Touchwood Crafts Ltd
Multiwall Polycarbonate
Co. Cavan, Ireland
Touchwood Zome : Transforming Outdoor Education
Touchwood Crafts, a family-run woodworking business based in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, has created an exceptional outdoor learning space for Corlea Primary School in Cavan.
What began as simple 6×2 timber has been masterfully transformed into a stunning geodesic dome (Zome) that serves as an innovative outdoor classroom, greenhouse, and sensory room for children with additional needs.
Project Background
The Corlea Primary School Zome project represents a perfect marriage of educational need and innovative design. Funded by the local wind farm (visible in the background of the installation), this project addresses the growing demand for flexible, multi-purpose educational spaces that can adapt to diverse learning requirements.
Project Objectives:
- Create a versatile outdoor classroom suitable for all weather conditions
- Provide greenhouse functionality for hands-on environmental learning
- Design a calming sensory space for children with additional needs
- Establish a sustainable, long-lasting educational asset
Design & Construction Excellence
The Zome’s geodesic design showcases Touch Wood’s exceptional understanding of both structural engineering and educational requirements. The framework utilizes robust 6×2 timber construction, demonstrating traditional craftsmanship while embracing innovative geometric principles.
Key Design Features:
- Geodesic dome structure maximizing internal space and structural integrity
- Multi-functional design accommodating diverse educational activities
- Weather-resistant construction suitable for year-round use
- Sensory-friendly environment supporting inclusive education
- Integration with natural surroundings promoting environmental connection
Why Marlon ST Multiwall Polycarbonate Was The Perfect Choice
Superior Weather Protection: The Irish climate demands robust weatherproofing without compromising natural light. Marlon ST Multiwall Polycarbonate provides exceptional protection against wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations while maintaining optimal light transmission for year-round educational activities.
Enhanced Learning Environment:
- Optimal Light Diffusion: Creates bright, evenly-lit interior spaces perfect for classroom activities
- Thermal Efficiency: Multiwall structure provides excellent insulation, maintaining comfortable temperatures for extended use
- UV Protection: Shields occupants from harmful UV rays while preserving beneficial natural light
- Noise Reduction: Creates a calm, focused learning environment free from external distractions
Durability and Safety:
- Impact Resistance: Significantly safer than glass alternatives, crucial for
children’s learning environments - Longevity: Designed to withstand decades of educational use without
degradation - Low Maintenance: Minimal upkeep requirements, allowing educators to focus on
teaching rather than facility management - Structural Integrity: Lightweight yet strong, perfectly complementing the timber
framework
Sustainability Benefits:
- Energy Efficiency: Reduces heating requirements through superior thermal performance
- Recyclable Material: Supports the school’s environmental education mission
- Reduced Replacement Costs: Long lifespan minimizes environmental impact and ongoing expenses
Project Impact & Success
Since installation earlier this year, the Zome has become an integral part of Corlea Primary School’s educational offering. The structure successfully serves its triple purpose as:
- Outdoor Classroom: Providing sheltered space for regular curriculum delivery in a natural setting
- Greenhouse: Enabling hands-on environmental science and gardening programs
- Sensory Room: Offering a calming, therapeutic space for children with additional needs
Their expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction make them the go-to choice for enhancing outdoor living spaces.
Community Partnership Excellence
This project exemplifies successful community collaboration, bringing together:
- Touchwood’s educational expertise and craftsmanship
- Access Plastics’ supply of premium Marlon ST Multiwall Polycarbonate
- Local Wind Farm funding, demonstrating corporate environmental responsibility
- Corlea Primary School’s commitment to innovative education
Innovation in Educational Architecture
The Touchwood Zome project demonstrates how traditional craftsmanship can be enhanced with modern materials to create truly innovative educational spaces. The combination of skilled timber construction with advanced polycarbonate technology results in a structure that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior.
This project showcases the transformative power of thoughtful design, quality materials, and expert craftsmanship. Touchwood’s vision, combined with the superior performance characteristics of Marlon ST Multiwall Polycarbonate, has created an educational asset that will inspire learning for generations to come.
The success of this installation demonstrates how small, family-run businesses can deliver world-class solutions when supported by premium materials and driven by genuine passion for education and craftsmanship.
About Touchwood
Founded in 2021 by an experienced construction studies and woodwork teacher with over 10 years of educational expertise, Touch Wood has rapidly established itself as a specialist in educational woodworking solutions. Operating part-time while maintaining teaching responsibilities, the business combines deep educational understanding with exceptional craftsmanship to create meaningful learning environments.
Core Specializations:
- Children’s play frames
- Garden furniture
- Educational Zome structures
- Woodwork courses for adults and children
- Bespoke educational installations
