Transforming Dublin Airport

T2's Cladding Explained

Passengers walking past the T2 site at Dublin Airport can now get an excellent view of the skin of the new terminal under construction. 

The external walls and the roof of the main terminal building – which is also known as the cladding - are now being installed.

The cladding for T2 is created from several separate layers, each of which has a specific purpose. “It’s like a big sandwich,” said Neil Morgan, T2 delivery manager responsible for cladding. As each layer is added, the exterior of T2 will take on a different look.

The first layer of ribbed steel is fixed directly to the steel frame of the terminal and helps gives the roof system structural stability. The second layer is a cement-like board that helps with acoustics and provides a surface to apply the next layer.

Then a vapour control layer is installed that helps reduce the risk of condensation inside the new terminal. A layer of foam insulation comes next and then a layer of seamed aluminium that will form the outside walls and roof of much of the terminal.

However an extra layer of cladding will be added in high profile areas of T2 such as the check-in hall and the front of the main terminal building.

The rain screen panels used in these areas, which will give the terminal a more attractive external finish, contain two very thin layers of aluminium with a rubber-like material between them.

T2’s cladding is being installed by a three-way consortium comprising Portuguese firms Martifer and Mota-Engil and their Irish partner Coffey Construction.

August 15, 2008