Skerries Educate Together National School, Skerries, Co. Dublin.

Project Details:

In 2012, the Department of Education prioritised funding to facilitate the construction of schools in rapidly developing areas such as Skerries, Co. Dublin. Skerries Educate Together was an existing 2 storey school built circa and the programme was tendered on a design and build basis for the new 10 classroom extension with GP hall. It was intended that the school would be operational by the start of the school term in September 2013/14. The Actual commencement date was 10th December and was completed within a 26-week programme.

The project consisted of the construction of a 2 storey extension to existing primary school including link corridors comprising of 10 no. Classrooms, 2 no. support teaching specialist rooms, General Purpose Hall and ancillary accommodation with a total floor area of c. 2050 sq. m. The site works to the school grounds involved of the provision of gardens & landscaping and boundary treatments.

Contractors Representative
Design and Construction Team Leader
To manage the design team members in the development and co-ordination of rapid build construction techniques and to ensure that the relevant information was available to achieve both the rapid start on site date and to adhere to the fast track programme
Sanctioning of all design decisions to ensure these were solutions which could achieve the rapid build programme
Ensuring that the design development adhered to the procurement and manufacture schedules, in particular the off-site production programme for the Kingspan panellised system used
Responsibility for all on-site construction activities
Responsibility for the management and co-ordination of health and safety matters on-site in our role as PSCS
Responsibility for the delivery of the project to a tight schedule including the commissioning and compliance with Schedule A of the DoE requirements for handover

Holywell Educate Together School, Swords, Co. Dublin.

Project Details:

This project was let on a Design and Build basis as part of the 4^th Rapid Build Schools Programme. ABM’s role in the project was as Design Team Lead, Main Contractor and Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS).

The responsibilities of ABM in delivering the project were:

Contractors Representative
Design and Construction Team Leader
To manage the design team members in the development and co-ordination of rapid build construction techniques and to ensure that the relevant information was available to achieve both the rapid start on site date and to adhere to the fast track programme
Sanctioning of all design decisions to ensure these were solutions which could achieve the rapid build programme
Ensuring that the design development adhered to the procurement and manufacture schedules, in particular the off-site production programme for the Kingspan panellised system used
Responsibility for all on-site construction activities
Responsibility for the management and co-ordination of health and safety matters on-site in our role as PSCS
Responsibility for the delivery of the project to a tight schedule including the commissioning and compliance with Schedule A of the DoES requirements for handover

This particular school consisted of a 24-classroom primary school and community centre covering approximately 4,800 m2 of teaching, leisure and administration space as per the DoES TGD room schedules.

The success of this Rapid Build Schools project was built around the speed in which the structure was erected and then how quickly the internal finishes could logically commence without jeopardising quality.

To achieve these goals rapid construction techniques were used as well as aggressive methods of programming and co-ordination of the works. These methods were managed by a skilled site team with experience of similar projects.

Lusk Community College, Post Primary School, Co. Dublin.

Project Details:

The Design and Build consortium planned a fast-track on-site construction duration of 36 weeks. This project consisted of two storey new build post primary school, 6 no. ball courts and road and bridge widening works. This was one of two school new-build contracts awarded to ABM by the Department of Education and Skills under the Rapid Build Schools Programme.

In August 2012, the Department of Education and Skills (DoES) advertised an Invitation to Tender to contractors to submit design & build tenders for construction of the Rapid Delivery Design & Build Schools and Framework 2013-2015.. It was intended that the new schools were operational for commencement of school term in September 2013. ABM’s Design & Build proposals were successful and they were awarded the project in October 2012.

Thornleigh Educate Together School, Swords, Co. Dublin.

Project Details:

The responsibilities of ABM in delivering the project were:

Contractors Representative.
Design and Construction Team Leader.
To manage the design team members in the development and co-ordination of rapid build construction techniques and to ensure that the relevant information was available to achieve both the rapid start on site date and to adhere to the fast track programme.
Sanctioning of all design decisions to ensure these were solutions which could achieve the rapid build programme.
Ensuring that the design development adhered to the procurement and manufacture schedules, in particular the off-site production programme for the Kingspan panellised system used.
Responsibility for all on-site construction activities.
Responsibility for the management and co-ordination of health and safety matters on-site in our role as PSCS.
Responsibility for the delivery of the project to a tight schedule including the commissioning and compliance with Schedule A of the DoES requirements for handover.

This particular school consisted of a 10-classroom primary school covering approximately 1800 sqm of teaching and administration space as per the DoES TGD room schedules.

Scoil Naomh Uilig, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

Project Details:

Schools in rapidly developing areas:

Design and Build of a 12 classroom Primary School Building extension to the existing school.
Project included 4 specialist rooms; as the school itself is categorised as a Special Needs school the requirements of the Department of Education & Skills, Technical Guidance Document No. 26 and Special Needs specification also applied to the school extension.
The project also entailed the construction of a standalone GP Hall (constructed using a structural steel and in-situ concrete system consisting of precision engineered in-situ curved concrete barge beams) and associated ancillary accommodation, associated site works and the provision of four new general ball courts along with one new junior play court and ancillary accommodation.
External works included car parking (30 cars), access road and turning circle, 4 No. ball courts and general landscaping.
The site is located a short distance from Newbridge town.
ABM procured a system build solution which enabled ‘fast-track’ construction.
ABM Design and Build procured Kingspan using their Kingspan Metro Building System (KMBS) which provided a complete building structure and shell solution, with the structural frame fully integrated for building physics and service requirements.
The structural frame comprised Kingspan Profiles & Sections cold rolled, light gauge, galvanised steel sections and components to create transportable panels. These panels are made under Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) conditions off site and then transported for installation on site.
The building achieved a highly sustainable Building Energy Rating (BER) band of A3.
Other sustainable technology incorporated into the design was a rainwater water harvesting system. Installed to collect rainwater at roof level, the water is then fed by gravity, through a dedicated system of underground medium density polyethylene (MDPE) pipe work to a leaf filter. Leaves and other debris are passed through the storm water system and the “filtered” rainwater is passed by gravity to an underground glass rainwater holding tank. This grey water is then re-used throughout the building.

St. Kilian’s Eurocampus, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14.

Project Details:

The project comprised:

RC Frame.
Fairfaced Concrete cantilevered balcony.
Fairfaced internal RC stairs & walls.
Fairfaced internal painted blockwork.
RC inverted roof beams.
Lift.
Curtain walling.
Fairfaced RC cantilevered balcony.
Fairfaced RC external ramps and stairs.
Timber cladding.
The wing was constructed concurrently with the existing fully functioning German school, which was situated and connected within 4 m of the elevated existing building. This necessitated a sensitive design approach and careful execution of temporary support works as the new building was being constructed. These temporary works were completed with no disruption or damage caused to the existing building.
With the school still in operation, on-site traffic management of Parent/Student car parking and the safe passage for the teachers and students (approx. 600 no. students) whilst entering and leaving the school was also required.
This project was successfully managed and completed – there were no complaints, accidents or incidents throughout the project duration.
Since its handover, it has received an Architectural Association of Ireland Special Mention Award 2009 and an RIAI Irish Architecture Award in the “Best Educational Building” category.
St. Kilian’s was also shortlisted for the RIAI “Public Choice” Awards.

Kellystown School, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

Project Details:

The fast-track schedule was as follows:

Tenders awarded the end of January 2008.
Planning permission for the projects was lodged in early February 2008.
Detail design period prior to the commencement on-site was 10 weeks with a target start date of the end of April 2008.
Planning decision delayed.
Construction on-site commenced on the 14th April 2008.
The school was substantially complete on the 31st August 2008.
Total on-site build time 20 weeks.
The project was completed on time and to a high standard of finish.

Project Details

Planning permission for the projects was lodged in early February 2008 with construction on-site expected towards the end of April. All schools within this rapid build scheme were to be open for the start of the September 2008, which lead to at most a 24-week programme.

ABM took on the role of project management within the Design and Build Consortium as well as the main contractor.
This particular school consisted of a 16-classroom primary school.
To achieve the fast-track programme the structural frame was built off-site using a light-weight steel frame system.
This meant that after week 7 of the project the structure was erected and ready for windows and a roof.
Wherever possible, off-site fabrication of the internal components were used such as pre-hung door sets, internal wall partitions, kitchens, cubicles, and heating pipe work runs.
The project also involved extensive on and off-site civil’s works and ancillary external site works
Windows – The required glazing and curtain wall systems were all prefabricated off-site in a controlled environment. The windows were manufactured simultaneously and delivered to site in bulk.
Door Systems – In order to facilitate an advantageous programme and advanced planning, composite door sets were used. These door systems ensure total compatibility of sizes, materials and performance.
Roof Systems – The advantages of this particular prefabricated roof system are: quality control, cost of construction ,rapid installation, any roof shape such as gables and hips can be achieved. Trusses are custom-made to any design, pitch or span to suit that particular building.
The advantages of this type of roof finish is that it can be installed simultaneously with other building elements to allow the building to become watertight. This helps to create an internal working environment for all internal trades.
Wall Systems – The walls and facade were finished with an Aqua panel exterior cement board and ancillary acrylic finished render system with a breather membrane. This assists in creating an internal working environment for all internal trades.
The building was constructed with a high emphasis on build quality & durability using an IBA certified Fusion steel framed building system.
A key advantage of building off-site is the higher degree of predictability it can offer – reducing the risk of time and cost overruns.

Advantages of ABM’s Off-Site Manufacturing
Sustainability

Off-site manufacturing works in hand with sustainability for the following reasons:

Up to 67 per cent less energy is required to produce a system build compared to an equivalent traditionally-built project.
Off-site manufacturing can generate up to 90 per cent fewer vehicle movements to site – reducing carbon emissions, congestion and disruption.
Off-site construction can reduce on-site waste by up to 90 per cent.

Scoil Phadraig Naofa Primary School, Rochestown, Co. Cork.

Project Details:

The fast-track schedule was as follows:

Tenders awarded at the end of January 2008.
Planning permission for the projects was lodged in early February 2008.
Detail design period prior to the commencement on site was 10 weeks with a target start date of the end of April 2008.
Planning decision delayed.
Construction on site commenced on the 6th Jan 2009.
The school was substantially complete on the 25th June 2009.
Total on-site build time 24 working weeks.
The project was completed on time and to a high standard of finish.

Project Description:

ABM took on the role of project management within the Design and Build Consortium as well as the main contractor.
The school consisted of an 8 no.classroom primary school covering approximately 1100 sq. m of teaching and administration space as per the DoES TGD room schedules.
The structural frame was built off-site using a light-weight steel frame system. This meant that after week 12 of the project the structure was erected and ready for windows and a roof.
The external finish was a combination of pre-colored acrylic render on a cement board combined with eternity wall cladding panels.
Stairwell walls, stair flights, landings, plant room walls and lift shaft walls were manufactured off-site from pre-cast concrete. The roofing consisted of insulated Kingspan Kingzip roof panels.
Wherever possible, off-site fabrication of the internal components were used such as pre-hung door sets, internal wall partitions, kitchens, cubicles, and heating pipe work runs.
Fusion Building Systems were the system build contractor used on the project. They manufactured a pre-insulated light weight metal load-bearing frame system off-site in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.
The building was constructed with a high emphasis on build quality & durability using an IBA certified Fusion steel framed building system. This system build solution consists of a unique pre-insulated light gauge steel external wall system, which is combined with internal load bearing walls to provide a low carbon structure. The Fusion system is craned into position on-site with extreme efficiency with regard to installation and programme.
A key advantage of building off-site is the higher degree of predictability it can offer – reducing the risk of time and cost overruns.
The on-site erection programme for the system was 3.5 weeks. To speed up installation, the design also incorporated precast concrete stair cores and stair flights that were erected ahead of the Fusion system. The benefit of this was that as soon as the 1st floor was decked, safe access could be provided via the permanent staircases.
The roof finishes are a prefabricated Kingspan KS1000 Kingzip roof panel with colour coat HPS200 Plastisol which is 200 microns thick. These panels and ancillary flashings are preformed in an off-site construction environment which makes installation on-site extremely rapid. The advantage of this type of roof finish is that it can be installed simultaneously with the other building elements to allow the building to become watertight. This creates an internal working environment for all internal trades.
Walls and facade were finished with an Aqua panel exterior cement board and ancillary acrylic finished render system with a breather membrane. The Aqua panel cement board system provides the contractor with a high quality, rapid installation and extremely economical alternative to traditional methods of construction, such as brick and block.

Sustainability

The issue of sustainability continues to increase in importance throughout each project. Off-site manufacturing works in hand with sustainability for the following reasons:

Up to 67 per cent less energy is required to produce a system build compared to an equivalent traditionally built project.
Off-site manufacturing can generate up to 90 per cent fewer vehicle movements to site – reducing carbon emissions, congestion and disruption.
Off-site construction can reduce on-site waste by up to 90 per cent.

St. Patrick’s National School, Diswellstown, Dublin 15.

Project Details:

The design team were novated to ABM by the Department of Education.
ABM reviewed the design and modified it to facilitate a faster program with less risk to the client. The traditional 6,000 sq. m of structural block work was replaced with pre-cast concrete walls which were erected in approximately 10 weeks. The project was complete before the programmed completion date and on budget.
Diswellstown’s modular design lent itself to a precast system solution. The precast concrete system was chosen over traditional methods to reduce the construction programme and on-site labour. This system reduced the need for approximately 6,000 sq. m of block and plaster work and ancillary labour.
The new system programme proposals were of advantage to the client mainly due to speed of construction.

The advantages of using precast concrete walls on this project were:

The strength of precast concrete gradually increases over time. Other materials can deteriorate, experience creep and stress relaxation, lose strength and/or deflect over time. Studies have shown that precast concrete products can provide a service life in excess of 100 years.
Precast concrete walls are non-combustible. Also, concrete does not lose its structural capacity as quickly as steel.
Precast concrete increases schedule efficiency as weather will not delay production. In addition, weather conditions on-site do not significantly affect the schedule. This is because it requires less time to install precast compared with other construction methods, such as cast-in-situ concrete.
It is evident from the successful completion of the school that any size of project can be accommodated using a precast solution, hence ABM’s decision to use similar systems on future projects. Additionally, because precast systems are designed and manufactured for simple connection, many of the components could be installed within a short time-frame. Once the windows and roof systems were complete, the building was ‘watertight’ allowing internal finishes to commence.

St. Peter’s National School, Phibsborough, Dublin 7.

Description:

Located on a restricted site in a densely populated part of Dublin City, this project involved a number of challenging and unique elements which ABM successfully overcame.

Working on a “Live” School Site – Prior to the commencement of any works, a temporary school structure was required to be constructed nearby to accommodate 350+ students while construction work was being carried out.
Working with Existing ‘Live’ Services – This site was heavily populated with existing services, some which were maintained and others which were removed or relocated to allow for the construction of the new classrooms. Occasionally, tying into existing services was required, particularly where the new extension met the original school building. Connection to the Dublin City Council public mains was also required where ABM were required to obtain road opening licenses for two separate openings.
Demolition Works – Parts of the existing protected structure, originally built in 1882, had to be demolished. Demolition works included breaking out opes in existing stone walls and the removal of an existing stairwell which was replaced with two new stairwells installed to provide vertical circulation to the building and required to conform with current building regulations. A portion of the site boundary wall, which had been constructed originally of stone, was also demolished and a new reinforced wall structure constructed in its place to support a new classroom building. The adjacent stone walls were pinned down and reinforced during this part of the works.
Removal of Contaminated Waste – Another element of the demolition works involved an environmental cleanup of the site and the removal of asbestos and hydrocarbon contamination for treatment off-site.
Temporary Removal of Materials for Restoration – Another challenge which had to be addressed was the refurbishment of the existing protected structure. In addition to the breaking out of opes to receive the new extension, restoration works were required on elements of the structure. Existing windows, roof tiles and roof trusses were temporarily removed off-site for repair and restoration, existing stonework on-site was cleaned and re jointed.
ABM maintained their excellent health & safety record throughout this project.