
Hayward GRP is recognised as a complete solution provider with decades of experience delivering complex, bespoke GRP moulding solutions. Our comprehensive approach encompasses every aspect of your project, from initial consultation and design assistance to tooling, precision manufacturing, flawless finishing, and seamless installation, providing clients with an exceptional service that consistently exceeds expectation.
We forge enduring partnerships through clear communication, technical precision, and consistent reliability. Our industry-leading reputation for quality and compliance is built upon strict adherence to internationally accredited standards, ensuring every project meets the highest benchmarks.
READY TO START YOUR PROJECT LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN
Are you ready to turn your project vision into reality? Our extensive portfolio reflects our expertise and capabilities in delivering world-class GRP solutions. We’re here to bring your ideas to life, reach out to us today, and let’s collaborate to transform your concepts into tangible, stunning realities.
Whether you’re in the UK or anywhere else around the globe, we are eager to discuss how our tailored GRP solutions can elevate your project to new heights, let’s explore the feasibility together.
Contact our team today to start the conversation.
Call us on 01323 679555 or Email: info@haywardgrp.co.uk
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