BREIFNE COLLEGE / EDUCATION
Curragh, Co. Cavan
A mixed vocational post primary school managed by Cavan and Monaghan ETB
PROJECT DURATION
6 MONTHS
A 1,400sqm, 2-storey, low carbon in-operation expansion project that delivered a BCAR-compliant specialist classroom block, with a Building Energy Rating (BER) of A, and an air tightness test less than 1 m³/hr/m².
Mac Zero constructs 1400m² modular classroom block for Breifne College in Curragh, County Cavan.
PROJECT INFO
A specialist classroom block designed to house a construction studies suite, a technology and design room, a science suite and prep room, five general classrooms, storage facilities and staff and student welfare facilities.
This standalone block delivers greater space to cater for the school’s increasing level of enrolment, sitting seamlessly alongside the main college building at Breifne College. Elements of the design included an external lift and steps, and the building of retaining wall structures.
Delivering on the brief of ‘creating sustainable buildings for the future’, this highly insulated and airtight building has already achieved a ‘best in class’ BER A rating, which will contribute to efficiencies within the school’s future running costs.
The 1,400m² classroom block was manufactured offsite, with the project taking just six months from start to completion.
M+E PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS
Heating - Plumbing, ventilation and installation of a Split Air Conditioning Heating and cooling system. Individual room controls have been designed and installed with ease of use in mind.
Plumbing - Boosted cold water is provided to all cold water outlets throughout the building with non-concussive taps to all wash hand basins within the toilet areas. Hot water is provided by efficient point of use water heaters, with outlets set to a maximum temperature of 41 degrees.
Extract Ventilation - S&P extract fans are controlled by presence detectors.
LPG GAS provided to the science rooms, complete with automatic gas controls in the science classroom and prep rooms.
SITEWORKS
The modular building was installed on an existing basketball court at the rear of the site. The works involved extending the existing court to accommodate the building with the introduction of a reinforced concrete retaining structure. To provide access to the building and comply with FSC and DAC requirements, two external concrete staircases were constructed along with an external platform lift including reinforced concrete lift enclosure.
The siteworks also entailed extensive trenching to provide services connections linked to the existing school and the introduction of new site lighting. All new foul and storm drainage was extended and connected to existing site infrastructure and the area surrounding the building was resurfaced with new asphalt paving.
The siteworks package was carried out by our specialist groundworks contractor and site-team overseeing the works ensured constant communication was maintained with the school throughout. This was a live school site and careful management was required to ensure the works were segregated to ensure seamless operation of the school throughout the construction period. Phasing of key activities ensured that connection works within the existing building and power shutdowns were all completed outside of school operating hours.
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