The Materials & Surface Science Institute is a centre of excellence generating state-of-the-art fundamental research in the design, synthesis, processing, characterisation and modelling of materials. STW were commissioned to design an extension to accommodate the institute’s expanding multidisciplinary team of scientists (chemistry, materials science, physics and biochemistry) and engineers (mechanical, aeronautical, biomedical, manufacturing and electronic).

The construction of this extension while ensuring uninterrupted use of the existing building - containing exceptionally sensitive scientific equipment - was a particular challenge.

The building provides ten nano research laboratories accommodating specialist equipment including microscopy, laser nanoscopy and a composites autoclave. The activities of the Solid State Pharmaceutical Cluster (SPCC) and the Irish Centre for Composites Materials (IComp) are also based in the new extension.