Bringing the Past into the Present at Grand Canal Dock
Perforated Metal Screens at Boland’s Mills.
Bolands Mills is a landmark redevelopment project in Dublin’s Grand Canal Dock, transforming a historic industrial site into a vibrant urban destination. Once home to 19th-century flour milling operations, the site is now a contemporary mixed-use development that respects its heritage through innovative design.
A key feature in this transformation is the Dock Edge Screen—a powerful visual and storytelling installation, using perforated metal screens, manufactured by Graepels.
Perforated Metal Screens as Architectural Storytelling
Metal perforated screens play a unique role in architecture today, offering both function and form.
But, at Bolands Mills, they become a medium for narrative by using Graepels Alpha Perf — thus connecting the site’s industrial past with its modern future through the medium of text.
Historic Text Milled into Metal
The Dock Edge Screen is made up of 15 custom Alpha Perf panels (3000 mm x 1025 mm), each laser-cut with a passage from The Irish Builder, originally published on 1 January 1888. The text describes the original interiors of the flour mills once located on the site.
Fittingly, this historical account has been “milled” into the metal—material removed through perforation, using tools that punch holes in the sheet. It’s a symbolic tribute to the site’s industrial past.
The concept also unintendedly echoes Graepels’ deep roots in supplying perforated metal to the agriculture and food processing industries—from grain handling to screening applications since 1889—making this installation both a tribute to the past and a nod to Graepels’ legacy in supporting food production infrastructure.
Set in the Barlow typeface, the text aligns with the Bolands Mills visual identity, while reinforcing the location’s deep historical roots.
Perforated Metal Screens, Functional Benefits
Ventilation: Allows airflow in outdoor spaces.
Solar Shading: Reduces heat gain, improving energy efficiency.
Privacy: Provides subtle screening while letting light through.
Durability: Made from 3 mm thick 304 stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
A Collaboration of Art, Industry, and Design
The Dock Edge Screen is the result of a creative partnership between:
Begley Hutton Brand Consultants – leading the brand and design vision
Sean Atmos – Irish artist whose vibrant artwork overlays the perforated text
OMC – Subcontractor responsible for fabrication and installation
We Spray It All (Tallaght) – provided finishing and protective coating
Sean Atmos’ work adds colour and movement to the stainless steel panels, creating a striking contrast between industrial materials and contemporary Irish art.
Explore Sean Atmos’ work at seanatmos.ie.
Precision Meets Poetry: The Design Intent
This project is more than just a Screen. It’s a story told in steel.
The use of historical text, contemporary typeface, and bold perforation patterns creates a transparent yet expressive surface. The screen honors the milling legacy of the site while adding artistic and architectural value to Dublin’s evolving skyline.
Conclusion: Blending Heritage with Modern Design
The Dock Edge screen at Bolands Mills is a an example of how thoughtful design can preserve the identity of a place while moving it forward. Through perforated stainless steel, historic text, and contemporary Irish artwork, the installation becomes a living narrative etched into the heart of Grand Canal Dock.
Learn more about the Bolands Mills redevelopment at bolandsmills.com.
Learn more about Perforated Metal Sheets.
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