Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee, Kerry

Project description

EQUITONE cladding has been prominently featured in the Kerry Hospital project, with more than 2,000m² of pre-cut, pre-drilled, and installation-ready panels supplied. This project is believed to be the most extensive use of EQUITONE in the country.

Completed in late 2024, the surgical day care centre at Bon Secours Hospital in Tralee, Co. Kerry, demonstrates the highly effective use of off-site fabrication techniques to achieve world-class quality for public sector projects. Using both Linea and Lunara fibre cement façade boards in Pebble Grey, the finished envelope of the building looks modern, clean, and robust.

The main entrance of the unit uses Linea panels, precision cut into varying sizes of triangles to create a pleasing decorative flourish. While the base of the hospital uses secret-fixed, 10mm thick Linea to create a high-quality, tactile feel, higher levels utilize Lunara, which is rivet fixed using color-matched screws.

Designed by O’Connell Mahon Architects and built by main contractor Eamon Costello, the Bon Secours project provided an ideal opportunity to demonstrate the full range of EQUITONE's capabilities. All EQUITONE boards were cut to size using the latest CNC cutting technology, and all cladding materials were supplied with pre-fitted brackets, aluminum rails, and colour-matched screws. This approach eliminated any wastage and ensured an efficient, timely delivery of cladding on-site. Additionally, Wraptite breather membrane was supplied to ensure an efficient cladding installation process.

Darren Bowden, director at Vivalda Ireland, who distributed the EQUITONE cladding, said:

“The clever use of Lunara fibre cement panels for the upper parts of the building – and the ribbed Linea for the lower sections enabled the architects to deliver an aesthetically pleasing façade, while keeping within budget. Using rivet-fixed Lunara for the top of the structure and secret-fixed Linea for the bottom generated significant savings, while not compromising either safety or style.”

Both EQUITONE Linea and Lunara are supplied in 10mm thickness with a wide range of through-colour options. Manufactured in the EU, both products are classed as ‘non-combustible’ with an A2-S1-d0 rating as per EN13501.