Through a former collaboration with design house Seek Design, Nineyards was contacted in October 2023 by Turner and Townsend on behalf of SMBC Aviation (Japan) to develop and implement 3x concept sculpture and installation pieces within their new offices in the Fitzwilliam Road area of Dublin.

Timescales were tight with a hard deadline of February 2024 and from the offset face to face interaction direct with the client and construction design teams was the key to success. Nineyards brought to the table through previous successes with key contributors to the wider fit-out process.    

We were asked to design develop and integrate 3x pieces. A reception hanging installation (10x6m), connecting aviation, Ireland and Japan. Made from 30 individual fabric “wings” hung from a fully integrated raft. An Auditorium ceiling installation spanning the full 12-meter length of a state-of-the-art presentation space made from 60 individually shaped fabric cutouts taking on the flow of a moving stream,  designed to be renewed and refreshed as the space develops through time. And a wall piece for the 6th-floor reception area constructed of a solid oak frame and baton with Japanese and Irish mountains and lakes represented in both nations’ finest fabrics and papers.  

For the three pieces integration into the physical building as well as the mechanical and electrical design was of utmost importance, however balancing these aspects along with keeping to the original design concept is key.

At Nineyards we know the key to success in this style of project is by fully integrating our processes into the wider task. We understand the levels of communication required when integrating into a much larger project and as such pride ourselves as being the helpful partners through each step and milestone. 

Being very familiar with the concept designers (Seek Design) and architects (HJ Lyons), plus with the construction management integration process, we were able to hit the ground running in building our stakeholder management structures, integrating ourselves into the contractor meeting and communication channels where best appropriate and internally building the project framework with haste to set up for maximum success on such a complex project to be executed in such a tight timescale (WBS, RACI).

Concept development was approached with respect. Understanding the origin of the designs and the designers expectations on concept change, if any, was first understood. Materials and how they integrate comes second nature to us at Nineyards so a sampling and testing phase was held in high regard, even within the tight time frames given. This brings us back to working directly with the end user, the client and presenting out concept developments and material choices face to face at an early stage to instil confidence all around that a successful project is afoot.

Installed within program timeframes the 3x pieces were present and highly regarded as key features in the SMBC office space launch. All parties are highly complimentary on the delivery we closed this project proud to have been able to develop and implement these beautiful concepts on behalf of Seek Design for SMBC.  

“Working with Nine Yards has been a seamless experience across multiple projects. As designers, we appreciate their ability to turn our concepts into high-quality installations. They collaborate closely with us ensuring that the final product not only aligns with our vision but also meets the client’s expectations. Their commitment to quality and attention to detail are always evident, resulting in outcomes that satisfy everyone involved. Nine Yards has been a valuable partner in bringing our creative ideas to life”