Windmill Lane Recording Studio
Bespoke structural glass display boxes installed for the redevelopment of Dublin’s iconic Windmill Lane recording studios includes U2s first three albums and was unveiled by musician Moya Brennan of Clannad. It combines minimal detailing with high-performance glazing.
Project
Structural Glass Design were commissioned to manufacture and install bespoke walk-on structural glass display boxes as part of the public realm redevelopment at the iconic Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin.
Designed to celebrate the studio’s rich musical heritage, the installation features illuminated display cases recessed within the pavement, showcasing legendary U2 record album covers beneath walkable structural glass panels. The project required a combination of durability, transparency and precision engineering to create a safe public walkway while maintaining uninterrupted visibility of the displays below.
Each walk-on glass unit was engineered to withstand continuous pedestrian loading within a busy urban environment, using laminated toughened structural glass designed for long-term safety and performance. The frameless appearance of the glazing allows the album artwork to remain the visual focal point while integrating seamlessly into the surrounding streetscape.
The completed installation provides a unique interactive feature within the Windmill Lane quarter, combining structural glazing technology with cultural storytelling in one of Ireland’s most recognised music destinations.
Info
- LOCATION: DUBLIN, IRELAND
- SYSTEM: WALK ON STRUCTURAL GLASS DISPLAY BOXES
- APPLICATION: PUBLIC REALM / PAVEMENT INSTALLATION
- GLASS TYPE: LAMINATED TOUGHENED STRUCTURAL GLASS
- LOADING: PEDESTRIAN FOOT TRAFFIC
- LIGHTING: INTEGRATED LED LIGHTING
- SECTOR: COMMERCIAL / CULTURAL
The Challenge
The glazing system needed to provide full pedestrian loading capability while maintaining crystal-clear visibility of the illuminated album artwork beneath the pavement surface. The installation also required weather resistance, anti-slip performance and minimal visible framing within a high-traffic public environment.
The Solution
Structural Glass Design developed bespoke recessed walk-on glazing units using laminated toughened structural glass with an anti-slip top layer engineered for public pedestrian loading. The frameless glazing system was integrated flush within the paving finish to create a seamless visual appearance while protecting the display boxes below.
The powder coated aluminium display box was specially designed to mount the U2 album covers.
LED lighting set within the glass display boxes lights up the pavement.
