Bridges, Cherrywood, Dublin

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.