Modern, spacious, state-of-the-art and practical, Walter Scott House is the new Garda Síochána headquarters on Dublin’s Military Road. Commissioned in 2020, the two-year project can accommodate up to 900 Garda personnel, who will benefit from its many architectural features, including the HIMACS Nebula-clad central atrium stair, balustrades and handrails.
The building is named after Colonel Walter Scott, an Honorary Commissioner of the New York City Police, who presented the Garda Síochána with a $1,000 gold bond 100 years ago. That bond would go on to sponsor the Walter Scott Medal for Valor: the highest accolade that a member of the Garda Síochána can achieve for acts of bravery. Commissioned by the Office of Public Works, the cutting-edge headquarters will house numerous bureaus and investigation teams, and was made possible by the close collaboration of John Paul Construction, Solid Fabrications, and James Latham Solid Surface.
HIMACS in Nebula was selected to clad the atrium stair balustrades and handrails at the new Garda Síochána HQ in Dublin
HIMACS in Nebula was chosen to clad the internal facing of the walkways and stair balustrades over three floors, and includes an alcove for the handrail and a top cap. Marc Beattie, Managing Director of Solid Fabrications commented, “We are proud to have worked on this demanding project and we feel that HIMACS was a great solution in terms of workability, durability and also how it complements this contemporary aesthetic.”
Part of the Aster Collection, HIMACS Nebula T010 is a 12mm thick solid surface material that is suitable for all indoor uses, including commercial, residential and public spaces. Robust, durable, hardwearing and fire resistant, it is the perfect choice for offices, headquarters, business premises and residential projects alike. It is also extremely hygienic and resistant to wear-and-tear, scratches, stains and UV rays. Added to this, the material’s non-porous surface makes it extremely quick and easy to clean.
The thermoformable properties of HIMACS enables it to be moulded into any shape and size. The produces a smooth, seamless surface thanks to the absence of visible seams, and has the added benefit of preventing the build up of dirt, bacteria and viruses. This makes HIMACS a solid surface material with unbeatable hygienic properties, guaranteed by certifications that comply with LGA and NSF international standard.
Sustainability
HIMACS can be seamlessly joined, ensuring that even the smallest leftover pieces can be repurposed in future projects. Moreover, its remarkable 15-year warranty exemplifies its outstanding durability and extended lifespan. In line with the company’s commitment to sustainability, HIMACS offers an array of six recycled colours that incorporate up to 16 per cent pre-consumer recycled material. These eco-friendly options not only contribute to a greener environment, but also provide designers with an opportunity to earn LEED® credits for their sustainable designs.
Project Information
Project name: Garda HQ
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Designer: Office of Public Works
Fabricator: Solid Fabrications
HIMACS supplier: James Latham
Construction: John Paul Construction
Material: HIMACS Nebula T010
HIMACS elements: Atrium stair balustrades and handrails
Photos: Marie-Louise Halpenny
