Creating a modern, energy-efficient building in an historic setting
Trinity College Dublin undertook one of its largest capital projects to provide modern facilities to accommodate the growth of its business school.
Key information
- Location:
- Dublin, Ireland
- Date started:
- 2014
- Completion date:
- 2019
- Client type:
- Real estate
- Main services:
- Cost and commercial management, project management, safety, health and quality
Challenging site
The university’s plans spanned nearly 14,000 square metres, including a 600-seat auditorium, 140-seat lecture theatre, refurbishment of six connected Georgian houses and a 200-seat café. But the development was not without its challenges: access via the university campus was limited, and refurbishing protected structures was an added challenge.
Passive design principles
As well as being a functional academic space, the building meets BIM Level 2 and has been future-proofed by ensuring its energy performance complies with ‘Nearly Zero Energy Building’ standards, and designed to BREEAM Excellent standards.
The building’s design has a target reduction for primary energy and carbon emissions of over 60 percent, achieved primarily by adopting the principles of passive design and, in particular, maximising the use of daylight and natural ventilation throughout the occupied spaces.
This significantly reduces the building’s energy demand as high-intensive air conditioning systems are avoided and lighting use minimised.
Smooth delivery
We worked with Trinity College Dublin to manage the design and planning phase of the project. Throughout the process, we worked with stakeholders, contractors and designers to overcome unforeseen issues without impacting the programme delivery.
As a result, the business school was delivered on budget and opened by Dr. Leo Varadkar, Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) at the time, as planned for the Trinity College Dublin Global Business Forum in May 2019.
