Category: Commercial over €10 million
Project: 1 Windmill Lane (1WML)
Contractor: John Paul Construction
Client: Hibernia REIT
Contract Value: €42 million

Located in Dublin’s SOBO District, the development at 1WML is comprised of a new 6 storey over basement office building with a floor space of 16,500 m² and a 4 storey residential building with retail space at ground floor. The Office entrance is located off Windmill Lane and is visible from Sir John Rogerson Quay.

A 19th Century grain store, no 19 Creighton Street has been retained on the site and creates a dramatic backdrop and entrance feature to the main office foyer, which is a 650 m² double height space that can be sub-divided into a large town hall space for “All Hands” events and a separate foyer space.

The project is constructed to LEED Gold standard and provides unrivalled commercial office space in Dublin’s Docklands.

Category: Industrial Over €10 million
Project: Clonee Data Centre, County Meath
Contractor: Mace
Client: Confidential
Contract Value: Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) contract

The Clonee Data Centre consists of three single-storey data centres, split into three phases, powered by a purpose built 220kV Substation, on a 95 hectare (Ha) Greenfield site.

The site infrastructure includes access roads, car parking, internal roads, entrance security hut and associated landscaping.

At the project, the Mace team have achieved world-class standards for health, safety & wellbeing, quality and efficiency. The Clonee Data Centre has achieved 5.1 million man-hours (and counting) on the project, recording one reportable accident, it has become the quality benchmark for the Client’s vast datacentre portfolio and continues to achieve the aggressive programme milestones. The project is also a leading example of the application of Lean Construction and BIM innovation within the construction sector.

Category: Commercial/Industrial Under €10 million
Project: Gilead Sciences QC Laboratory Extension
Contractor: John Paul Construction
Client: Gilead Sciences UC
Contract Value: €5 million

John Paul Construction were appointed to construct a new quality control laboratory adjacent to Gilead Sciences existing live facility at their Cork site. The extension is comprised of a steel structure with concrete slabs cast on metal deck, benefiting the client with speed of construction and increased ceiling void space for the services installation, which followed construction.

The main distinguishing factor of the project according to John Paul Construction was the collaborative approach between client, design team and contractor, ensuring that the handover was smooth and incident free.The project was a services intense project and the coordination of dense services within the building itself, rooftop and plant room was a critical factor in successfully completing and handing over.

The entire project was designed, coordinated, planned and installed using BIM Level 2. BIM coordination of services proved invaluable in early detection and avoidance and also ensured that the building would successfully meet client requirements.

Category: Engineering
Project: Luas Cross City
Contractor: Sisk Steconfer JV
Client: Transport Infrastructure Ireland
Overall Project Value: €370 million

Construction works for Luas Cross City were carried out by a joint venture between John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd, Ireland’s No1 provider of construction services with extensive operations across Ireland, the United Kingdom and mainland Europe, and Steconfer, a global railway construction company based in Portugal.

The main infrastructure works project for Luas Cross City project started in February 2015 with enabling works commencing in June 2013 and has delivered 5.9km of track with 13 new Luas stops taking Luas through the city centre and north to Broombridge. The project was scheduled to run over a 32-month time period; this included all design, construction and commissioning activities to allow for passenger service. The project was delivered within this schedule.

Over half the project was constructed in a live city environment whilst maintaining traffic and pedestrian corridors throughout. This was achieved through considered planning and extensive engagement with local authorities, local business and transport providers.

Category: Educational
Project: Educational facilities for Royal College of Surgeons Ireland
Contractor: Bennett Construction Ltd
Client: Royal College of Surgeons Ireland
Contract Value: €38.7 million

Bennett Construction Ltd were the Assigned Builder and PSCS on the RCSI New Academic and Education Building, which is the largest redevelopment project in Dublin’s city centre in recent years.

The building was constructed upon the site of a previously uncompleted scheme, which contained a basement box element only, which was in turn incorporated into the new development. Demolitions and alterations, temporary works, piling, excavation and earthworks were all required in advance of the construction phase.

This project demanded a highly complex programme of spaces including technically advanced simulated environments for clinical and surgical training as well as facilities for students and staff. The interlinked vertical stacking of such varied functions meant an increased complexity of structure and services due to the nature of the highly compact urban site.

Ultimately, BCL provided a turnkey medical training facility to the highest specification, management and coordination of over 300 workers on site during the peak of this project.

Category: Public or Heritage Building/Conservation or Restoration
Project: The National Gallery of Ireland – Refurbishment of Historic Wings
Contractor: John Paul Construction
Client: Office of Public Works
Contract Value: €26 million

The National Gallery of Ireland was re-opened in June 2017. The project involved the restoration and refurbishment of the Historic Dargan wing (1864) and Milltown wing (1904) which house the country’s art collection and included the reconfiguration and restoration of the previously hidden Sculpture Court area that centrally divided the two historic wings.

The end product and finished restorations have well exceeded the restoration brief, exemplifying excellence. There has been very positive comments and feedback from not only the Client and end user, but also through the television documentary, the newspapers and more importantly the general public with the huge increase in the footfall since opening.

Category: Refurbishment/Fit-Out
Project: 40 Molesworth Street
Contractor: P.J. Hegarty & Sons UC
Client: IPUT

40 Molesworth Street comprises of approximately 30,000 sq ft of highly specified Grade A office space offering flexible, tenant friendly floor plates and the highest modern design standards to provide the ultimate occupier experience in a superb business location.

The Client is extremely pleased with the final outcome of the project, so much so that the building was handed over to the new tenant the same day as Practical Completion was awarded. P.J. Hegarty & Sons UC pride themselves with the fact that the company ethos is to provide high quality products for their clients. 40 Molesworth Street was no exception. Great time and effort was devoted to producing samples and mock ups to ensure that the finished product fully met the Client’s expectations.

Category: Specialist Contract
Project: The Restoration of the External Façade of the Shelbourne Hotel
Contractor: Acol Limited
Client: Kennedy Wilson
Contract Value: Confidential

In 2012, Acol Limited was commissioned by Client Kennedy Wilson to carry out protective works on the Shelbourne Hotel façade, which was crumbling and in urgent need of intervention, following a bitterly cold winter of 2011.

The restoration was one of the largest restoration projects to take place in Ireland in recent years. The scale of the works and the fact that they were carried out by hand by artisan craftspeople specialising in brick repair and wigging, timber window restoration and moulding using Roman cement makes this an impressive project. Over 130 traditional craftspeople worked on site across the duration of the project.

The restoration was awarded Irish Georgian Society Architectural Conservation Award 2017 because of the scale and intricacy of the work that was carried out.

Category: Residential
Project: Charlemont Regeneration Project, Block 3 – Ffrench-Mullen House, Charlemont Street, Dublin 2
Contractor: JJ Rhatigan & Company
Client: McGarrell Reilly in partnership with Dublin City Council
Contract Value: €27.2 million

Charlemont Regeneration Project – Block 3, Ffrench-Mullen House is a residential development of 79 high-quality social housing units and a range of community amenities in Dublin City Centre. The building is in a prominent location on Charlemont Street, Dublin 2 and was completed in October 2017 for Dublin City Council under a partnership agreement between McGarrell Reilly and the Council. JJ Rhatigan & Company as the main contractor completed this to an exceptionally high standard.

The project has been delivered ahead of programme and provides a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom homes for Council tenants, including six ground floor, own door duplex homes. The feedback from both the Client and the residential occupants has been very positive. The Client has noted its appreciation with the way in which the contract was managed on site and the smooth proactive nature of all the team involved.

Category: Leisure / Tourism
Project: Adare Manor
Contractor: John Paul Construction
Client: Tizard Holdings
Contract Value: Confidential

Adare Manor is a major project undertaken in a constrained timeframe, recreating a luxury 5-star hotel and golf resort on an 840-acre estate in Limerick. Client requirements were to create an unrivalled experience for guests; to open on time with no defects working collaboratively with the design team and contractor; achieve this project on budget to the highest of standards and maintain the old charm of the Manor.

The quality of the completed finishes from all aspects is world-class and the design concept, with a mix of the old and the modern, does not take from the original aesthetics of the original Manor. This project demonstrates construction excellence in that the Client’s expectations were surpassed – and the project was handed over on time and within budget.

Category: International Project
Project: FiftySevenEast, Kingsland, Dalston, London
Contractor: Bennett Construction Ltd.
Client: Taylor Wimpey Central London
Contract Value: £32.4m

The approved scheme was for redevelopment of the site for a residential led mixed use scheme ranging from 4 to 15 storeys of 98 residential units (38 one bed flats; 37 two bed flats; 23 three bed flats) and 1,060 m2 GIA commercial floorspace as well as two disabled car parking spaces, 210 cycle parking spaces, improvements to the public realm and all necessary ancillary and enabling works.

The Client is extremely satisfied with the quality of the project, and the level of finishes achieved throughout. This project is now used as the Client’s “landmark” building whereby they use the development as a standard setter for future projects.

Category: Innovation in Construction Process
Innovation: Rapid Off-Site System Build (ROSSB)
Contractor: Alanna Homes
Client: New Line Homes Ltd
Contract Value: Confidential

The Rapid Off-Site System Build (ROSSB) was used by Alanna Homes for a residential project of 450 units at Hansfield Wood. This project consists of both houses and apartments. The ROSSB utilises the Alcrete Pre-Cast concrete system where walls are manufactured in the factory and transported and erected on site allowing for a fully sealed unit within 10 days of foundations being laid. Using the ROSSB method allows a house to be built within a 6-week timeframe.

The economies of scale on the project see cost saving running at approximately 6 to 8% with continuous re-evaluation, re-sequencing and re-engineering during the course of the project, speed of delivery and certainty of delivery.

Category: Health, Safety & Wellbeing Initiative
Initiative Name: WorkSafe HomeSafe Programme
Contractor: John Paul Construction

John Paul Construction is an industry leader in the areas of health, safety and wellbeing. The company’s management systems are accredited to OHSAS 18001 and ISO 14001 by the National Standards Authority of Ireland and they have achieved numerous recognition awards including NISO Higher Distinction and Consistent High Achiever awards in 2017, RoSPA Gold Medal in 2017, NISO All-Ireland Supreme Award 2016 and All-Ireland Occupation Health Award 2016.

The company’s WORKSAFE – HOMESAFE behavioural safety programme is developed to enhance their management systems and create a safe work environment where every worker goes home safely each day. The programme aims to change people’s attitude to safety and through positive communication and engagement encourages greater involvement in health, safety and wellbeing by all.

John Paul Construction operates various health and safety initiatives across all sites with specific emphasis on health and wellbeing.

Category: BIM Excellence
Project: Multinational Data Centre Campus
Contractor: John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd
Client: Multinational Cloud Infrastructure and Operations
Contract Value: Confidential

The development of a large data centre campus was awarded to John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd. as General Contractor (GC) by a multinational client. This multinational data centre project has been designated as the pilot scheme project of BIM best practice for any future data centre projects for this client. It will be used as a benchmark project to record benefits and successful practices resulting in efficiencies in the full life-cycle of the facility.

The Client can already see the future benefits they will have when provided a data rich Asset Information Model (AIM) at handover. Sisk, in conjunction with RKD have demonstrated their BIM Process and Strategy to the Client’s Design Team and general contractors from around the world.

Category: Third Level Course – Postgraduate, Special Purpose or Distance Learning
Course Title: Higher Diploma in Engineering in Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Course Level: Level 8
Provider: Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology

The Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) Higher Diploma in Engineering in BIM is addressing the need for leadership in this transition by using innovative pedagogical approaches in an interdisciplinary learning environment to address competency and skill gaps in the industry. The total cost of the course is €5,000. The course is available to all stakeholders working in the construction and built environment sector. A reciprocal learning framework has been developed to merge industry best practice and feedback, curriculum innovation and evidence-based research into a set of learning resources for the course.

Over 100 RPS Group staff have been upskilled since 2013 with 18 graduating from the Higher Diploma in Engineering in BIM in 2016 and 2017. Since September 2016, 68 non-RPS industry stakeholders have commenced the course in GMIT.

Category: Construction Product Innovation
Product: Leica BLK360
Company: Leica Geosystems

Leica Geosystems’ BLK360 3D scanner, the smallest and lightest imaging laser scanner ever made, simplifies the collection of as-built reality capture data for work across several vertical markets including construction and engineering. The Leica BLK360 is able to capture real-time data at the touch of a single button, streamlining the scanning process and saving large amounts of time.

This portable device allows anyone with an iPad to create a 360 degree image that can be viewed and shared with others in a matter of minutes. The Leica BLK360 is also an industry game-changer as it opens up laser scanning to complete new audiences.

Category: Leisure / Tourism
Project: Páirc Uí Chaoimh GAA Stadium, Cork
Contractor: John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd
Client: Cork GAA
Contract Value: €60 million

Páirc Uí Chaoimh is a long-established sports ground but by 2013 it was clear that it required extensive redevelopment. The regeneration of the stadium has resulted in a multipurpose floodlit bowl-shaped arena that can accommodate a capacity of 45,300 for games (47,000 for concerts) including 21,300 seats under cover. It also includes a second all-weather playing pitch and landscaped spaces to cater for different activities on match and non-match days to enhance the viability of the project. Páirc Uí Chaoimh is now an impressive modern facility situated on the banks of the river Lee, it has already made a very positive impact, providing a wonderful player and spectator experience.

Category: Public or Heritage Building / Conservation or Restoration
Project: Medieval Mile Museum, Kilkenny
Contractor: Duggan Brothers (Contractors) Ltd
Client: Kilkenny County Council
Contract Value: €5.7 million

St Mary’s Church has been converted into Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile Museum. The project combined sensitive restoration and contemporary design to an exemplary standard. The restoration, extension and conservation of St Marys Hall forms part of the larger ‘St Marys Precinct’ project and the completed building is now the centre-piece of Ireland’s Medieval Mile, a concentration of medieval sites and buildings in the core of Kilkenny City.

The feedback from Kilkenny County Council has been very positive. The building has been successful in attracting a large number of visitors to the City and has been the focus of a significant number of professional and academic studies and presentations.

Category: Education/Healthcare
Project: Scoil Mhuire, Tullamore.
Contractor: Carroll O’Keeffe & Killeen Civil Engineering
Client: Board of Management Scoil Mhuire, Tullamore
Contract Value: €4.35 million

This school project involved the upgrade of the existing Scoil Mhuire, built in 1957. A large new extension was added and the existing school was refurbished. Site works included the construction of a vehicular access and drop-off within the school grounds to alleviate the traffic chaos that existed on the main road fronting the existing school. The tender sum was €4.35 million The client requirements were for a school that met the needs of the increasing school population without the need for prefabricated structures.

The design by McOH Architects was novel and sympathetic to the retention of the 1957 building while providing a modern school extension.

The school also needed to continue to operate during the construction phase. Carroll O’Keeffe say that their previous experience in constructing in live school situations was of great benefit. The civil engineering expertise, provided by their joint venture partners Killeen Civil Engineering was used in dealing with large rock excavations with large volumes of water ingress. The rock and demolition waste were crushed on site to provide approved fill on site.

The completed scheme has been universally well received from a Planning perspective, Educational perspective and Community Perspective.

Category: Leisure / Tourism
Project: Páirc Uí Chaoimh GAA Stadium, Cork
Contractor: John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd
Client: Cork GAA
Contract Value: €60 million

Páirc Uí Chaoimh is a long-established sports ground but by 2013 it was clear that it required extensive redevelopment. The regeneration of the stadium has resulted in a multipurpose floodlit bowl-shaped arena that can accommodate a capacity of 45,300 for games (47,000 for concerts) including 21,300 seats under cover. It also includes a second all-weather playing pitch and landscaped spaces to cater for different activities on match and non-match days to enhance the viability of the project. Páirc Uí Chaoimh is now an impressive modern facility situated on the banks of the river Lee, it has already made a very positive impact, providing a wonderful player and spectator experience.