Client: Kildare County Council
DBFL provided civil and structural engineering design services on this project, which involved complete design of all building structures and preparation of construction documentation. DBFL also carried out inspections of the works as required under BC(A)R.
This project consisted of the construction of a new, purpose built co-working environment for local entrepeneurs and businesses and includes co-working spaces as well as networking, conference and meeting facilities.
The two-storey building structure comprises a reinforced concrete frame with flat slabs at first floor and roof level supported on reinforced concrete columns. There is a large recesss in the façade and a cantilevered steel entrance canopy to create a covered entrance area. With the exception of the concrete staircore walls, all of the internal and external walls are non laodbearing SFS allowing future flexibility internally and future expansion of the building externally. The exterenal façade of the building is a mix of brick masonry and intricate timber cladding to compliment neighbouring buildings.
At the request of our client DBFL designed the structure including foundations, columns and roof slab to take the weight of an additional storey comprising a steel frame structure which may be built in the future.
The intricate hit and miss timber cladding façade which was supported off the internal SFS leaf provided a significant challenge on this project. DBFL ensured that the cladding was appropriatly fixed to the SFS in a manner which met the architect’s requirements while also supporting the weight of the cladding and withstanding wind loading.
The design of this building to carry an additional storey in future, was a key feature of the project. The inclusion of the additional storey as a lightweight steel structure in the design of the building resulted in a relatively minor increase in material usage on the project in comparison to the construction of a new standalone building or a ground level extension. In terms of the future development of the site, this is an efficient use of material and space on the site, thus improving the overall sustainability of a future campus development.
Project Director
