The Dublin Airport Control Tower is one of Ireland’s most critical pieces of aviation infrastructure, designed to support the safe and continuous management of air traffic. Every element of the building’s interior has been carefully considered to balance functionality, durability and clarity within a high-pressure operational environment.
As part of the internal fit-out, we were commissioned to engrave a series of bespoke messages and symbols directly into floating porcelain floor tiles throughout the control tower.
Precision Engraving into Floating Porcelain Tiles
The project involved engraving large-format porcelain tiles that form part of a floating floor system. These tiles were selected for their strength, dimensional stability and suitability for heavy foot traffic.
Each tile was engraved with a combination of text and iconography, incorporating both English and Irish-language elements. The messaging reflects shared values such as safety, integrity, innovation, teamwork and respect, alongside aviation-related symbols that subtly reinforce the building’s purpose.
Engraving Finished with 2K Paint
Following engraving, the designs were finished with a 2K (two-pack) paint system, carefully applied into the engraved recesses. This provides:
Clear, consistent contrast
Excellent durability and chemical resistance
Long-term performance under frequent cleaning
A crisp, professional finish within the tile surface
The paint is protected within the engraved depth of the tile, ensuring the graphics remain legible and intact in a demanding, high-traffic environment.
Integrated, Maintenance-Conscious Signage
By engraving directly into the porcelain tiles rather than applying surface graphics or decals, the signage becomes a permanent part of the floor finish. This approach eliminates issues such as peeling, wear or visual clutter and ensures the signage integrates seamlessly with surrounding architectural elements.
The engraved tiles sit naturally within circulation routes, corridors and transition areas, working in harmony with lighting, drainage details and adjacent finishes.
Accuracy in a Critical Operational Setting
Given the function of the control tower, accuracy and consistency were essential throughout the project. Each engraved tile was produced and positioned with precise alignment to the floor layout, ensuring continuity across multiple areas of the building.
Careful coordination ensured that the engraved elements support way-finding and internal messaging without interrupting movement or the overall visual flow of the space.
Durable Signage for High-Performance Interiors
This project demonstrates how engraved and paint-filled porcelain tiles offer an effective solution for internal signage in environments where durability, clarity and long-term performance are non-negotiable.
The finished result is a series of subtle but highly effective architectural details that enhance the internal environment of the Dublin Airport Control Tower while meeting the practical demands of a critical infrastructure facility.