Multi-phase development at Dublin's famous city centre college
Project in brief
Following teamwork on a master plan,
we were engineers on four phases of
work at Belvedere College. Phase 1
incorporated the refurbishment of the
existing Kerr Wing and the
development of additional new
classrooms in a roof level extension,
which included a running track on the
roof. Additional vertical circulation
was also included.
The Phase 2 new block contains the O'Reilly Theatre, which includes a 1000 person auditorium, convertible to 500 seat fully featured theatre. It is built over a multi-level underground car park, and is topped by a playing pitch on the roof. The substructure for a future Arts Block and Science/Technology Wing was incorporated in the car park and foundations.
Phase 4 consisting of the Dargan- Moloney Science and Technology wing, was opened in September 2004.
The aggregate new build area is in excess of 8000 m2 .
Belvedere College, Dublin
Architects: Murray O'Laoire Architects
Value: Completed phases € 10m. (2005)
Project scope:
- Development of master plan
- Phase 1: Refurbishment of Kerr Wing
- Phase 2: Theatre/car park/soccer pitch
- Phase 3: Minor works to Junior School
- Phase 4: Dargan-Moloney Science and Technology Wing.
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Key Features
Challenges
These included, working within a tight
city centre site; the phasing of work -
(e.g. having to incorporate substructure
for Phase 4 into Phase 2)
and working on a live school site.
Innovative Solutions
The heavy steel truss roof to the
auditorium spans 23m, and supports a
roof-level playing pitch, with framing
to support safety netting over the
playing area.
The Theatre fitout included a steel
suspension grid over the stage
and a hydraulic orchestra pit.
Educational Development
At LeeMcCullough we have worked on
some of the finest educational facilities in
the country, combining our specialist
knowledge of renovation and adaptation
for new use with our long experience of
engineering new, high quality
accommodation and learning facilities.
To Educational projects we bring:
- Appreciation of the need for engineering facilitation of modern, creative, architectural design
- Recognition of the culture of change and development, which is an integral part of the educational environment today; and
- An understanding of the need for adaptability within structures to meet future changes in curricula and technology Successful educational projects require strategic vision on the part of the client, creative architectural design and specific, innovative, engineering solutions, to ensure a driven and effective team.
For many years now we at LeeMcCullough have utilized our accumulated knowledge and experience in the Education sector to contribute significantly to the projects for which we are commissioned.
