PROJECT
SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT, QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY, BELFAST
using Sustain IQ software. A ‘fabric first’ approach and embodied carbon assessment guided the procurement process. Over 71% of material suppliers were within 10 miles, reducing transport emissions. A Waste and Resource Management Plan minimised waste, generating only 1.65 tonnes per £100k. The project achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ accreditation, reflecting environmental commitment. FOH prioritised biodiversity in the Stranmillis Conservation Area. Preserving wildlife habitats was fundamental, with a designated Biodiversity Champion ensuring conservation of badger, bat, swift and heron habitats. The team excelled in the Considerate Constructor Scheme audit, receiving an innovation award for bird nesting systems. Stephen Morrissey, Contracts Manager on the project explained, “We set up exclusion zones to avoid encroaching on the badgers’ setts, installed temporary bat boxes during construction and permanent boxes upon completion, and monitored the heron nests weekly to establish if any disruption had been
caused to their environment and wellbeing. Temporary swift boxes were installed during construction, and permanent boxes installed within the fabric of the building.” Due to tree restrictions, a temporary road was created to ensure safe manoeuvring of articulated lorries trucks. Initially, the plan was to install foul and storm lines through wooded areas, but this would harm the ecology. Instead, directional drilling was proposed by FOH. After excavation and basement formation, it allowed for installing pipes without harming nearby trees. Stephen commented, “This project showcased FOH’s ability to manage a high-end specification build with attention to detail while maximising positive environmental impact. The highest standard of site management and engineering requirements were crucial due to the complexity of the structural and finishing elements of the build. M&E coordination with a concrete frame building had to be on point as well as the requirement for expert commissioning management to satisfy the client’s needs. “Felix O’Hare, the supply chain and the delivery team deserve special mention as
this was a testing job due to material and labour cost increases during the construction period. The health and safety team played a crucial role during the build, which began in late 2020, during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.” Cathal Morgan, Bid/Contracts Manager for FOH, added, “Riddel Hall is another catalyst facility that FOH has been entrusted to build in collaboration with a full project team for Queen’s. We have a long-standing history with the university, and this adds to our portfolio of high-quality and complex buildings, successfully handed over within the Queen’s estate. Client: Queen’s University, Belfast Main Contractor: Felix O’Hare Architect: Todd Architect Mechanical Contractor: HTC Mechanical Electrical Contractor: JD McGeown PROJECT TEAM...
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