PROJECT
METHODISTCOLLEGE, BELFAST
GANSON UK DELIVERS AMASTER CLASS ON HOWTO SYMPATHETICALLY BALANCE PRESERVATION IDEALSWITHMODERNISATION DEMANDS FOR 150-YEAR-OLD SCHOOL… RESTORED AND REFINED
C astlewellan-based construction company Ganson UK completed the design and build project at the Methodist College in Belfast. Methodist College is a Grade B1 Listed Building built in 1865 with a gross internal floor area of 4400m2 and was refurbished with an 800m2 gross floor area two-storey new build extension constructed to the rear. A portion of the rear of the existing building was demolished to allow construction of the rear extension. The facilities comprise: classroom teaching spaces for various subjects including but not limited to English, maths, RE, drama, IT and psychology. Additional accommodation will provide resource space, multi-purpose space, pupils cloaks/lockers/WCs, administration, medical inspection, learning support, staff accommodation
and staff WCs. Circulation, plant space and ancillary accommodation will also be provided. As befitting a building of this age, care of the existing fixtures and fittings is paramount. For example, the Victorian era entrance leads into an ornate oak-lined reception area featuring an original central staircase with a heavy timber balustrade. These features were protected and preserved. Many other elements of the building such as the original panelling and staircases were also returned to their original glory. Other facets of the project include the Heritage Centre, which was redesigned into a multipurpose hall, along with the installation of a new staircase, while the Drama Room was reinstated with its original high ceiling and beams after the removal of the old dormitories. Externally, the brickwork walls and
stonework were refurbished as necessary on all facades as well as refurbishment and restoration of the original sliding sash windows. HIDDEN EXTRAS As the stripping out works proceeded it became apparent that there was significantly more timber rot in the building structure than was first anticipated. What was initially considered a small item of remedial work eventually required numerous surveys throughout the building by specialist property surveyor Ray McCleery, structural design work by Taylor & Boyd, treatment advice from Stronghold Preservation and consultation with Hamilton Architects and HED. As a result, extensive timber treatments, stitching, replacement and resin repairs were required throughout
“Theworks bring the 150-year-oldbuilding up todate while still retaining its original splendour.”
40 | NI BUILDER
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