Modern aluminium decking is a cut above the rest

Decking and trees can often be an uneasy mix in landscape design, but neaco’s aluminium flooring is demonstrating how the two can complement each other as part of the redevelopment of St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra in Dublin.

Specified within the €33 million scheme’s extensive landscaping works, Techdek is accommodating and protecting a line of mature lime trees with bespoke holes cut into panels to outline the particular shape at the base of each trunk. neaco’s cutting technology worked from templates supplied by the contractor, JJ Rhatigan & Co, which indicated the precise contours of each tree.

Joe Garry, Contracts Manager at JJ Rhatigan & Co, explained: “The trees in question had roots close to the surface and we needed a means of providing a pathway to the front door of the Library Building and at the same time protect the roots from being trampled on. Particular attention was paid to carrying out accurate site surveys and the neaco fabricated panels slotted in with ease when they arrived on-site, with only one minor adjustment in relation to the tree shapes. Techdek’s grille also allows plenty of air and moisture to pass through to the roots and with the panels being made from aluminium it’s also easy to clean off the tree sap with a power wash.”

Designed by Taylor Architects, the redevelopment of St. Patrick’s College also included various external works alongside the refurbishment to existing accommodation, a new substation, new 960m²sports building and two teaching blocks totalling 9,800m² of new space incorporating lecture theatres, study areas, workshops and a café.

Featuring a patented swage-locked construction, the Techdek range of aluminium grilles offers a variety of profiles, including a unique T-bar design which was used at St. Patrick’s College. The T-bar profile is ideal for decking applications as its surface is free-draining whilst providing a 74% foot contact area.