PROJECT
GRANDOPERAHOUSE, BELFAST
M&E CONSULTANT S emple & McKillop were the mechanical and electrical consultants on the significant restoration and refurbishment of the Grand Opera House, Belfast.
to meet the needs and expectations of the building users in the 21st century, whilst working within the constraints presented by this historic and iconic 19th-century landmark building. Semple & McKillop had a key role in maximising the efficiency and sustainability of this historic build. Within the Auditorium issues including overheating and limited control were addressed, and the main heating and cooling plant was replaced, which has significantly reduced energy use and carbon footprint. Liaising with the wider design team, Semple & McKillop designed and specified the lighting for all areas including the Auditorium, bar and hospitality facilities, and the new interpretative spaces. Within the Auditorium, the original chandelier and balcony light fittings were subject to a retrofit ‘fade to warm’ LED lighting, producing a low-energy solution and creating a more welcoming and warm environment.
As part of the integrated design team, Semple & McKillop were responsible for the planning, design and inspection of the highly efficient building services systems. A significant challenge, which the consultant engineers addressed, was the integration of the engineering systems
T: +44 (0)28 9033 1700 E: info@semplemckillop.com www. semplemckillop.com
CONSERVATION ARCHITECTS A s specialist conservation architects, Consarc faced a challenging brief; to ensure this is largely unperceived is testament to the thorough on- site co-ordination required to integrate new elements with the old.
the Grade A listed Grand Opera House building was not only restored to its former splendour, but also future-proofed to enable the best theatre experience possible for future audiences, casts and crews. While significant works were undertaken to introduce 21st-century infrastructure into the historic building, the fact that
Key aspirations of enhancing the visitor experience meant that the 2006 extension which contains the main box office and bar areas was reordered both internally and externally to sit more cohesively as a constituent part of the main theatre building. Consarc Conservation is an award-winning Grade 1 accredited specialist conservation department within Consarc Design Group.
Photography: Donal McCann
Commenting on the project, James Grieve, project architect said, “We are extremely proud to have been involved in such a significant project, and the quality of the finished result is testament to the hard work of all involved.”
T: +44 (0)28 9082 8400 E: mail@consarc-design.co.uk www. consarc-design.co.uk
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