Dublin Airport Terminal 2

Fabric Architecture Ltd.

Dublin Terminal 2 was designed with travelers in mind. Every aspect of the architecture, from floor to ceiling, adds to the relaxed and ultra-modern feel. A fabric ceiling was specified and was to be the one constant interior feature throughout. At the center, two iconic fan vaults would accentuate the modern design and add the ‘wow factor’ for travelers. Made of 15 meters of double curvature mesh fabric tensile panels, they roll down from the ceiling to create stunning organic forms. The proposed fabric ceiling system needed to be cost-effective, adhering to a tight budget. The ceiling panels need to echo the form of the terminal shell, following its double curvature and elegant clean lines. The panels need to be easily installed and accessed for maintenance and services.

The solution which was selected is the company’s new ArchiClad system. ArchiClad is a fully modular system with the flexibility to be applied both vertically and horizontally. A clever linking system allows for self-regulation of each panel, ensuring lines are crisp and clean (as specified by the architect). Each ceiling panel was meticulously offset by 600 millimeters from the main trusses for maintenance. Installation proved to be a challenge with ceiling heights ranging from 5 meters to 23 meters. 27,000 square meters of tensile mesh fabric panels were installed throughout the terminal.

The Dublin Airport Authority is more than pleased. The new ArchiClad fabric mesh ceiling system saved them over £1 million, given the alternative ceiling system the DAA had originally considering was over-specced and overpriced. The new mesh fabric ceiling system offers added value: acoustic benefits, natural and artificial light reflectivity, uniform sleek finish following the curvature of the building, consistent architectural lines from front to back, easy to maintain faceted panels and the fabric contrasts beautifully with the abundance of marble and glass. Declan Collier, CEO of DAA, said, “The design team has created a stunning piece of architecture incorporating great elegance and efficiency within tight budgetary constraints. It is Terminal 2 that will undoubtedly transform passengers experience.”

Project details

Location: Dublin, Ireland
Size: 27,000 sq.m
Fabrics: Batyline Batymesh 7,000 by Serge Ferrari North America Inc.
Architect: Pascall & Watson