NIBuilder 35-2 Apr-May

PROJECT PROFILE

McCONNELL’S DISTILLERY, CRUMLIN ROAD GAOL, BELFAST

LISTED-BUILDING STATUS, A FULL-HEIGHT OPEN ATRIUM, STONE WALLS AND VAULTED CELL CEILINGS WERE AMONG CHALLENGES NAVIGATED BY ISD IN ITS M&E INSTALLATION… M&E ENGINEER

ISD was responsible for the mechanical and electrical (M&E) design, from early planning stages through RIBA design stages to completion and handover, at McConnell’s Distillery. With the Crumlin Road Gaol a unique building of important historical value in Northern Ireland’s history, the installation required ISD to work closely with the Historic Environment Division (HED) and wider design team to ensure the original character of the building was preserved. Adrian Murray, Director of ISD, said, “An extremely difficult building to integrate M&E services into, major challenges included its listed building status, a full- height open atrium splitting the building in two, and stone walls and vaulted cell ceilings, making the integration and coordination of all services difficult.” Plant rooms were created on both sides of the building to minimise the extent of crossovers within the atrium, while

bespoke ventilation design utilised existing cell windows for air intake and extract while maintaining the listed- building status. Rather than concealing services, they were showcased as a feature with the rawness of surface-mounted galvanised steel infrastructure and ductwork contrasting with modern fittings and fixtures. “We had an excellent working relationship with Felix O’Hare and AEM Ltd all the way through the project,” said Adrian. “A large part of our and the wider design team’s collaboration with the contractor was just recognising the mammoth task. “Nothing was straightforward, and we can only be impressed by the professionalism our partners brought to this scheme. “The requirement to integrate extensive mechanical and electrical engineering

services, all of which were exposed to public view, whilst working closely with HED and the wider design team to preserve the original character of the building presented ISD with a unique opportunity to showcase our abilities. “With the building of important historical value in Northerns Ireland’s history, we are very proud to have been involved on this project and look forward to seeing it become one of the region’s leading attractions.” Founded in 1996, ISD provides bespoke building services designs across many sectors of the construction industry. “Through inspired mechanical and electrical solutions, we achieve discreet and sustainable energy efficiency in every design, whilst making sure they seamlessly integrate with the building architecture for a welcoming and high-performing environment,” said Adrian. “We create spaces for people to love.”

T: +44 (0)28 9072 1313 E: admin@isd-eng.com www.isd-eng.com

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