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 10,000m ² 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 highuse 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 75,000sq 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 sash lock 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 was shortlisted for 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 .

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