ULSTER UNIVERSITY OPTOMETRY CLINIC, COLERAINE PROJECT PROFILE
including dishwashers and sinks for cleaning lab equipment. A flexible layout was achieved by incorporating a Skyfold vertical folding retractable acoustic partition to accommodate varying class sizes at the push of a button. A new social space was also created, featuring new external glazed curtain walling, while further tasks included remedial works to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in a first-floor area and asbestos removal in affected areas. New services and systems had to be integrated with retained building infrastructure, including fixed structural elements, existing mechanical and electrical service routes and restricted ceiling voids, with a high-spec finish achieved throughout. Bradan Murphy, Quantity Surveyor, says, “Challenges included the installation of heavy plant to two plant rooms located on the roof, as well as some heavy plant to the rear of the university block in a courtyard with no vehicle access. We overcame this with the use of a 120-tonne crane that was able to manoeuvre the
plant to the required locations on the site. “Another challenge was the fact that the roof in the labs area is a RAAC roof, meaning there could be nothing fixed to it. With the installation of items throughout the roof, including AC units, lights and ceiling tiles, the fixing of these items had to be coordinated so they were only fixed to concrete beams and not the roof itself.” Regular communication with the client, including site walkthroughs and meetings, ensured the project proceeded smoothly to programme and specification. “The most satisfying aspect is looking back at the photos from the fire-damaged building to walking though the newly- refurbished modern university facility,” says Bradan. “What makes the project stand out is the installation of all-new modern lab equipment, providing a state- of-the-art facility to be used by university students throughout their studies.” Innovation is central to Bell Contracts’ approach, with the business working closely with design teams to find new and better ways of meeting client needs in today’s demanding construction environment.
“The most satisfying aspect is looking back at the photos from the fire-damaged building to walking though the newly-refurbished modern university facility.”
Head office: Bell Park Business Complex, Derryloran Industrial Estate, Cookstown Regional offices: Belfast, Dublin, Falkirk
T: +44 (0)28 8676 2533 E: info@bellcontracts.com www.bellcontracts.com
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