Glucksman Library

The Glucksman Library at the University of Limerick is one of the biggest campus libraries in Ireland and one of the most digitally advanced in the world. The €30m project includes a 7,600sqm extension and new facilities that offer students advanced computing, collaboration and communication spaces. Acoustic ceilings from Rockfon® are fitted throughout and play a pivotal role in helping the university realise its vision.

Optimal acoustic solutions

Produced from 40mm thick stone wool, each island has two smooth surfaces which absorb sound helping create an environment where speech can be heard clearly in busy areas and, protecting neighbouring quiet spaces from intrusive noise. The acoustics in the library were a fundamental part of the design.

We offer a cost-effective solution that meets the specification thanks to the products’ highest Class A sound absorption and safest Class A1 fire protection.

Distinctive designs with many colours available

Rockfon Eclipse islands are available in square, circle, rectangle, and custom design shapes. Hung from thin wires, they appear to float, adding a distinctive look to any interior. They can be positioned in any arrangement, at any height, fixed to the ceiling and at different angles. A white finish was chosen for the ceiling islands in the library. The Eclipse ceiling islands can also be specified in many colours using all the different tones from our exclusive palette.

Comfortable lighting and sound absorption

Made to bespoke sizes specifically for Glucksman, Chicago Metallic Infinity framed ceiling islands installed with Rockfon Blanka E ceiling tiles help create a modern design for the library’s conference rooms. Rockfon Blanka has a smooth, deep matt, super white surface with high light reflection and light diffusion to create a bright and comfortable environment that helps meet the university’s brief for well-lit spaces. The islands are constructed to provide optimal sound absorption and sound insulation, ensuring conversations inside the rooms remain private and undisturbed by external noise.

Meeting the brief

RKD Architects designed the library with a sequence of open-plan, flexible, naturally-lit areas allowing for multiple uses, from quiet reading and study to more collaborative activities. Our Rockfon Eclipse® islands are ideal for these flexible spaces, producing innovative ceiling designs that work in harmony with the library’s contemporary interior. We’re very proud to have worked with RKD Architects and congratulate them on winning Public Sector Fit Out Project of the Year at this year’s Fit Out Awards in Ireland.

Installation success

Hyland Ceilings’ Managing Director, Mark Hyland is very pleased with how the installation went. “We found the Rockfon ceilings and Chicago Metallic suspension grids very easy to work with. The grids just clicked into place and attached to the tiles without effort. The ceilings look excellent, and the client is very pleased. We are now working with Rockfon on a new project and we’re happy to do so.”

Thrilled

Rockfon Sales Manager for Ireland Kevin Clancy is thrilled with the finished results, “it is great to be working on such innovative projects in Ireland where our acoustic solutions really do come to the fore.”