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This project involved the design and construction of an extension to an existing medical research and distribution facility in Arklow, Co. Wicklow for Allman Equities Ltd.

In addition to be being compliant with all relevant Irish Codes and Building Regulations, there was a requirement for the new facility to meet the Factory Mutual Insurance Standards. In addition, the existing levels on the site dictated a split level facility to avoid costly removal of soil across the development.

The final requirement was that the extension could be separated from the existing facility should it ever prove necessary to operate the buildings as separate entities.

Based on a review of the brief and a tight programme requested by the client, it was considered that a steel frame with composite decking would be the most cost beneficial solution. A number of rooms were requested to have long clear spans due to the proposed research and servicing requirements for the machinery, with no loss of overall head-height. This was achieved by the use of cellular beams in these zones. By working closely with the steelwork fabricator the steel structure designed and fabricated to the tightest tolerances.

Roughan & O’Donovan engaged with the specialist cladding and staircase manufacturers at early stages in the project to ensure full coordination between their requirements and the overall structure. This increased the programme savings achieved by the use of off-site construction methods.