PROJECT
SOUTHLAKELEISURECENTRE, CRAIGAVON
specialist attention due to the C4 environment, says Mechanical Contracts Manager, Craig Preston, “Everything that went through the three pool halls and the wet changing village had to be specially treated to withstand the chlorinated environment. “We used a Xylan coating on all the fixings. But the ductwork had to be coated in chlorinated rubber paint on the inside of the ductwork. The ductwork that ran through the pool halls had to be treated on the outside. The air-handling units also had to be specially treated. “One of the other mechanical challenges we had to overcome was that the gas and water services were located on the other side of the river. We had to directionally drill below the river to get the services into the site. I’ve never had to do that before!” Dowds Group delivered the gas-fired energy centre containing three gas-fired boilers, the air conditioning, supply and extract ventilation, full domestic services installation, public health above ground drainage and heating installation. All
mechanical services were connected to the BMS. “For such a complex project it all worked out pretty well on site,” says Craig. “The whole job was planned out first in 3D modelling, so we were able to design and co-ordinate systems before work started. On site there were very few co-ordination issues to be resolved, because of the pre- work we had done on the model. Probably one of the most successful jobs I’ve done in a long time.” WORKSHOPS Dowds Group champions the use of workshops for clients, as Thomas explains, “To counter any potential misunderstandings we’ll design to a certain stage then invite the client to a workshop. We’ll explain our understanding of their requirements and check that is correct. These workshops are very useful because if there is a misunderstanding we can just make that tweak and you get a very happy client at the end of the job. We carry out these workshops on every system, at least once - depending how
complex the system is.” Thomas was full of praise for everyone involved in the project, “This project was a prime example of best practice, of how a job should and could be done. Everyone on the project worked together towards the same goal – a building built to the client’s expectations. It was inspiring to see and be a part of it. “I’ve since moved into another position within Dowds and I am so gratified that this was my last job as a Contracts Manager. Farrans shares similar traits to Dowds Group, the main one being that health and safety and quality always comes first.”
Dowds Group, 2-4 Milltown Road, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim BT53 6LE T: +44 (0)28 2766 2789 - E: info@dowdsgroup.com www.dowdsgroup.com
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