HOPPE News
Dublin’s financial and technology headquarters opt for stylish fit-out
With Dublin becoming home to many global companies’ European headquarters, several buildings have seen transformations over recent years to bring them up to the high standards expected by today’s high tech and financial business communities. Two such companies are Microsoft and Aviva, which have created impressive, high-grade facilities by redeveloping older corporate buildings.
When thinking about priorities for ironmongery in projects of this type, the primary considerations should be fire safety and security closely followed by the aesthetics, longevity, and ease of installation to minimise programme time.
One Microsoft Court is a 20-year-old building on Microsoft’s campus in the Irish capital. It has recently undergone a high specification renovation which included a full interior strip-out and refurbishment to bring it in line with One Microsoft Place, the company’s new award-winning European headquarters situated on the same campus.
The renovation included the creation of a double height atrium space; new dining, recreational and wellness facilities; featured stairways and a cantilevered meeting space. Putting digital transformation first, the four storey 10,000 m2 facility is integral to Microsoft’s global operations. Forming a new engineering hub, the building design reflects Microsoft’s engineering space principles, with every detail designed with the needs of engineers in mind. These range from the spaces engineers work in, to the areas created for relaxation, through to the onsite restaurants and cafes.
Security and high-use specification
The door and ironmongery schedules, supplied by Proline Architectural Hardware, for the refurbishment specified high security architectural ironmongery products, and detailed technical documentation together with product samples were provided to aid decision-making.
Ellen Mack, business development manager for Ireland at HOPPE (UK) explains:
“It goes without saying that fire safety comes first for both new buildings and upgrades. Hardware such as hinges, closers and lock cases must have CE markings (UKCA in the UK from 1 January 2023). With the volume of people expected in the building, door hardware that can withstand a high level of use is needed. The HOPPE AR361 Paris lever handle was chosen for this project as it has been tested to DIN EN 1906 for commercial applications.”
“Grade 316 stainless steel was used for both the lever and pull handles. Using stainless steel throughout offers many practical benefits including longevity, corrosion resistance and low maintenance, as well as providing a modern, cohesive design throughout the building.”
The HOPPE AR361 Paris lever handle, the AR910 sashlock and the AR8582 concealed bearing hinge were specified for the project.
A high-quality hinge that’s guaranteed for 25 years is likely to outlive the doors themselves and is well worth including in a specification to reduce the need for maintenance. Stainless steel is still the most popular finish, and models with straight angular edges are on trend and make a statement in a high-end environment.
Following One Microsoft Court’s completion, the high standard of the refurbishment was recognised at the Fit-Out Awards 2020 where the project won Large Office of the Year and Project of the Year.
Blackrock development
Just a short drive away in Blackrock is Zurich House. Previously known as Enterprise House, it too has been transformed into an impressive corporate headquarters with stunning views across the Dublin Bay and mountains. Owned by Aviva Ireland, the building’s redevelopment formed part of a wider programme to upgrade other properties nearby including the adjacent Blackrock Shopping Centre.
ALTU Architects (formerly known as Lafferty Architects) was appointed to design the new offices and as with any project of this high specification, the architectural details were paramount to achieve the aesthetic required.
Renamed Zurich House after its tenant Zurich Insurance, the 75,000 sq ft five-storey Grade A office building features floor to ceiling glazing and is notable for its striking anodised aluminium brise soleil. The environmental requirements were also an important aspect of the new design, and the building was awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Accreditation for its efficiency.
The redevelopment started in 2015, and staff working in the existing building were decanted to another office for two years whilst the works were carried out. HOPPE’s architectural ironmongery was specified for the building shell and core and supplied by Proline Architectural Hardware. This included external entrance doors, stair cores, risers and the WCs in the lift lobbies, accounting for more than 165 doors.
Ellen Mack continues: “Products from ARRONE, a brand of the HOPPE Group, including the AR910 mortice sashlock which is suitable for unsprung levers, and the AR3625, a high-quality bolt through offset pull handle for external doors were integrated into the internal design.”
“For the interior doors, details were a high priority. The AR7383, a designer concealed overhead door closer that gives a sleek finish and the AR964, a designer internal lever on a sprung rose for its modern, high-quality aesthetic have been used.”
Given the level of the design and products used, it’s no surprise that Zurich House came third in the Commercial Property of the Year category at the Irish Construction Awards 2020.
With Dublin reported to be the fifth busiest retail estate market in Europe, the trend for using high grade fit-out products to revitalise new and refurbished buildings looks set to continue.