SMBC Aviation Capital, Fitzwilliam 28
Fitzwilliam 28, which is the new home to SMBC Aviation Capital, forms part of the landmark development on the historic site of the former ESB offices in the heart of Dublin's Georgian Quarter.
SMBC Aviation Capital, Ireland’s largest aircraft leasing company and the world’s second largest aircraft leasing company, engaged Henry J Lyons to design a new state-of-the-art HQ office space. In little over six months on site, the primary office spaces were delivered to a design that both reflects and meets the needs of the company’s growing portfolio and workforce within one of Ireland’s leading industries, Aviation.
The fit-out included the design and delivery of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Research Centre in partnership with Trinity College Dublin, as well as a Training and Teaching Cafe space for Together Academy. Together Academy is a unique college and social enterprise providing young adults with Down Syndrome with certified training, practical work experience, employment opportunities and a critical social and support network. These spaces are first-of-kind spaces in a city centre office building in Ireland and Europe.
A generous stair and lift core, centrally located on each floor, offers expansive views across the floor plates and into the workspaces at every level through full-height glass sections.
The new design celebrates this central feature and maximises its potential by recognising this space’s ability to act as an active extension of the office floor plate and a connecting feature for the building users, both horizontally and vertically. A new double-height Auditorium and All-Hands space, visible from the central circulation core, connects the main working spaces across the third and fourth floor. For the first time, these elements are distributed across two floors, which is a central feature of the design that is essential to fostering a sense of connectivity within the workspace.
The auditorium offers employees opportunities for visual and physical connections with their colleagues. It is situated adjacent to and connects active collaboration and breakout spaces, to encourage social interaction while providing a sense of movement and activity. A high-level installation in this space represents the rich cultural heritage of the company through its reference to both Irish and Japanese folklore and artforms. The company is owned by a Japanese consortium: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company Limited and Sumitomo Corporation.
By including the Trinity College Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Research Facility and the Together Academy Training spaces, SMBC Aviation Capital is taking a leadership role in connecting research and development with industry, as well as providing support and engaging with the community.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Research Centre
Trinity College Dublin brought significant expertise in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) research. This collaboration presents a unique opportunity to advance the study and identification of new sustainable aviation fuels, making a substantial contribution to decarbonizing aviation.
Together Academy
In Ireland, 90% of adults with Down Syndrome are not in paid employment. Together Academy is addressing this issue by establishing state-of-the-art training and café spaces on the ground and lower ground floors of the new HQ. This initiative will help change employment statistics and, by expanding into Fitzwilliam 28, will raise awareness and support from local businesses.
