A Bridge Between Nature and Innovation

High above the forest floor in Dublin’s Cherrywood Business Campus, a striking transformation was underway. Nestled among the trees and reflected in a nearby lake, a series of timber-clad meeting pods were designed as havens of calm within a bustling business park.

These elevated, biophilic pods needed thoughtful connections—bridges that became part of the landscape, not just a means of access.

Enter Graepels.

Working closely with architects, engineers, and contractors, Graepels was tasked with more than standard fabrication. The brief evolved into an ambitious modular bridge system, integrating biophilic principles, structural performance, and visual harmony. Natural materials like Cor-Ten were chosen for their ability to weather organically, blending with the trees rather than standing out with industrial finishes. From architectural cues, Graepels developed custom perforated balustrade panels—combining safety, light-permeability, and artistic form. Square perforations echoed dappled sunlight through leaves, enhancing airflow and visual integration.

Graepels’ Chelsea Gold perforated flooring, adapted for large-scale bridge use, was folded and welded onto CME’s 350 mm-deep bridge spines.

Challenges included full fabrication from architectural sketches, strict sequencing, and complex logistics.

A misaligned section was resolved on-site with a custom-punched infill panel—seamless and precise.

Despite pressure, the bridges were delivered on time and to acclaim. CME noted:

“A standout success… installed without issue.” The Cherrywood project has since won: Grand Prix – Irish Design Institute Awards, Irish Construction Industry Award – Green Building and National Property Award – Sustainability Initiative

Graepels’ contribution shows how steel can embody strength, sustainability, and artistry in one unified structure.

The Cherrywood Bridges project captures the essence of what the Irish Steel Awards aim to recognise: innovation, engineering excellence, environmental sensitivity, and collaborative craftsmanship.

Graepels’ role extended beyond supply and manufacture—this was a creative partnership. Working with CME Industrial Specialists, MOLA Architects, and the broader Cherrywood team, we helped bring a biophilic design vision to life using precision-engineered Cor-Ten steel. Spanning between timber-clad pods set among woodland treetops, the bridges needed to meet strict safety and structural requirements while blending with their natural surroundings. Cor-Ten was selected for its ability to weather organically, forming a protective patina that reflects and complements the environment.

Graepels developed over eight unique square perforation patterns, chosen to echo the dappled effect of light through trees. These panels balanced airflow, safety, light, and form. Our Chelsea Gold flooring added slip resistance and visual interest without requiring surface treatments. Every panel was bespoke. Every pattern served a purpose. When a layout issue arose on-site, Graepels and CME responded immediately—manually creating a custom infill panel to match seamlessly.
The result is a sculptural, sustainable steel installation—refined, resilient, and a true reflection of what Irish steelwork can achieve.