Project Description
Callan Laboratories, Maynooth University
Description of Works
| Project | Callan Laboratories |
| Programme of Works | 4 Months |
| Client | Maynooth University |
| Architect | Maynooth University |
| Engineers | Bowe Consulting Engineers (Civil and Structural), Galileo (M&E Engineer |
Project Summary
Key works in this refurbishment involved the full strip out of all the existing furniture of the three lecture rooms in the Callan building, in the centre of Maynooth Campus. Demolitions of the three existing lecture rooms then commenced to allow for two large new chemistry and biology labs be built. Demolitions included three stud partition walls and two solid block walls. The pre-existing floor coverings were removed, and it was established that that condition of the existing floor was insufficient to receive appropriate levels for the new floor finishes. The floors had to be grinded to a base level and required deep fill levelling spread along with liquid damp proofing to achieve adequate floor levels and prevent moisture ingress.
Once all soft demolitions were completed, trenches were marked out, sawcut & excavated to allow for a new drainage system that was installed internally to service new specialist work benches. All services such as Gas, Ionised water, sewer pipes and electrics were installed below ground to ensure no services dropped from above to give the space an open, clutter free and vibrant working environment for the students. The final fit out included new flooring throughout, an upgrade of all fire elements, including new fire doors. A full new joinery package was completed also which included new state of the art laboratory work benches, extra shelving and storage areas, fume hoods and chemical cupboards were also installed along with a full Audio Visual fit out to finish of the new Chemistry & Biology labs.
A full Mechanical and Electrical upgrade was completed to include all new condensers, extract fans, heating systems, LED lights and an upgrade of existing wiring including data cables.
A new chemical cleansing shower was also installed between both laboratories to allow for students to rinse any chemicals they may come in contact with by accident.
Externally, a new sump pump was installed, and gas diversions were completed externally to allow for the possible future tie ins which caused minimal disruption to the college, as initially the design team envisioned to bring these gas pipes through existing labs, this in turn would have disrupted other classes. Roof alterations were completed to allow for ducting extract fans, the existing concrete paths were lifted and removed, and new concrete footpaths were poured throughout the exterior of the building.
Our clients, Maynooth University, envisioned two new state of the art Chemistry & Biology labs which allowed for increased capacity to the college while also improving and significantly upgrading the existing facilities for training purposes.
As Maynooth University is renowned for their exceptional quality of graduates each year, it is imperative that the Science students have the best and most up to date equipment and facilities to help them along the way.
The programme for this project was tight, as works needed to be carried out between the months of May to September, as the students needed to be back using the facilities once the new 2022/2023 semester started in September.
Accelerated Programme: May – September (4 months)
