The new extension for the Donegal Garda Station is a prominent feature utilising materials that respond to its topology and enhance the building’s civic presence in the town. The dark coloured brick plinth of the semi-basement grounds the building while the upper floors which feature a facade of open mesh grating provide an open and transparent interface with the public whilst maintaining necessary security provisions.

Lang+Fulton supplied the bespoke steel mesh cladding for the glazed upper floors of the facade. The grating achieves a contemporary aesthetic and delivers the practical advantages of protection and a brise-soleil solution, while achieving a transparency that offers the public an insight into the activities of the station; the degree of transparency and solar shading creating an interesting variety, dependent on the angle of view, the time of day and light conditions.

The Terra-34 grating, which features an anti-climb aperture, was also used to create walkways, soffits and a secure enclosure around the roof-top plant. The gratings were made to 19 different custom-sizes and shapes for each floor with 3038mm high panels for the facade cladding. Slotted tabs were designed for fixing to the support steelwork. The material was supplied in a hot-dip galvanized finish to withstand the coastal environment.

Donegal Town Garda Station has won 4 national awards including Best Cultural/Public Building (RIAI). Adjudicators said, “The project stands out for its laconic civic presence and its no-nonsense adaptation of the spatial culture of a thriving historic town … the building demonstrates that thoughtful architecture can quietly and carefully edify our everyday culture”.

Product: Terra-34
Architect: Rhatigan Architects
Main Contractor: Boyle Construction
Structural Steelwork: Bonnar Engineering
Photography: ©Paul Doherty