Trinity Business School, Dublin City

“The project was one of my favourite projects to work on while I’ve been with SAS,” said Chris Carey, Branch Manager for Ireland. “It used a multitude of SAS systems, including SAS130 Mesh, SAS810 Tricell, SAS330, SAS205, bespoke SAS600 tapered rafts, SAS500 acoustic baffles, SAS150 bespoke perforations and SAS330 fire curtain enclosure bulkheads to name a few.”

Safety is a crucial element in commercial projects such as this. SAS810 Tricell is a decorative open cell ceiling, providing effective airflow and smoke extraction. It’s specifically designed for areas of high human traffic.

Further suspended ceilings were used: SAS500 linear acoustic baffle system directly suspends from the soffit for exposed applications. The panels are double faced to provide enhanced acoustic performance and can be suspended in varying heights and angles for interesting visuals.

Additionally, SAS130 Mesh suspended ceilings integrate seamlessly with both partitioning and signage. They are quick and easy to mount and dismount and provide simple access to the ceiling void.

To achieve the desired aesthetic and purpose, a number of challenges need to be overcome. “The integration of services into the bespoke ceilings required a lot of detail and co-ordination of suspension through layout drawings and sections. This is something not usually required with our standard systems.

“At the time of tendering and ordering we didn’t have the software package to do an ‘On Screen Take-off’,” explained Chris, “So, everything was counted by hand with A1 printed drawings! This was the biggest problem because when drawings changed in between these two phases there had to be an add and omit exercise every time.” SAS have since invested in OST, which provides much better flexibility on bespoke project such as TBS.

Another challenge was to integrate a SAS330 C-profile into a plasterboard ceiling. “This isn’t usually done,” continues Chris, “however, we had to create a visible band in the plasterboard ceiling which had pre-punched holes to take the threaded rod from the SAS500 system below. Essentially suspending one system from another. Additional suspension was required above the c-profiles to take the unusual weight, all done independently of the plasterboard ceiling.”

Furthermore, the project needed different lengths of SAS600 rafts. This meant that more visual presentations were required to provide the subcontractor clarity on which item went in which location. The SAS600 rafts were provided in kit-format, which made considerable labour savings on site.

SAS were still able to complete the project on time. "Despite the challenges, we were able to overcome them quite easily with the help of my director Cathal McGuinness and the engineering departments in Maybole and Bridgend."

SAS’ long-term solutions and attention to detail allowed the client to fulfil their desired aesthetics.