The Naughton Institute, a collaborative undertaking between Trinity College Dublin and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), was constructed to furnish researchers with a highly adaptable and low-vibration environment.

The facility encompasses dry laboratories and offices designated for ten principal investigators and associated collaborators, in addition to a clean room, lecture hall, and a highly popular visual arts gallery focused on scientific themes. Fifteen low-vibration laboratories are situated within a deep purpose-built plinth. The site is proximal to the historic campus and Trinity College Dublin's scientific community, representing the final available parcel of land in the immediate vicinity.

The unique design of the basement plinth is paramount to fulfilling the facility's stringent low-vibration criteria. The location is subject to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and vibration stemming from heavy vehicular traffic to the north and overhead commuter train activity to the south. An initial level of isolation is provided by the one-meter thick mat foundation, given the site's geology of boulder clay (the etymology of "Dublin" relates to "dark mud"). Furthermore, enhanced isolation for specific instruments is achieved through plinths mounted on pneumatic springs.

Within the basement, a sequence of isolated, low-vibration laboratories is arranged around service pump rooms, characterized by elevated noise levels. These pump rooms house pumps, chillers, and specialized air handling units (AHUs). The low-vibration laboratories are equipped with double walls, access flooring, and fabric ceilings. Active EMI cancellation technology was deployed to mitigate the electromagnetic field generated by passing trains. The 2,800 square foot cleanroom is situated on the uppermost floor, with air handling units positioned on the floor above to facilitate maintenance. Levels 2, 3, and 4 accommodate dry laboratories and offices for the ten principal investigators.

Notes on the role of William F. Wilson FAIA:  For this Project, Trinity College Dublin’s Naughton Institute, William F. Wilson FAIA was principal in charge at Wilson Architects. He was the PIC/Lab planning from the start of the project to occupancy. RKD of Dublin was the design architect. Throughout project phases, from pre-design, budgeting and programming to schematic design, design development, and tender documents, Wilson led the team. See articles about this project  as well as more information on the following links: