Making a difference - Community Centre Refurb Dublin

This is an image of artificial grass used for a community centre football pitch- BEFORE

At Sanctuary Synthetics, we believe in more than just transforming surfaces—we’re passionate about creating outdoor spaces that genuinely enrich lives. For over two decades, we’ve led the charge in artificial grass innovation across Ireland. From domestic gardens to large-scale schools, from commercial landscapes to heartfelt community projects—we’ve seen how the right surface can completely change how people live, play, and connect. Our recent project with Difference Days at Dolphin House Community Centre stands as a shining example of this mission brought to life. A day filled with teamwork, purpose, and meaningful change.

Dolphin House, located in the heart of Dublin 8, is more than just a housing complex—it’s a living, breathing community. The community centre that anchors it plays a critical role in local life. But its outdoor area? That space had lost its spark. Overgrown, underused, and uninviting. There was little to encourage residents—young or old—to gather, to grow, to play. When Difference Days reached out with a proposal to transform it in just one day, we didn’t hesitate. This was exactly the type of project we love: fast-paced, collaborative, and packed with purpose.

Difference Days is a brilliant Irish organisation that brings companies and communities together for high-impact, one-day volunteering efforts. They handle the logistics and coordination of volunteers behind the scenes—so the focus can be on showing up and making a genuine difference. On this project, we teamed up with their crew and a brilliant bunch of volunteers from SMBC Aviation Capital. Everyone brought their time, energy, and goodwill. And by the end of the day, the change was undeniable.

Together, we reimagined the outdoor area into something truly valuable. One side of the space was dedicated to raised planters—accessible, thoughtfully designed, and perfect for senior citizens to tend to with ease. This space for the addition of vibrant greenery and seasonal flowers will add a sense of life and care that had been missing for far too long. More than just a garden, it’s now a place for reflection, purpose, and connection.

This is an image of artificial grass used for a community centre football pitch- WIP

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The Result

Across from the planters, a brand-new five-a-side football pitch came to life. The transformation was instant. The pitch is tough, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance—ideal for a busy residential area where kids need a safe place to let off steam. It’s already become a magnet for fun and togetherness. The sounds of laughter and friendly competition now fill the space, reminding everyone of the simple but powerful role such a place can play in community wellbeing. Exactly what this community needed.

This is an image of artificial grass used for a community centre football pitch- AFTER

As always, materials mattered. For this project, we turned to two of our trusted artificial grasses: Schools Grass and Colours Grass. Schools Grass is our go-to for environments with high-energy use. This is our 28mm non-infill sports turf, it offers a soft and safe landing—perfect for children running, tumbling, and sliding. It’s hard-wearing, reduces injuries, and stays put even in high-traffic areas. Plus, being non-infill, it’s a dream to clean and maintain. And with a 10-year guarantee, the community can count on it to stand the test of time.

To make the space pop and function more intuitively, we brought in our Colours Grass. This vivid, 12mm pile grass helps define zones and adds a joyful splash of colour. Whether it’s used to mark out play spaces, walkways, or creative borders, it injects structure and spirit into the design. And like everything we install, it’s completely free from harmful substances—safe for everyone from toddlers to grandparents to pets.

dolphins barn community centre artificial grass

Click on any photo to launch gallery.

This wasn’t just a project for us. It was a reminder of why we do what we do and was an opportunity to take part in something that felt genuinely rewarding. Being part of something so rooted in community reminded us why giving back matters. The joy and camaraderie shared on the day made it all the more memorable. There was laughter, teamwork, and a real sense of pride in what we achieved together. People who had never met before were working hand in hand and having the craic while doing it. Working shoulder to shoulder with people who care, seeing the pride on residents’ faces, hearing the stories shared over planting beds, and watching the first game played on the new pitch—those are the real wins.

Why Us?

If you’re part of a school, a local group, or a council thinking about refreshing an outdoor space, get in touch. At Sanctuary Synthetics, we offer more than just premium grass. We bring creativity, commitment, and the ability to turn tired, forgotten spaces into something truly special. Big transformations. Small timeframes. Long-term impact.

Get in touch to book a consultation or request a quote.

We’d love to hear about your project - and help you make it a reality.

Making a difference - Community Centre Refurb Dublin

The Result

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