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At a glance

  • Client
    Client Department of Education
  • Service/s
    Service/s Modular Buildings
  • Sector/s
    Sector/s Education / Sport
  • Location
    Location Republic of Ireland
  • Date/Duration
    Date/Duration 2020/12 weeks onsite

Actavo provided a full turnkey, high specification, Nearly Zero Energy school building on the site of St. Paul’s School in Monasterevin, County Kildare.

Scope of works

  • Build and install Nearly Zero Energy temporary school building using prefabricated modules
  • Provide standard and specialist classrooms, a staff office and ancillary circulation areas, and new cycle parking stands.
  • Install 92 270W PV solar panels on the roof.
  • Install non-penetrative mounting system to fix panels to the roof. 

Services delivered

  • Building and installation of one of the first fully NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) compliant temporary school buildings for the Department of Education.
  • Installation of 92 270W PV solar panels on the roof.
  • Installation of LED light fittings and Smart electrical panel heaters.
  • Implemented full electrical and mechanical fitout of the project, including full certification.

Solutions to challenges

Minimising disruption
Working in a live school environment was made more challenging by Covid-19. Actavo worked closely with the school and EHS department to ensure minimum risk and disruption to staff and students.

Sector experience
Actavo’s ability to adapt to the circumstances of Covid-19 in both manufacturing and construction and the team’s vast experience in the education sector, including having a committed contractor base and supply chain, led to a smooth-running project despite the challenges of the pandemic.

Flexibility
It is envisaged that the building will be moved to another school site in the future. Actavo designed the building so that it can be seamlessly relocated to the new site.

Benefits to client

  • Actavo delivered a long-awaited solution to the educational needs of St Paul’s pupils.
  • The solar panels provide over 20% of building energy requirements – reducing the school’s carbon footprint.
  • The system will take power from the PV panels first and will only draw power from the grid if there is insufficient power available from the panels.
  • The installation of LED light fittings and Smart electrical panel heaters with digital controls will reduce overall energy consumption.
  • The waterproofing system used has limited environmental impact during manufacturing and no toxic substances are released from the EPDM membrane, allowing for the collection and use of run-off rainwater.
  • The Jackpad foundation is reusable and made from recycled plastic. It allows for quick building installation time and reduced removal and re-instatement time if/when the structure is moved.
  • There was very little disruption to the school and community as 60–80% of the works were carried out off-site.
  • By providing a staged handover, the school was able to use classroom facilities before the project completion date.