The HSE required a bespoke building to accommodate doctors/clinical staff while still remaining on campus at St James’s University Hospital in Dublin. Requirements included a link corridor to the main hospital.
Scope of works
To design and build 20no. modules making up 22no. en-suite bedrooms, a canteen area, computer library/reference room, games room, TV room and social area.
Services delivered
Designed and built a two-storey 750m2 block, elevated through the use of a structural steel frame support system, enabling a link corridor to join the second floor of the existing hospital building. The exterior of the building was finished in a green render and metal Kingspan architectural panel to enable the building to blend into the surroundings. Full mechanical and electrical fitout.
Key successes
Compliance
The project was successfully delivered and met all Statutory Compliance checks, including BCAR and PSDP, certified by Moloney O’Beirne Architects.
Health & Safety
When linking to the main hospital building, Actavo had full protective measures in place to ensure infection control i.e. aspergillus control.
Minimal disruption
The offsite construction methods enabled hospital operations to be unimpeded during the handover of the project.
Tight deadline
The building was delivered and installed in twenty weeks to meet the client’s required tight deadline.
Proven expertise
The project continued Actavo’s strong relationship with St James’s University Hospital, having worked on several previous modular developments on campus.
Solutions to challenges
Access
The site itself posed many challenges, in particular the tight access which involved delivery of modules through a constricted archway and over the existing four-storey hospital. Actavo developed a comprehensive delivery installation programme to overcome existing access issues to the proposed location. e.g. cranage alterations with a phased delivery of modules over two days. The structural steel support enabled the hospital’s fire strategy to be maintained, allowing for 100% access for fire appliances to all areas in the courtyard.
Benefits to client
Minimal disruption
Much of the work was carried out offsite. As well as reducing the level of disruption associated with traditional construction methods, it allowed Actavo to monitor quality in a controlled, factory environment.
Quality Control
Actavo’s experienced site management team, led by the site manager, took full responsibility for quality on site from the delivery to installation. Quality of all work was checked at every stage and issues rectified immediately to avoid programme delays.
Managing subcontractors
Actavo worked with a number of specialist subcontractors, all of whom passed stringent approval processes for quality and safety.
Close collaboration
A project manager was appointed as the main point of contact with the client. They liaised with the client and stakeholders throughout the design and build.
Speed
Offsite Rapid Modular System Build was implemented. All plumbing and fittings were installed in the modules offsite ready for connection to the existing water supply.
Sustainability
Sustainable design features included natural sunlight pipes and solar shading windows.
“We were satisfied that Actavo had a clear understanding of the strict requirements of working within a live hospital environment. Actavo and St James’s Hospital agreed a comprehensive risk management plan, tailored to the physical and environmental aspects of this confined hospital campus.
No reportable accidents or incidents occurred on-site during the project and all agreed health, safety and environmental protocols were observed. Traffic management and noise controls were effective. Actavo complied with all our reporting protocols and are professional in their dealings with us as a client. By keeping us informed in advance of project activities, it enabled us to manage our operations with minimal disruption.”Niall McElwee
Director of Capital Projects at St James Hospital