Project Summary

The McAvoy Group has successfully completed a new 800m2 classroom facility at De la Salle College, Macroom Co. Cork. The classroom facilities were designed, manufactured, and installed by The McAvoy Group to address a growing demand for education places in the area. The project requirements were centred on increasing capacity for the existing school and providing larger classrooms & specialist rooms in line with Department room size guidelines. The original school building was built in the 1990’s and had reached its maximum designed capacity. The new building was designed to a Modular Grid and built using 28 individual modular sections.

FacilityTemporary Classroom Facility

Building Size800m2

LocationCo. Cork

Time on Site24 weeks

PartnersGM Architects

The Offsite Solution

In order to keep up with current & future demand a solution had to be achieved that allowed for a fast paced response whilst not compromising on quality of build & design. An offsite solution was chosen to ensure:

• Speed – the project had to be completed in a very tight frame. Offsite construction enabled this project to be completed much faster than using traditional construction methods. With work in the factory and on site happening simultaneously the construction programme was streamlined and the classroom facilities were fully operational within 24 weeks.

• Quality – zero tolerance on defects means that products leaving the factory were met with strict
quality standards, operating on a right first-time approach.

• Minimal Disruption – offsite construction means less time on site, therefore reducing noise, making it a cleaner project, that is safer and less congested. As this site was on LIVE school bounded by residential properties and deliveries were restricted access due to the site having a local Garda Station/ Courthouse nearby, minimising disruption and careful traffic planning was paramount. 70-80% of each module had been completed offsite, with just 12 weeks onsite to finish the project.

• Sustainability Features – McAvoy buildings are designed to minimise impact on the environment at every stage, with low running costs, ease
of remodelling and inherent recyclability. The classroom facility had air sourced heat pumps, Solar Panels fitted to the roof area and Rainwater
harvesting using underground water storage tanks.

Project Challenges

This project is one of a number schemes that McAvoy delivered for the Department of Education & Skills during the Coronavirus pandemic. Despite the challenges of various restrictions during this period and a challenging programme the project was completed on time and within budget.

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