Aviva Stadium
"A True Home for Irish Sport" In professional sport, the slightest advantage counts and creating a stadium that facilitates an intimidating atmosphere seems, in many cases to be down the list of priorities in the architects brief. But don't be seduced by the elegant lines of the Aviva stadiums exterior and the discreet luxury of its interior, I think STW and Populous have delivered a true home for Irish sport and when the crowds roar, I'm sure we will all realise what has really been accomplished" Denis Hickey
The 14th May 2010 saw the opening of what is a truly remarkable new addition to sports grounds in Ireland - The Aviva stadium. In its old incarnation Lansdowne road stadium was the oldest sports stadium in Europe. Now home to the FAI & Irish rugby, Dublin has a world class stage to host sporting spectaculars. As quoted by the Irish Times IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said the stadium was the "engine" that would drive rugby over the next 40 years. FAI chief executive John Delaney said the opening was a "proud day" one, which "Irish football has wanted for the last 90 years".
Dulux is also proud to be part of the stadium and is the interior paint of choice specified by Scott Tallon Walker Architects. John Willy McNulty, ex President of the Master Painters & Decorators of Ireland was the Painting Contractor who also holds a unique claim as has been awarded contracts in the respective homes of GAA, Soccer and Rugby, namely Croke Park and most recently the new Aviva Stadium.
Some quick facts about the use of Dulux in the Aviva
Dulux Easycare was used for all walls in all areas so is highly visible inside the Aviva. Dulux Easycare is an exceptionally tough washable matt paint that is scrubbable and splash resistant, making it perfect for high traffic areas, a necessity for the Aviva. Dulux Easycare is the perfect paint choice at home for busy living areas, stairs and landing areas. Dulux Easycare is also available in a range of the most contemporary colours meaning there was no compromise on style for the interiors. Dulux matt emulsion chosen for coverage was used for ceilings in all areas named above.
Dulux Acrylic eggshell combining a beautiful finish with great toughness was chosen for use for all woodwork in all areas named below.
Changing areas/Players entrance, Corporate boxes, Premium level bars, Toilets, Restaurants, Staircases, Premium entrances, Presidents, IRFU and FAI Suites.
What were the considerations for the choice of paint?
Given the high volume of people to pass through the doors of the Aviva, high durability was the main consideration for the choice of paint for both wall & woodwork.
Was there any particular considerations for the application?
All paint applied was rolled and brushed to a very high spec as spraying was not an option.
Was there any environmental considerations?
"The stadium wants to ensure that its legacy is positive. In taking a sustainable approach the stadium's impact is considered under the three pillars of sustainability - environmental impact, social impact and economic impact. The stadium has developed its management principles and processes accordingly", www.avivastadium.ie
Dulux holds sustainability & protection of the environment as one of its key operating pillars, aiming to reduce the ecological footprint of its products without compromising on performance. Dulux innovative products and services aim to create sustainable value by systematically reducing the ecological footprint of the whole-life decorating process and contributing to more sustainable home, work and leisure environments. There are 4 ways to make sustainable choices-
- Use durable high quality paint which extends the maintenance cycle by 2/3 years
- Buy water-based paint
- Buy only what you need
- Clean up responsibly
Only water borne paint was specified for the Aviva. Specifying water-based alternatives to solvent-based products can help minimise the environmental impact of the coating. Water-based products have a lower carbon footprint due to the replacement of oil-based solvents with water.
