Myrtle Square canopy

At the new Myrtle Square in the heart of Dún Laoghaire Town (in south Dublin), a canopy made of wood and steel will rise in 2023 to serve as landmark of this new public space providing a destination point and an attractive space for locals and visitors to linger and relax.

The canopy is 20 meters long, 10 meters wide, and 10 meters high. Four steel columns support the entire canopy. Each column consists of two beams which transfer the load of the roof to the concrete foundation. For stability, the columns are welded together  to create a steel frame which will be brought to site as one welded assembly. A steel mesh is being welded within two of the columns to allows climbing plants to grow up.

The steel girders of the roof are connected to the columns with compression struts and tension rods, as well as tow arms which have the same cross section as the girders. The wooden elements are carried by the steel structure and do not have a structural function. Lights are also integrated in the structure. At the top of the canopy bird and bat boxes will be placed.

The silhouette of the structure – designed by Dara O'Daly from the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council – has been inspired by both the gable-fronted houses seen around the town and the hulls of moored boats seen down at the harbour. The use of tension bars and steel compression struts help achieving the architectural intent.