Irish building magazine issue 4 2014

Irish building The Business Magazine for Building Professionals

Distilling Excellence at Tullamore Interview - Tom Parlon & Hank Fogarty Building BIM Public Works Contracts review

Issue 4 - 2014

Contents Special Focus

INFORMATION 17 BUILDING MODELLING BIM

Building Information Modelling or (BIM) is changing the way the industry operates.

We discuss these changes with some of Ireland’s Leading Construction Companies

Cover Story: Tullamore Dew Distillery Page 41

News

2

NEWS ROUND UP A round up of recent events and industry news stories including company, in brief & Editors comment.

6 8

/ COSTX 28 EXACTAL What are the practical,

nuts and bolts considerations that companies need to examine before adopting BIM? Simon Lovegrove, Exactal UK & Europe Director explains.

BY VIEWPOINT 29 4OnPROJECTS 31 May, 2011, the UK Government

Construction Strategy announced the intention to mandate collaborative 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a minimum requirement by 2016. Since then, has the reality on the ground in the UK matched the rhetoric?

Experts & Analysis

LEGAL FILE Arthur Cox Solicitors - The Do’s and Don’ts of Dealing with Inspectors and Accident Investigations.

GEOSYSTEMS 30 LEICA Designers and engineers often lament when two, seemingly disparate, industries are lumped together for the first time. Not so with BIM and 3D High Definition Surveying (HDS) from Leica Geosystems.

SURETY BONDS Bond Your Activity but Protect Your Company, with Colm McGrath.

SURVEYS 31 MURPHY INTERVIEWS Murphy Surveys has grown over the last 30 10 CIF Tom Parlon & Hank Fogarty in conversation with Irish Building following the CIF Annual Conference 2014.

WORKS CONTRACT 12 PUBLIC The government is reviewing

its public procurement contracts, less than 10 years after they were introduced. Irish Building reports.

years from a small, family-run business to the largest survey company in Ireland.

CITA Page 39

Features

STORY 41 COVER TULLAMORE DEW

The opening of the €35m Tullamore Distillery in Co Offaly marks more than the start of a new chapter in the life of the Tullamore DEW brand, it also represents much more than that. Irish Building visits this state-of-the-art facility.

50 FENESTRAPRO Established in 2012 by Simon Whelan

and Dave Palmer, FenestraPro is early stage design software that lets architects design non-domestic facades for more energy efficient buildings quicker, accurately and more cost effectively.

- ARC CINEMA 53 DROGHEDA Building a cinema on top of a

live shopping centre was no mean feat for both Manley Construction and Lafferty Architects. Irish Building speaks with the architect and main contractor behind this state-of-the-art project.

MANUFACTURERS 55 CEMENT IRELAND (CMI)

At a key juncture for the Irish economy and its future sustainable development, Cement Manufacturers Ireland (CMI) have committed to achieving a landmark transition to 50% low carbon alternative fuels by 2017. Irish Building looks at this feat of engineering.

FOR THE SME ARCHITECT BUILD 2015 33 BIM 55 LONDON Irish Building speaks with two SME Architects An exciting new Expo will hit London who are finding that BIM is helping them to work smarter and deliver better projects to their clients.

35 ARCDOX The benefits of BIM to design, construction 14 NAMA The National Asset Management Agency and operations of buildings are well is emerging as a major player in the construction industry and the housing market in particular, Frank Daly in conversation.

Contents

documented, but are project teams actually achieving these benefits in practice?

36

TEKLA International BIM project review. The innovative Fondation Louis Vuitton has not only been a step ahead in design but also within the planning and construction process of a build.

37 SOLUIS With a large proportion of clients coming

from the construction sector, Soluis has a dedicated studio team who are well acquainted with the complexities of the building industry.

39 CITA To coincide with Science Week, CITA are

hosting a unique opportunity to hear in person from some of the world’s foremost experts on Building Information Modelling at the Clyde Court Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 on Friday 14th November.

in 2015 on June 18th and 19th at the O2 Arena. Irish Building takes a look at what’s in store.

Irish building The Business Magazine for Building Professionals

Marketing Director: Colin Walsh Features Editor: Cian Molloy Administration Manager: Noelette Walsh Cover Design & Production: DN Design All Enquiries Tel: 01 442 9264 colinwalsh@irishbuildingmagaine.ie www.irishbuildingmagazine.ie Subscription Rate: €65.00 RoI Irish Building Magazine is published by

National & International Publications Ltd 1 Windsor Mews, Summerhill Parade, Sandycove, Co. Dublin.

The contents of this publication are subject to copyright laws and may not be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the publishers. The views expressed in articles do not necessarily represent those of the publishers.

Printed by W&G Baird

1

Irish Building Magazine

News FenestraPro Ranked as Top 30 Semi-Finalist in Global Cleantech Awards FenestraPro, a provider of software that enables energy efficient facade design, is proud to announce its inclusion in the Top 30 for the Global Cleantech Cluster Association (GCCA) 2014 Later Stage Awards.

The prestigious Top 30 consist of mid-to latestage companies that originate from a variety of cleantech industries and have a proven track record in their home market, with the goal to expand internationally. FenestraPro, one of only two Irish companies in the Top 30, are nominated in the ‘Green Building’ category. The full list of 2014 Award Nominations can be found at: http://www.globalcleantech.org/awards/2014awards/ “The 2014 Global Top 30 companies exhibit market strength, breakthrough innovation, and a competitive position for growth,” said Dr. Peter Adriaens, Head Judge of the GCCA Later Stage Awards and CEO of the KeyStone Compact Group Ltd, a global strategy and investment-level business analytics company.

buildings and reduce the carbon footprint of new and existing buildings dramatically”.

FenestraPro is nominated by Dublin’s Cleantech Cluster, The Greenway, an initiative founded

by Dublin City Council, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin City University and the Dublin Airport Authority amongst others, to develop an internationally recognised green economic zone in Dublin.

The GCCA Later Stage Awards ceremony will be held on December 3, 2014 at the CleanTech Investing Seminar in Lausanne, Switzerland where winners for each category and the overall winner will be announced.

Diatec & Amicus Technology merge to form Ireland’s largest Autodesk Gold Partner Diatec & Amicus Technology are delighted to announce the launch of a new strategic partnership which sees two of Ireland’s leading Autodesk software, training and consultancy providers combine resources in a new company – Diatec Amicus Technology.

The company, which is part of the Diatec Group, combines the strengths of both organisations into one team, providing customers with access to more support resources and a broader range of products Mark Green & David Harpur

Pictured L-R are FenestraPro co-Founders David Palmer & Simon Whelan.

“Determining the nominations from over 100 to 30 follows a competitive and robust analytic process,” Dr. Adriaens said. “The Top 30 represents some of the world’s most esteemed cleantech companies based on potential investability in their various cleantech industry sectors.”

FenestraPro provides software that enables building designers to design more energy efficient nondomestic building façades more cost effectively “We are delighted to be nominated in the ‘Green Building’ category of the Cleantech Awards,” said David Palmer co-founder and CEO of FenestraPro. “It is a recognition of the importance of innovative software in the area of environmental building design to improve energy efficiency and produce near zero energy new and refurbished buildings.”

According to co-founder and COO Simon Whelan, “By leveraging the emergence of Building Information Modelling (BIM), FenestraPro will ensure that designers can conceive better performing

and services across a wider geographical area.

The complementary product expertise and process capabilities of the two companies creates an even stronger partnership and makes Diatec Amicus Technology the largest Autodesk Gold partner in Ireland with both the capacity and capability to supply a broader range of product solutions, enhanced support, training and consultancy in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Civil Infrastructure & GIS. Diatec Amicus Technology now has much more to offer their customers through their partnerships with global IT companies. As a HP Gold partner the company provides certified Autodesk workstations & HP Designjet printers, while their VMware & Microsoft partnerships enhances the firms premise & cloud IT offerings.

Whether you have worked with Diatec or Amicus Technology for many years or are just beginning a working relationship with the company, Diatec Amicus Technology are committed to enhancing their customers experience through augmentation of their technical services & leveraging each company’s best practices in quality, delivery and service. http://www.diatec.ie/news.html

Customers continue to choose Tec7

T

ec7 has become the Number 1 choice for the trade person and DIY enthusiasts because they know “It gets the job done first time every time” EVEN UNDER WATER Because of its overall strength, flexibility, sealing and mounting quality, customers know that Tec7 sticks to almost all building materials, including most plastics and with each cartridge containing 310ml of product, they are getting better value compared to most other MS Polymer’s on the market.

With customers expecting high quality from the Tec7 range of products, The all New introduced last September as part of the range is no exception.

The range is well renowned for being: Better Value, Extra Product, Stronger and Trusted.

This Unique All Purpose fast acting Foam Spray Cleaner is ideal for professional use, for cleaning up after any job, on tiles, counter tops, glass to name just a few along with being perfect around the house on windows, cooker hobs, shower doors, stainless steel and mirrors as it does not contain any abrasives, it will even remove nicotine or pencils marks from a wide variety of materials. Multi-Clean7 is also ideal for cleaning your car, on dashboards, carpets or fabrics without leaving any traces.

To see just how good this and our full range of products are, please contact Contech Buildings Products on 01 6292963 or simply log on to our website www.tec7.ie or join us on Facebook.

Tell us and we will tell everyone else!

I

f your company is moving, shaking or you just cant keep your latest development to yourself, let us know and Irish Building Magazine will deliver your message to Ireland’s key decision makers in the building sector. With more than 21 years connecting our industry we are the number one choice for getting your message heard. To discuss how we can be of assistance please contact: Colin Walsh on 01 4429264 or email colinwalsh@irishbuildingmagazine.ie

Leading energy saving green tech’ company Powerstar launches in Ireland

P

owerstar, the global market leading voltage optimisation system, is now available in Ireland following a distributor agreement with leading Irish energy solutions company Powerstar Voltage Limited. Powerstar is developing a market presence in a number of new international territories - the company also recently signed agreements with distributors on the East Coast of America.

Headed by Gerry Corrigan, Powerstar Voltage Ltd. is identifying strategic energy efficiency opportunities across Ireland, by capitalising on the Irish Government’s policy to reduce energy consumption by 20%, with the implementation of energy efficiency measures, by 2020.

Recognising that Government must lead by example, it is, at the same time, challenging public sector procurement departments to achieve a 33% reduction in energy usage in the same time frame.

“With these targets at the forefront of many strategic energy plans, the demand from companies and public sector organisation alike for the Powerstar range of products has never been greater. The reaction from customers, when they are presented with the potential savings they can achieve is extremely positive”, said Gerry Corrigan.

Voltage in Ireland is on average supplied at 242V by the National Grid, however only 230V is required by modern equipment and appliances.

Powerstar’s innovative products reduce the

voltage coming into a building or site to the optimum level. Average electricity consumption savings of 12% to 15% can be achieved by installing Powerstar solutions.

At the same time, Powerstar products reduce harmonics and maintenance requirements, extending the life span of appliances.

Powerstar voltage optimisation systems, have been designed and manufactured in the UK for over 13 years and are the only systems in the world to be granted a patent on their design. Powerstar boasts 100% reliability with no recorded failures across thousands of installations globally, offering a secure, proven and reliable solution for businesses in Ireland.

L-R Gerry Corrigan with Jim Tonks, Powerstar product development engineer.

CIF expresses dismay over latest Construction Contracts Act delay The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has expressed their “complete dismay” that the implementation of the Construction Contracts Act faces further delay after the Government transferred responsibility for the legislation. The CIF has warned that the ongoing delays with the legislation are jeopardising the future of some Irish contractors and the jobs they provide.

The Construction Contracts Act provides certainty of payments to contractors in the construction industry.

It removes the possibility of payments being withheld for extended period of time, an issue which the CIF warns is an ongoing problem in the industry.

“On a daily basis the CIF is contacted by contractors seeking assistance over non payment of fees,” said CIF Director General Tom Parlon. “This is becoming a growing problem in the industry and it is generating real hardship for some contractors. The Government has the power to put a stop to this by implementing the legislation, but there is no sign as to when this will actually happen.

“This legislation was originally introduced to the Oireachtas on 10th May 2010 by Senator Feargal Quinn. That was 1,625 days ago. After receiving cross party support the legislation was signed into law by President Higgins on 29th July 2013. Yet 449 days after that date the Government has basically done nothing to ensure this legislation takes effect.

“We are completely dismayed by the ongoing delays.

We have received several assurances that this legislation would take effect by a certain date and yet none of those dates have been met. The most recent suggestion is that we will have to wait until spring next year. But in their latest statement the Government is already watering down that possibility saying “With a tightly managed timeline it is expected that the new service will be fully operational, and the Act

commenced by Spring 2015.” That looks like the Government is already preparing to miss yet another expected commencement date.

“Bear in mind that the Government themselves had committed in their Construction 2020 strategy for the construction industry to complete the implementation of the Construction Contracts Act by Q2 2014. It now looks like they will be at least a year behind their own target.

“The fact that the various Departments keep dragging their heels on this issue is really hitting the industry and costing jobs. The Government now needs to publicly state a date for when this legislation will commence and stick to it. Otherwise the continued uncertainty is going to create more problems in the industry and will ultimately lead to more contractors going out of business,” Mr. Parlon concluded.

News

Comment Hello Minister!

Described as “the long awaited Minister for Construction” by the CIF, Minister for Housing, Planning and the Construction 2020 Strategy Paudie Coffey has a lot of work ahead of him. He has been tasked with developing and growing the sector which includes helping to create thousands of jobs and spurring on economic activity in towns and villages throughout the country. If he fulfils his role and actually does become a ‘Minister for Construction’ not just in name but through his actions, he will provide a much-needed boost for the industry while ensuring the country’s most lucrative sector is appropriately represented in government.

The CIF also has a lot to shout about right now. As well as welcoming a designated ‘construction’ Minister, the Federation recently launched its ‘register of builders’. Called the Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI), the new register includes main contractors, builders, specialists, sub-contractors and sole traders of all sizes. The register is operating on a voluntary basis for now but will move to a statutory footing next year. Established to restore the industry’s good reputation, the register will only include firms who meet a stringent set of criteria; according to Chairman Hank Fogarty, it’s not a simple matter of ‘you know me so I should be included’. “The criteria must be met by every applicant and if they’re not, we have no problem in saying no.”

Along with Budget 2015 announcements in relation to increased capital spending, there’s a feeling of positivity about the sector at the moment. Initiatives like the register and the appointment of Paudie Coffey are optimistic indicators for the coming year and beyond.

3

Irish Building Magazine

News

Call for entries to The Irish Concrete Kilsaran acquires Society’s 33rd Annual Awards Cemex operating he Irish Concrete Society is seeking entries to in a sustainable context. Nominations should include its 33rd Annual Awards scheme. The Awards a brief description of the contribution of concrete in T assets in Ireland Scheme which was established in 1979 seeks to this regard. acknowledge construction achievements in which concrete contributes significantly to the built environment.

The scheme invites entries in three main categories: Building; Infrastructure; Elemental. An independent jury, appointed by Council, assesses the entries and selects winners in each category. An Awards Evening is held each spring to present the awards and is well attended by a good cross section of the industry.

In addition, Award winners have been entered in the European Concrete Societies Network (ECSN) Award scheme and some Irish entries have featured among the winners and Special Mentions.

The society also presents an international award which recognises Irish firms delivering excellence in concrete on a international stage - entries for this award will occur later this year.

There will be one overall winner chosen with category winners in the other sections. The jury will consider awarding special recognition for the use of concrete

Nominations for the Award may be made by clients, architects, consulting engineers, material suppliers, contractors or others directly involved with the project. Entries must refer to completed work, located in Ireland, which commenced after January 2011.

Adjudication will be carried out by an independent jury convened by the Council of the Society.

Award winners will be entered in the European Concrete Societies Network Award scheme where various Irish entries have been successful in recent years. Completed application forms must be returned to the Irish Concrete Society, Platin, Drogheda, Co Louth before the end of November 2014. Application forms may be downloaded from www.concrete.ie.

The Irish Concrete Society also has an International Award, which recognises Irish companies delivering excellence in concrete on an international stage.

Entries for this award will be sought later this year.

For more information, contact 041 9876466 or email secretary@concrete.ie

Freefoam launch increased range of Geopanel colours

F

reefoam Building Products, a leading manufacturer of PVC building products for the Irish, UK and Mainland European markets, announce the launch of new colours to its popular Geopanel internal panelling range. Following feedback from customers the new colours include Grey, Blue, Green and Beige Marble and a stunning Red Diamond Stone and Travertine Diamond Stone.

The Geopanel interior decorative panelling system includes both a standard 250mm panel for walls and ceilings and a one metre wide panel perfect for showers.

The high gloss tongue and groove PVC panels are available in contemporary and traditional shades with matching finishing trims in white or silver to ensure a clean professional finish.

The 100% waterproof PVC core makes Geopanel ideal for all areas including bathrooms, kitchens, conservatories, offices, extensions and utility rooms.

Geopanel decorative panels offer significant benefits to the construction industry.

Time is money and Geo-panel saves time with its quick and easy fit - no drying time and grouting necessary -

allowing installers to often complete a job from start to finish within one day.

Aidan Harte, Managing Director “We’ve seen significant growth in this product over the last 12 months and now is the right time to extend the range giving customers more choice. Internal panelling offers our customers a new marketing opportunity, targeting hotels, guest houses, leisure facilities and homeowners all of whom can realise significant benefits from its quick and easy installation and low maintenance credentials.”

For further information, brochures and samples contact Freefoam sales on 021 496 6311, email: sales@freefoam.com and visit online at www.freefoam.com

K

ilsaran International have announced the acquisition of a number of major Cemex operating assets in the Republic of Ireland.

This positions Kilsaran as a national player in the Concrete, Blocks and Aggregates Business’ in Ireland and also supports continued growth in the Paving, Walling and Dry Products divisions of the company.

The acquisition, which will see Kilsaran expand its reach way beyond its Leinster origins, is a welcome addition to the company’s ever expanding geographic spread of plants and quarries nationwide. Celebrating 50 years in business this year Kilsaran was founded in 1964 by the late Patrick McKeown in the village of Kilsaran in County Louth. Over the years Kilsaran International has grown considerably to become Ireland’s largest independent maker of a range of concrete products. This familyowned and run business is quite literally Irish from the ground up, mining raw materials from its own quarries before making superior quality paving and walling, tarmac and asphalt materials, pre-mixed mortars, renders, screeds, external wall insulation and, of course, ready-mixed concrete and blocks at its own manufacturing facilities.

Kilsaran have secured ownership of Cemex plants in Cork, Tipperary, Limerick, Waterford, Wexford, Portlaoise, Ballinakill, Castletown, Duleek, and Dublin adding greatly to the existing portfolio. These additional locations expand the reach capabilities of the company from north Louth, across the midlands down to the entire south east and south west of the country. David McKeown, Sales Director of Kilsaran International has expressed the company’s delight at finally being able to spread both the production and supply capabilities of the company into these new geographic locations. Expansion in into these new areas also means an enhanced supply capacity for Kilsaran’s paving and dry products divisions.

Kilsaran looks forward to working with new and old customers alike in the newly acquired plants over the coming months.

News

International Concrete Design Competition shows the elegance of concrete in cutting-edge design

T

he prestigious International Concrete Design Competition for students took place in Ireland for the first time in August and highlighted the innovative use of locally-sourced concrete as a technology and a material in cutting-edge design.

Hosted by UCD and sponsored by Cement Manufacturers Ireland, this year’s event saw twenty five nationally chosen laureates from Germany, Turkey, Belgium and the Netherlands join five students from Irish universities to participate in the week-long workshop. This year’s theme for the competition and workshop was ‘Elegance – exploring intelligent solutions’. Central to this concept is the evolving use of concrete as an architectural medium that is increasing design and performance possibilities for architects, designers and engineers.

The participating students were challenged to work as a group to utilise expert global knowledge in the application of local materials. The students took ownership of the challenge, and using experimental formwork and design methods, produced a number of visually striking outdoor benches. These group projects exposed the students to advances in structural systems, surface treatments and concrete properties, amongst others, that can be applied and scaled-up by these students in their future careers.

This theme of elegance was explored in a week-

long programme of workshops and lectures with School of Architecture stated “The energy, creativity international industry, academic and design experts. and innovation shown by participating students this These included Gregor Zimmermann, a specialist in week was a joy to be associated with. From diverse high-performance concrete, architect and engineer backgrounds, the students quickly began operating as Laurent Ney and Diederik Veenendaal, a building teams to explore advanced concepts and processes engineer specialising in innovative and complex with concrete – as evidenced by the outstanding structural designs using fabric formwork. A number group projects on display. These students have shown of public lectures also formed part of the week-long how concrete facilitates expression and intelligent solutions that are elegant and which offer potential event.

Speaking after the event, Jim Mintern, Chairman of to architects, designers and engineers in wider Cement Manufacturers Ireland said, “We are proud applications.” Further details are available at to be associated with the first hosting of this event www.concretedesigncompetition.com in Ireland and would like to congratulate all involved in this hugely successful week - especially the participating students and the UCD staff.

Using locally-sourced materials, these students have created benches that are both visually striking and functional encapsulating the theme of elegance and intelligent solutions.” Dr Elizabeth Photographed at the event were students (LtoR) Michael Wagner, Merle van Marissing, Simon Shotton, Head of Research Treml and Sergio Luque Lopez with a bench they designed to illustrate the use of concrete as a and Innovation in the UCD material in cutting-edge design.

5

Irish Building Magazine

Legal File

The Do’s and Don’ts of Dealing with Inspectors and Accident Investigations Having a plan of action and knowing the correct procedures to follow are vital when it come to dealing with accident investigations and inspectors in the workplace. Peter Bredin, a Senior Associate at the Arthur Cox Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group discusses the do’s and the don’ts.

‘In all cases that are reportable, the HSA must be informed as soon as practicable, and the HSA prefers notification to occur online. The description of any accident on the notification should be as factual as possible. Failure to report is an offence’ Peter Bredin, Senior Associate Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group Arthur Cox peter.bredin@arthurcox.com Arthur Cox, Earlsfort Centre Earlsfort Terrace Dublin 2 www.arthurcox.com t: +353 (0)1 618 0000

A

ccident Protocol: A comprehensive accident protocol is of great assistance in dealing with an accident at the workplace. It is also a legal requirement under section 11 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 for every employer to have adequate plans and procedures to be followed and measures to be taken in the case of an emergency or serious and imminent danger. The Act also requires an employer to revise such plans and it would be prudent to consider now whether you need to revise your existing plan, to take into account any changes to the nature of the work or the workplace since the plan was drawn up or last revised.

The plan must meet the requirements of section 11, which provides for: first aid, fire-fighting and evacuation procedures; details of the local emergency services and procedures for contacting them; designation of employees to implement the plan; training and provision of appropriate equipment for those employees.

The plan must be specific, taking into account the nature of the work, the size of the workplace, and the hazards relating to that workplace. The plan must also comply with any requirements particular to the workplace, for example under an Industrial Emissions Directive Licence if applicable. In addition, an effective accident protocol should clearly identify points of contact and responsibility within the company for liaising with the Health and Safety Authority (“HSA”), and the Gardaí, as well as managing both internal and external communications.

Immediate Aftermath Obviously, the first concern will be to care for the injured person and to minimise the risk of further injury. Employees should be instructed to stop work and leave the workplace and must not be required to carry out or resume work where the danger still exists.

There are strict requirements for the reporting of accidents to the HSA. The employer is responsible for such notification. If a death has occurred, the HSA must be notified by the quickest practicable means. In all cases that are reportable, the HSA must be informed as soon as practicable, and the HSA prefers notification to occur online. The description of any accident on the notification should be as factual as possible. Failure to report is an offence.

Peter Bredin

The Investigation For effective management of the situation post-accident, it is preferable to have one senior person who is designated to coordinate the response. If it is necessary to have more than one designated person, each such person’s responsibilities should be clearly identified. For example, one might deal with the HSA and Gardaí, another might be responsible for contact with the victim’s family and the media. Frequent contact between those persons will be of benefit. All employees should be informed as to who the designated person is. Subject to the obligation to respond to an inspector’s questions (addressed below), it is preferable for only the designated persons to communicate with the inspector.

HSA inspectors have extremely broad powers but these are not unlimited. These powers are set out in section 64 of the Act. The powers include entering the workplace, questioning any person, removing or copying records, directing that a place be left undisturbed, and taking photographs and measurements.

The inspector will wish to carry out interviews with employees and/or other witnesses. The designated person should coordinate these interviews. If necessary, the inspector should be asked to allow persons sufficient time in advance of an interview to gather his/her thoughts. Be mindful however of the obligation not to obstruct or delay an inspector from exercising his/her functions.

You should not coach an interviewee. It is an offence to prevent or attempt to prevent a person from answering an inspector’s questions.

Statements may be taken by the inspector either voluntarily or under caution. A caution signals that the interviewee is suspected of wrongdoing and may be prosecuted. It may be

Legal File

prudent for interviewees to be offered legal advice before attending for interview, particularly if the interview will be under caution. Consideration should be given to whether the employee will need his or her own legal representation if there is potential for a conflict between the company and the employee, and you may wish to consider if the company will pay for this.

The most significant issue on which legal advice may be required is the privilege against self-incrimination. The interviewee has a duty to respond to the inspector’s questions, and to do so truthfully. The exception to the obligation to respond arises under section 64(9) where the response would incriminate that person (i.e. the interviewee). Incrimination of another person, such as the employer or a fellow employee, is not a valid reason to refuse to respond to a question.

Following the interview, the interviewee may be asked to sign a written statement. The interviewee should ask for time to carefully consider this statement before signing it, to ensure it is completely accurate, as it is an offence to declare something which is false or misleading. The interviewee should also request a copy of the signed statement.

Documents While employers are entitled to have an appropriate document destruction policy, any scheduled destruction of documents should be suspended pending the outcome of an accident investigation.

Following an accident, an employer should be very careful about the creation of any new records relating to the accident.

Consider whether a document is needed before creating it.

Remember that text messages and emails are “documents” which an inspector may obtain.

Legal advice privilege and litigation privilege might apply to certain documents depending on the contents and purpose of the document. If privilege attaches to a document at all, such privilege as exists may be waived or lost inadvertently.

The following tips may be useful in ensuring that a claim to privilege withstands challenge: Mark the document “privileged and confidential”; Limit circulation of the document to your lawyer only, if possible; Include a request for legal advice; Do not quote from legal advice in another document.

Prohibition and Improvement Notices Following an accident the employer may be served with an improvement notice or a prohibition notice. Such notices could have profound implications for the business. An employer wishing to appeal should seek urgent legal advice

as there are strict time limits of 14 days and 7 days for appeals of improvement notices and prohibition notices, respectively.

Additional Considerations Employees – employees who have witnessed an accident may benefit from counselling. Further training of staff may be required to prevent a similar accident occurring.

Lessons learned – a further risk assessment may be needed in light of the accident to prevent a similar accident occurring, and the safety statement may have to be updated.

Insurance – your insurance policy may require you to notify your insurer of circumstances which might give rise to a claim.

Check your policy and consult with your insurance broker if in any doubt about your notification obligations.

Public relations – the communications which take place following an accident may have significant implications for the reputation of your business, and consideration should therefore be given to engaging PR consultants.

Conclusion

No-one wants to have to think about an accident happening in their organisation. However, accidents do, unfortunately happen, and having an effective accident protocol in place will equip you to deal with the consequences, should an accident occur. r

‘Your insurance policy may require you to notify your insurer of circumstances which might give rise to a claim.

Check your policy and consult with your insurance broker if in any doubt about your notification obligations’

This article contains a general summary of developments and is not a complete or definitive statement of the law. Specific legal advice should be obtained where appropriate.

7

Irish Building Magazine

Surety Bonds

“ B o n d Yo u r A c t i v i t y b u t P r o t e c t Yo u r Company” The Construction industry has now seen its’ eleventh successive month of expansion and the fastest rate of growth in recent months, according to the latest tracking data. While this is all positive, we have seen from recent history that construction firms are not too big to fail, even those with high turnovers of hundreds of millions.

M

ost contractors are, by nature, driven to grow their business. They want to build the biggest job or perform the largest volumes of work they can. Many buy into the “if you’re not growing, you’re dying” mentality.

Part of that expectation is the belief that profits will grow along with revenues and in construction this is often not the case.

Additionally, contractors often are rapid decision-makers, by virtue of their business, and can sometimes act too quickly when a more considered approach is needed.

Most leaders in the construction industry come from the operations side of the business. While this is a critical background for a construction leader, the CEO’s job is to run the business, not the projects. Too strong a focus on winning projects at all costs can be damaging to the business in the long run, because getting the next project can overshadow all other considerations frequently leading to taking the wrong job for the wrong reasons.

As construction is a high-risk industry, it is not surprising that those who venture into this business are accepting of the inherent risks and their companies are built on a premise of taking risk.

Many people outside the industry consider it crazy that contractors would assume such risk, compared to the low margins gained. Yet, the people running construction companies don’t see it that way.

Instead, they go for it and thrive on it. Many will sign personally for bank loans and bond guarantees thinking it is “no big deal”, they believe they can control the risks.

Risk and reward come hand in hand. But the contractor is placed in the middle of a scenario where he is not in full control, for instance there are market forces, rising costs, labour market issues and the banking crisis to content with – not to mention getting paid. These risks haunt every participant in the business, but construction is not for the faint-hearted.

The Project owner, construction companies, consultants, bankers, sureties, vendors, suppliers and even the service providers, each

‘Reserving is a critical

area that affects the long-term sustainability

of a contractor, but

understandably lack of reserving is caused by

corporate demands and often the personal demands of the directors’

has his own fears of facing risks in the conduct of business. The magnitude of the risks is indeterminate at times. What needs to be determined is: • The proportion of real versus perceived risks.

• The monetary quantification of risks.

• The real import and the impact of a type of risk.

Many contractors don’t give the financial side of the business the attention it deserves. Lack of financial discipline and fiduciary concerns are often not part of strategic thinking. For example, at some firms the financial people aren’t involved in decision-making; instead, they are relegated to bookkeeper status, with the thinking that the only real work of a construction business is construction. In addition, companies that do not maintain adequate capital reserves are running on the razor’s edge, one misstep can cause them to fall into a cycle of failure. Reserving is a critical area that affects the long-term sustainability of a contractor, but understandably lack of reserving is caused by corporate demands and often the personal demands of the directors. It is dangerous territory.

Half of the total construction activity that took place in Ireland in 2013 was carried out on public contracts, amounting to a combined value of around €4bn. One major issue with public procurement contracts under this Department of Finance document “Value for Money and Policy Review of the Construction Procurement Reform Initiative” is that the lowest price, no matter how low, wins. This drive for value has created a race to the bottom with margins at 1-2% or below. This is unsustainable and leads only to a lose–lose situation for all parties concerned. As the work being performed uses public funds, such funds are at risk, depending on the capability of the contractor performing the work. Therefore most, if not all, public agencies have turned to bonding as a means of protecting tax payer money. In this regard a contractor’s bonding capacity is critical to winning public contracts and in turn their financial strength and fiduciary strategy helps them get their bonds.

Sureties are able to accept the risk of contractor failure based on the results of a thorough, rigorous and professional process in which sureties pre-qualify the contractor. The prequalification process is an in-depth look at the contractor’s business operations.

Surety Bonds provider goes into liquidation. To place bonds with a non-regulated entity is a risk not to be taken lightly. The time and complexity to have these guarantees released (the liquidator may have a floating charge against the company and a charge on book debts), while the liquidator resolves outstanding issues will have a negative effect on a contractors credit line, bonding capacity, its’ credit rating and in-turn its ability to trade.

In conclusion the message from the market is for contractors to get their finances in order, improve their understanding of bonds, take the process seriously and then they will be taken seriously.

There are new entrants to the market but they are not there as provider of last resort, or to provide solutions for overly-distressed balance sheets. The days of 1%-3% bonding rates are also gone, new entrants are going to look for an increased rate for taking on risk. Contractors who want to be ahead of the game and have a competitive advantage need to face these new realities in order to reap the rewards in the long term.

Surety Bonds is Ireland’s only specialist surety & bonds intermediary. The company was set up as many of the banks and insurers moved to reduce their exposure. Surety Bonds realised that in order to do bonds successfully as a broker, they had to specialise. As surety specialists they represent a large selection of sureties (insurance companies who provide bonds) and the real benefit to the client is that they have access to them all, they help to fit their client and the needs of their principal with the

The best advice is to know the provider you are dealing with; get their financials, rating and regulatory status. In the past twelve months three non-regulated private sureties have closed, two in Switzerland and one in the West Indies, leaving a trail of financial turmoil in Ireland and elsewhere.’

Colm McGrath.

Before issuing a bond the surety company must be fully satisfied that the contractor has, among other criteria: • • • • • •

Good references and reputation The ability to meet current and future obligations The experience matching the contract requirements The financial strength to support the completion of the contract A good-to-excellent credit history An established bank relationship and line of credit

WHY IS BONDING CAPACITY STILL AN ISSUE? There are some major external economic factors at play. The sector had contracted, balance sheets are only beginning to improve, so financially things are not quite right yet. “Ireland Inc’s” past has not been forgotten and our international reputation is only starting to recover. Surety providers have a reduced capacity in the reinsurance market, as they use this market to lay off a portion of their risk, this area will not see recovery until market conditions improve.

On the flip side, while there are alternative markets which will provide bonds, generally they are not acceptable for government contracts. To protect your business and your contract, similar due diligence should be carried out on your surety provider and their reputation and solvency. The best advice is to know the provider you are dealing with; get their financials, rating and regulatory status. In the past twelve months three non-regulated private sureties have closed, two in Switzerland and one in the West Indies, leaving a trail of financial turmoil in Ireland and elsewhere.

If a contractor decides to deal with an entity outside of the EU, then they should take precautions to protect themselves against the failure of the surety. Financial implications could be not just the premium paid, but also if cash collateral is required make sure it is retained in escrow within your own jurisdiction and with a trusted advisor. Do not provide personal guarantees unless there is a release clause. If you must sign a corporate counter indemnity there should be a similar release clause in the instance the surety

right surety provider. Surety Bonds is a sister company of Brady Insurance, a general insurance brokerage established in 1959, see www.bradyinsurance.ie for more information. Colm McGrath is the Managing Director of Surety Bonds, and they are based in Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim. Surety Bonds is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

The experience and expertise within the company helps reduce much of the hassle out of obtaining bonds, as Surety Bonds deal with all regulated providers of bonds and financial guarantees. Given that not all providers will be interested in every enquiry, Surety Bonds knowledge allows them to target those companies and underwriters who they know will be interested in offering terms. This saves the client or broker valuable time and usually enables them to obtain terms quite speedily. r

Colm McGrath, Managing Director, Surety Bonds An independent bonding intermediary.

Surety Bonds, Insurance House, Main Street, Carrick on Shannnon, Co. Leitrim.

T: 071 9623228 E: bonds@suretybonds.ie www. suretybonds.ie

9

Irish Building Magazine

CIF

CIF - Guiding the industry forward There’s lots going on at the CIF at the moment. A Register of Builders has been established, the aim of which is to distinguish progressive and compliant construction companies from those who have given the industry a bad name. A new ‘Construction Minister’ has been welcomed by the Federation; Paudie Coffey was recently announced Minister of State with responsibility for Housing, Planning and the Coordination of the Construction 2020 Strategy and it’s hoped his appointment is a clear statement by the government of the importance they attribute to the industry.

T

Tom Parlon, CIF Director General

‘The CSO figures show that in the second quarter of this year we had 106,300 jobs in construction, 400 up on the previous quarter. That’s fairly substantial, steady growth’, Tom Parlon, CIF Director General

he announcement of a €2.2 billion social housing spend in the Budget has also been very well received – the first time overall capital spending has increased since the austerity budgets began - it is hoped this will provide a huge amount of work for the industry and create thousands of jobs.

It may not be all good news (it’s expected that the low level of housing supply will continue based on the lack of measures announced in the Budget 2015) but the addition of initiatives like the register can only improve how construction companies operate. Hank Fogarty is Chairman of the Construction Industry Registration Board.

“A register has been talked about in the CIF for a couple of decades but it was only last year that the Department of the Environment came to us with a proposal, asking if we’d be involved with a voluntary register. The aim is that it will become statutory in 2015 so it’s going to be very important for Irish firms to be a member.” Essentially, the register is an official list of contractors who supply construction services to the industry. To be included, firms must fulfil a stringent set of criteria such as being able to demonstrate they have construction competence and experience, adhering to an industry Code of the Ethics and Obligations, committing to undertaking continuous professional development (CPD) and obeying all the latest building standards and regulations.

Contractors are also obliged to attend a CIRI induction course before they qualify for inclusion. “The registration process is not a simple thing. It’s not a simple matter of ‘you know me so I should be included’. The criteria must be met by every applicant and if they’re not, we have no problem in saying no.”

The danger of builders opting to self-certify will be wiped out by the new register and new regulations that call for an assigned certifier to declare whether a building adheres to

the regulations or not. “The combination of the assigned certifier regime, changes to the regs and the establishment of the register will have a profound impact on the way in which buildings are constructed in future.”

A disregard for regulations and correct procedures has led to the creation of the register. “In all my life in construction I’ve found people to be honest and committed to producing the highest quality buildings. But when the pressure came on to finish buildings in the boom times, certain people were prepared to drop standards. That should never have happened.

Part of the aim of the register is to ensure that it never happens again. There will be sanctions for those who breach regulations and those people will not be on the register. We need to restore that good reputation that we once had.”

What the CIF and the board of the Construction Industry Registration Board are trying to do is improve efficiencies in the industry and highlight the competence and experience of Irish contractors. Not aiming to join the register would, according to Fogarty, be the equivalent of not seeing a future for yourself in the industry. “There are compelling reasons as to why people should be involved with the register. We need to get the message out there that Irish contractors should be shouting about their strengths. We’re very poor at trumpeting what we do in this country. You can certainly say that the construction industry makes a valuable contribution to society.

Those very bad examples that were highlighted during the boom times are very few. We had a once proud industry and it should still be a proud industry.”

Budget 2015 and the recently announced increase in overall capital spending budget (with additional funding for schools also announced), has been welcomed by CIF Director General Tom Parlon. The next step will be details on what projects will be involved in the funding and when they are expected to begin. For 2014, the value of the industry has been put at €10 billion and according to Tom, there’s a very simple benchmark in relation to jobs in the industry and what it’s worth; each billion accounts for about 10,000 jobs. “The CSO

CIF figures show that in the second quarter of this year we had 106,300 jobs in construction, 400 up on the previous quarter.

That’s fairly substantial, steady growth. At the start of the year we predicted that the industry would grow by about a billion.

Overall, that would be an extra 10,000 jobs so we’ll hit the 10,000.”

According to Tom, a substantial element of construction in Ireland is Foreign Direct Investment. “Every time you hear an announcement of a big plant, there’s likely to be 300 jobs for construction. We’ve had two massive developments over the past few years, one was Shell and the other was Corrib Gas. Within the next 12 months they’ll be complete so that’s going to leave a bit of a dip.” Despite this, the industry is making concerted efforts to attract investment from foreign firms and encourage FDI companies already operating in Ireland to use Irish construction expertise for building facilities abroad.

Inactivity in relation to the construction of private housing is, according to Tom, set to continue based on the lack of measures announced in Budget 2015. This, coupled with the Planning Bill and the potential changes in bank lending proposed by the Central Bank will stymie house building activity. “We have a demand for up to 25,000 housing units annually, but the Budget addresses the housing needs for up to 2,500 persons on the social housing waiting lists. The measures to support new house purchasers save their deposit will have little to know effect. You’re talking about a saving of approximately €40 per annum for €5,000 saved. Savings need to be more incentivised so that the required deposits can be put together.”

Recognising the problem but failing to take action to remove the blockages to building is a failure on the government’s part, according to Tom. “All the housing agencies, the ESRI etc are saying we need about 8,000 houses in Dublin. So there’s a real demand and a very real lack of supply.” This, says Tom, is manifested right across the board - rents are increasing, homelessness is an ever increasing issue and social housing continues to be a problem. “The very fact that we need to build more houses is a positive for the industry. The problem is that the solution to the problem isn’t evident.”

The CIF Director General believes that despite the sector’s issues, the construction industry is undoubtedly on the way back. “Refurbishment has presented substantial opportunities for firms, with the Home Renovation Scheme allowing the homeowner to reclaim VAT as a tax credit, providing a major boost for the sector.” Labour intensive projects such as the refurbishment of Dublin’s Georgian offices provide work for various professions but this flurry of work isn’t being mirrored outside the capital. “When you go down the country, the work just isn’t there. Some of the big players are telling us that 2014 has been the worst year yet for some of their regional centres, with little or no work going on.”

The appointment of Paudie Coffey as Minister of State with responsibility for Housing, Planning and the Coordination of the Construction 2020 Strategy is a positive step forward in terms of the government’s engagement with the sector, however Parlon still believes the role would be best suited to a senior minister. “The actual housing output is worth more than our total sales for food and drink so it’s clearly a very important indigenous industry for the country. If there was a Minister he or she would make sure all the levers are being pulled in the right direction. I hope that Coffey makes a big effort to fulfil the role of Construction Minister but I still feel it’s a role for a senior Minister.”

Manpower and skills remains a substantial challenge for the industry and it’s an issue that the CIF is working on with Solas and the Department of Education. “A lack of apprentices is a massive concern. FAS did a very good apprentice scheme, which the industry was well disposed to. This year we only

‘There are compelling reasons as to why people should be involved with the register. We need to get the message out there that Irish contractors should Hank Fogarty Chairman of the CIF, Construction Industry Registration Board

have four plasterers, three blocklayers and a few painters and decorators. Solas and the education training boards just haven’t got their act together. We’ve made a case to the Tanaiste and to the Minister for Education to initiate a pilot scheme that would take on plasterers, floor tillers, blocklayers etc so that’s something we need to get moving on.”

Despite the industry’s challenges, Parlon sees great prospects for continued growth and opportunities for firms to start making a profit once again. “Our sector is now well poised to undertake a strong period of growth. Over the last 12 to 18 months we’ve started to see an industry generating activity again. Tenders are on the up, confidence is returning and this is leading to more construction work taking place; we’re not advocating an over reliance on construction activity but there’s no doubt that our industry can provide a sustainable contribution to the economy that will boost the general economy of this country in the years ahead.” r

be shouting about their strengths.’

Hank Fogarty Chairman of the Construction Industry Registration Board

Paudie Coffey the ‘long-awaited’ Minister for Construction

11

Irish Building Magazine

GCCC Contract Reform Urgenty Needed

The government is reviewing its public procurement contracts, less than 10 years after they were introduced. The construction industry is unanimous in saying the review is long overdue and public works contracts must be changed. CIAN MOLLOY reports.

T

‘No one involved likes the way the current public works contracts operate.

They’re simply not working,’ CIF president Philip Crampton

he former Taoiseach Brian Cowen is much maligned, but he can claim one major achievement: he united the construction industry.

It was while Mr Cowen was Fianna Fáil Minister for Finance in 2005 that he announced a reform in public infrastructure procurement contracts that would “facilitate better appraisal and management of capital projects” with three main objectives: • Cost certainty at tender award stage • Better value for money (VFM), and • More efficient delivery of public works projects It is the contention of most people in the construction industry that not only have these three objectives now been realised, but there is now greater uncertainty about costs, VFM for tax payers has been reduced and public works projects are bogged down and delayed by unnecessary paperwork and report writing.

Eighteen months after Mr Cowan’s announcement, the Department of Finance scrapped the old standard RIAI and IEI contracts and introduced new GCCC (Government Construction Contracts Committee) contracts. Originally, there were five GCCC contract forms, including a building and civil engineering form for projects where the employer is the designer, a building and civil engineering form where the contractor designs the project and a minor works form for projects under €5 million, but the number of contract forms has steadily increased and now stands at 10 different forms.

“All involve considerable risk transfer from the Employer to the Contractor and in many cases the extent of the risks is unquantifiable and unascertainable on any logical or analytical basis,” said former SIAC director and Chairman of the CIF, Construction Industry

Registration Board, Hank Fogarty.

Recently, BAM Contractors announced that they would be switching their operational focus from public contracts to private sector contracts as a result of the unsatisfactory nature of the GCCC contracts, with CEO Theo Cullinane saying: “The ‘new’ forms of contract for public works has proven difficult and they mitigate against a partnership approach which is essential for the successful delivery of complex construction projects.”

“No one involved likes the way the current public works contracts operate. They’re simply not working,” said Construction Industry Federation president Philip Crampton. “The contractors, the surveyors, the engineers, the architects, the State and the legal profession all believe the current contracts need to be reformed.”

Where is the VFM? Saying that the completion of the government’s review of public works contracts was eagerly awaited, Crampton claimed: “If the right changes are made during this process and we get a contract that provides clarity and consistency - then it will make a fundamental difference to how public construction projects operate.

RIAI CEO John Graby told Irish Building that architects believe that the new GCCC contracts ‘have not delivered the cost certainty and the efficiency that was needed’. He said: “They cause delays, because they are over complicated and create a greater level of administration on both sides. There is a lot of money being spent on administration that could be much better spent on badly needed infrastructure.”

GCCC Contract Crampton agrees: “It’s delaying the construction of schools, hospitals and dozens of other public contracts. It’s wasting the State’s limited finances. The system is costing the State tens of millions of euro each year because of how the procurement process operates.

“All this is happening because the system is broken. What’s worse is the system could never have succeeded because of the way it was set up.

“Construction projects should be a partnership between the various sides but the procurement system in this country now operates on an adversarial basis. This is damaging the State, construction companies, architects, chartered surveyors and others.”

In the Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland’s submission to the review, society director general Ciara Murphy wrote: “There is an overwhelming view that process is now dominating project delivery. Unfortunately, there are examples on some projects of the contract forcing both employers and contractors to adopt an overly legalistic approach to the project. The emphasis is then on the process, paperwork and documentation often to the detriment of the build and quality of the finished building. This can, and indeed has, led to projects being executed in a confrontational and antagonistic manner.”

At the RIAI, Graby agrees: “There was a lot of case law built up over the years surrounding the old RIAI contracts, people knew what particular terms and references meant. That is not the case with the new contracts. There is now a greater likelihood that the parties to a contract will make a legal claim against the other – the only winners are the lawyers. “ Notably, the Law Society of Ireland has not made a submission to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform about how the new contracts should be reformed.

Costly Red Tape Ciara Murphy also said: “There is a heavy administrative burden in managing the contract and in particular the cumbersome procedures of change orders. For example, it has been noted that in some contracts that the maximum level to which an ER can approve change orders without the employer approval is set unworkably low - on one €8.5m project it was set at €2k per change order and 0.25% of contract sum over any 3 month period. This is leading to most change orders requiring approval of the employer and usually by extension, a government department. This can be incredibly time consuming and usually outside of the periods envisaged in the contract.

“The guidance notes under the capital works management framework are repetitive, unwieldy, confusing and contradictory.

They need to be amended, consolidated and made user friendly.

At present they are difficult to follow, lack definition and lead to

poor contract administration by both employer bodies and design professionals.

“The Public Works Contract promotes and facilitates, at present, an adversarial approach to the contract and should be reconfigured to promote a partnering approach which removes the confrontational aspects and allow a more pragmatic approach to prevail. There is evidence of increasing use of the various dispute resolution mechanisms on a number of contracts which is a clear indication that there are difficulties with the contract itself. The whole ethos of the contract is out of kilter with current thinking and best practice in the industry worldwide, which has been exploring a partnering/ collaborative approach with success. “ Risky Business One of the biggest concerns about the ‘new’ GCCC contracts is how they have placed a greater proportion of the risk involved in a construction project on contractors. Murphy said: “There is a large, and in a good number of cases, an unfair transfer of risk to contractors. There is significant evidence of ‘dumping’ of risk on contractors by certain employers, particularly with regards to ground conditions, underground utilities, existing services etc. This transfer is made in the pursuit of cost certainty and without due consideration of the guidance notes and contrary to the general principle of risk i.e. that it should be borne by the party who is best able to manage it. In other words, the risk allocation needs to be better and fairer, with a shared risk approach appropriate to both parties to the contract. “ Hank Fogarty said: “The previous RIAI and IEI standard forms, in use in Ireland for at least the previous 50 years, were based on the principle that the employer reserved for themselves the risk that additional costs could be incurred by the contractor for certain stated unforeseen (and unforeseeable) difficulties. Typical examples are archaeological discoveries, unexpected ground conditions, uncharted services and price increases on labour and materials.

“Where several of the employer’s risks materialised, and/or when construction inflation was high, then frequently there was a substantial difference between the original tender price and the final outturn price paid by the employer. The Department of Finance have long viewed this difference between tender price and outturn price as evidence of a failure on the employer’s side.

“This view is incorrect but, nevertheless, the department has introduced the new forms so that in future all the risks will be taken by contractors irrespective of their capacity to assess it, which means that contractors are expected, in theory, to include, in every tender, the full risk of uncovering, for example a major archaeological site – even the discovery of the Ark of the Covenant! – and if the risk doesn’t materialise they get to keep the tender allowance. Not much likelihood of value for money in this!” r

‘Architects believe that the new GCCC contracts ‘have not delivered the cost certainty and the efficiency that was needed’.

They cause delays, because they are overly complicated and create a greater level of administration on both sides.’ John Graby, RIAI CEO

13

Irish Building Magazine

NAMA - A new collabarative approach

The National Asset Management Agency is emerging as a major player in the construction industry and the housing market in particular. CIAN MOLLOY reports.

‘Wherever possible, NAMA seeks to work constructively with its debtors to maximise the amount recovered from their loans on behalf of the taxpayer’

I

nitially, founded as a ‘bad bank’ in 2009, acquiring property development loans from Irish banks in return for government bonds, NAMA is set to play a crucial role in helping solve Ireland’s growing housing shortage and, akin to that, a growing need for Grade A commercial properties.

The situation is unusual given there is nothing in the NAMA Act relating to the provision of housing supply and having any influence over the housing supply was never part of the agency’s remit. Indeed, NAMA is not a developer and it does not own properties. However, the agency does hold properties as security for the loans of its debtors and a key element of NAMA’s strategic planning is a recognition of that investing in these assets can enhance their ultimate disposal value.

“Wherever possible, NAMA seeks to work constructively with its debtors to maximise the amount recovered from their loans on behalf of the taxpayer,” NAMA chairman Frank Daly told Irish Building. “We have collaborated and continue to collaborate with debtors wherever it is possible and makes commercial sense to do so. To date, NAMA has advanced over €1bn for construction projects in Ireland under its development funding programme.

This has been used to complete residential and commercial projects that were already in progress and to develop new projects Frank Daly, NAMA Chairman

to meet prospective supply shortages in certain sectors. That funding has been extremely important for the construction sector over a time when funding from other sources has been severely curtailed.

“In addition to the €1bn already advanced for Irish construction projects, we have identified a potential further investment of €3bn for a combination of Grade A office accommodation and new homes in the major urban centres in which our security is located. In fact we have identified 4,500 units in “shovel-ready” sites and a further 18,000 in sites where construction could commence approximately 18 months from now.”

According to ESRI research, commissioned jointly by NAMA and the Irish Banking Federation and based on the 2011 Census and projected net population increases, there will be a continuing demand for additional housing in Ireland from now until 2030.

The ESRI’s presented three scenarios: in the worst case, there will be a need for some 19,000 new housing units a year for the next 15 years; in the best case, based on previous high levels of population growth during the boom years, there would be a need for 30,000 units a year; and the most likely scenario was in the region of 25,000 units. Additionally, the research looked at where the demand for property would be highest and, not surprisingly, that demand will be most acute in Dublin and its hinterland, followed by the other major urban centres in the country.

In a presentation to the CIF recently, NAMA CEO Brendan McDonagh described as a myth claims that much of NAMA’s property portfolio was made up of rural ghost estates.

According to NAMA’s published figures, 65% of the agency’s portfolio is in Dublin, almost 10% is in Cork, 5.3% is in Kildare, 4% in Galway, 2.5% is in Meath, 2.2% is in Limerick and another 2.2% is in Wicklow and Kerry has 1%, the remaining 7% is spread across the country. McDonagh said: “Never mind the fairy stories about our assets all being in rural locations and ghost estates. We are very confident for the future, given where the assets are based, and given where the [property] prices are improving, that we will pay off all our debts and generate a surplus.

“Residential development is hugely important to us – every single day we are looking at new projects and there is a bit of confidence come back into the industry. If you have a good proposal bring it into us and if it stands up commercially we are ready, willing and able to fund it.”

However there are some matters that still need resolving.

McDonagh said NAMA was in continuing discussions with local authorities about the issue of development levies and the need to provide infrastructure. “We are well on target to deliver 4,500 housing units by 2016,” he said. “But there are about 25,000 tiertwo properties where there are planning issues or development levy issues – some of these can be resolved quite quickly but there are some local authorities where the issue of development levies still needs to be faced up to because they are very expensive.”

NAMA Boland’s Mill Site

Looking at properties where there were issues with planning, Daly said: “There are sites in the portfolio which have planning permission that has lapsed or which are unlikely to be commercially viable if developed in accordance with the planning permission that had been granted. In these cases we will work with debtors and receivers to identify the most suitable way forward that will maximise the value of these assets and ultimately the amounts recovered for the taxpayer. Our debtors and receivers will use existing planning permissions where appropriate, but they will seek alternative uses if these represent the best way to maximise the commercial return from individual assets and seek the appropriate permissions accordingly.”

Daly also told Irish Building: “Additionally, we will work with debtors and receivers to deliver commercial property proposals where these proposals are commercially viable. One major area of focus is the Dublin Docklands SDZ, where approximately 75pc of all the land available for development is part of the NAMA portfolio. We are committed to funding approximately €1.8bn in development work in the Docklands. This represents a potential delivery of 3.4m square foot of commercial space and 1,900 residential units. A range of methodologies can be applied to the delivery of this space, including joint venture options.”

In all Nama has 13 sites within the SDZ, but McDonagh identifies two of these as key sites: the Boland’s Mill site, where a planning application was due to be submitted to Dublin City Council as Irish Building went to press, and the old Anglo Irish building, which is destined to become the new head quarters of the Central Bank , where NAMA is looking for expressions of interest in a long-term lease.

Two new bridges across the Liffey will be needed to facilitate the development of the SDZ and NAMA has indicated to Dublin City Council that it will fund the construction of one of these bridges.

Speaking to the CIF, McDonagh said: “It makes absolute sense for us to link the north and south quays even more than they are at present.”

Elsewhere, in the investment arena, Nama will continue to bring deals to market at a rate of €250m worth of property every quarter. In the last 12 months, the portfolios it has disposed of included: the Platinum Portfolio of four office buildings in Dublin, the Acorn Portfolio of regional shopping centres in Blackpool in Cork, Balbriggan in Co Dublin and Clonmel in Co Tipperary; the Orange Collection of four mixed-use schemes in Dublin comprising 3,108m2 of commercial space and 761 residential units and the Redwood Portfolio, comprising two office developents, 2 Grand Canal Square and the Observatory on John Rogerson’s Quay and two retail-focused developments.

This quarter it has five portfolios on the market: two portfolios of Dublin offices, one retail portfolio of five regional shopping

centres, one residential investment portfolio comprising about 600 apartments and one hotels portfolio. “We are witnessing continuing strong levels of interest in Irish assets among both domestic and international investors,” said McDonagh. “In a low interest environment, there is an appetite among investment funds to get access to real assets. We have our planning done for 2015 and are 95% sure of every single asset we will be selling next year and we are starting to plan for 2016.”

Meanwhile, Daly encouraged developers to approach the agency if they thought they had worthwile projects. He said: “NAMA’s door is open to approaches from any party who wants to submit a commercial proposal to acquire or develop an asset in the Agency’s portfolio. We will of course want to maximise the amount that can be recovered for the taxpayer. In particular we encourage debtors to bring commercial proposals to us. Timely and coherent delivery of Grade A office space where demand exists and is commercially viable is a major priority for NAMA as is the funding of residential development, particularly in the Dublin area.” r

‘NAMA’s door is open to approaches from any party who wants to submit a commercial proposal to acquire or develop an asset in the Agency’s portfolio’

Dublin Docklands

15

Irish Building Magazine

Mechanical

|

Electrical

|

Fire Protection

|

Instrumentation |

BioEnergy

Jones Engineering Group is a leading engineering contracting company operating in Ireland, UK, Europe and the Middle East

joneseng.com Ireland

|

UK

| Europe

|

Middle East

BIM

Building with BIM

Irish contractors are having to compete in an increasingly competitive market with tightened margins between success and failure. Now, survival often depends on their ability to adapt to change and according to several firms we spoke to for this article, the adoption of BIM and a willingness to change traditional ways of working has improved efficiencies and led to more jobs.

I

t’s apparent that, for several firms, the use of BIM results in increased efficiency from pre-construction to the final execution of works. A reduction in man-hours, requests for information and rework, a greater capacity to use more pre-fabricated elements and an increase in on-time completions are all good news for contractors.

As a tool (albeit a powerful one), BIM can enable all the different project stakeholders - from architects and engineers to general contractors and owners - to make better decisions.

Used properly, it has the potential to increase efficiency, productivity and profitability for everyone in our industry. A report earlier this year found that contractors in nine of the world’s top construction markets using BIM found it helped them improve productivity, efficiency, quality and safety on their projects, as well as their own competitiveness. The report, by McGraw Hill Construction, also found that half of the contractors with a very high BIM engagement reported returns in excess of 25% on their investments in BIM while 40% of the contractors with very high BIM engagement levels reported that BIM significantly reduced rework on projects, resulting in a significant cost savings. So, how exactly is BIM working for Irish contractors and what are the challenges to BIM implementation?

Sisk has been using BIM for over two years. “It’s helping us win jobs and it’s also helping us increase efficiency in projects, specifically around the areas of clash detection and reduced wastage,” says Ivan McCarthy, Project Manager at Sisk.

With BIM becoming fully compliant for public projects in the UK by 2016 and with Enterprise Ireland looking at ‘BIM can enable all how BIM should be implemented for projects at home, the different project Ivan feels all construction firms will need to have some experience of BIM to compete in the industry. “I think stakeholders - from in a couple of years it will be mandated over here and we’ll end up following the UK model.” Paul Brennan, architects and Virtual Design & Construction Manager at BAM Group Ireland, agrees. “I think it’ll be a big success in the UK engineers to general and by 2020 there’ll be plenty of good news stories contractors and coming out about money saved by the UK government.

The Irish government will then go down the same route. owners - to make Certain aspects of governmental bodies are already mandating BIM on their projects anyway so it’s already better decisions.’ filtering down as we speak.” Advantages associated with implementing BIM are well documented. “Collaboration is an advantage, reduced wastage and clash detection are extremely beneficial and there’s also the cost saving element to take into consideration,” says Ivan.

17

Irish Building Magazine

A TRIMBLE COMPANY

DO BIM BETTER WITH TEKLA With the almost daily BIM announcements by clients, contractors and suppliers identifying their increased efficiencies and greater value by adopting BIM, not to mention the Government drive towards adoption by 2016, Tekla recognise that forming a BIM strategy alongside responding to CE Marking and ISO requirements can seem a daunting task.

We can help with the implementation of BIM within your organisation - advising on making the right business decisions, getting the most from your software and help with workflow procedures to ensure you are ready for the challenge ahead.

For further information on how Tekla can assist with BIM implementation and other consultancy services we offer, please call 0113 307 1200.

a www.tekla.com/uk

BIM Paul Brennan, Virtual Design & Construction Manager at BAM Group Ireland, speaking recently at a BIM conference

Three years ago, BAM Group Ireland recognised these benefits and decided BIM was the way to go. “Once we knew BIM was going to be mandated in the UK, Royal BAM formed the International BIM Council and we developed a plan to make BIM mandatory across the whole group by implementing our 2020 step implementation plan,” says Paul Brennan.

Significant investment has gone into the technology side and also into training as, says Brennan, “There’s no point in having powerful hardware and software if your people can’t use it or don’t understand why they should learn to use it. Embracing change is always going to be difficult. Communicating the positives of BIM workflows, strategic training and planning

is essential for the successful adoption of BIM in any organisation.”

One of the major challenges that Brennan comes across time and again is the misconception around the term. “When people hear BIM they automatically think 3D modelling. This is very misleading and in my opinion, a very narrow minded concept of what BIM is. To us, it’s more about information management or data management. It’s all about generating data, managing data and making sure the right people have access to the right data at the right time.” Not differentiating between cost and investment is something else that creates a barrier to BIM implementation says Brennan. “Investment creates a return and improvement while cost is seen as having to spend money on training staff or new software, even if it’s enabling your people to do something better and faster.

That’s very disappointing to us. What we’re seeing are some firms waiting for a bigger organisation or client to take them on board, pay them to upskill and buy the products they need to do BIM. It’s not every company, but some are hoping that someone else is going to pay for them to make the leap of faith. That makes our lives that bit more difficult.”

Clancy Construction began looking into the pros and cons of BIM in September 2013. “We wanted to make our process more transparent and we felt BIM was the way forward, especially

‘BIM can enable all the different project stakeholders from architects and engineers to general contractors and owners - to make better decisions.’

Paul Brennan, Virtual Design & Construction Manager at BAM Group Ireland,

Brian Cass, BIM Coordinator Clancy Construction

Trinity College, School of Engineering building

19

Irish Building Magazine

BIM when you take into consideration the UK initiative,” says Brian Cass, BIM Coordinator at the firm. The hope was that implementation would lead to the firm gaining a competitive advantage over other construction companies in an extremely competitive market. “We think that has been the case. We’ve won a number of tenders and not just through price. On that premise alone, it’s been worthwhile.” Rather than use BIM on all projects, Clancy Construction has progressed BIM implementation on a project by project basis and are still in the process of implementing a training plan. The various BIM grants that are available to firms means training costs are manageable. “It’s been a good marketing tool for us.

We definitely have more competitive tenders and we’ve improved the communication process between stakeholders and projects, that’s probably the biggest advantage for us.”

Cass says the biggest challenge is trying to change mindsets.

“We’ve been trained all our lives in 2D drawings and now all of a sudden we have to look at 3D models. There’s a huge element of trust there, people just don’t trust models. I think we’re getting there though.”

A lack of trust in 3D models isn’t the only reason for the industry’s reluctance to implement BIM. “We were in the midst of a recession. Firms were trying to survive so they were hardly going to start training people when they didn’t know if they were going to exist in a year’s time. I think that’s the main reason why people weren’t implementing technology over the past few years, it’s not that they weren’t interested,” says Paul Stewart, Managing Director at Stewart. About four years ago, the firm started to use BIM modelling in an effort to ensure the firm was well positioned to compete once the downturn

Some of the C-CAD team. Pictured from L to R: Alan Hickey, Kasia Kowalski, Jim Barrett, Michael O’Shea & Maurice Ring

ended. The advantages to BIM are, Stewart believes, clear. As a visualisation tool it’s excellent and it has great potential in terms of clash detection and only having to do things once.

Despite these advantages, difficulties of full BIM adoption in Ireland remain a stumbling block.

For a firm moving to BIM, there needs to be significant changes in common work processes. Changes when it comes to staff, training, how a project team is configured and project infrastructure will have an impact on previously established processes and might even affect the entire business model of a practice. New responsibilities need to be defined for staff working on BIM projects and possibly even new roles. For the project team, CITA recommends that at least one member possesses good BIM model management skills to coordinate those contributing to the shared model.

When BIM gets introduced to a practice, it’s inevitable that some staff will find it easier than others to embrace the new possibilities it has to offer. Project architects or engineers who were used to opening up a CAD file to review and finalise changes will find it much more difficult to get direct access to the documentation output in the context of BIM models.

It’s not just contractors, architects and engineers who are reaping the benefits of BIM. C-CAD Computing offer software, hardware, training and consultancy to architectural and consulting engineering companies, contractors the

‘When BIM gets introduced to a practice, it’s inevitable that some staff will find it easier than others to embrace the new possibilities it has to offer’

21

Irish Building Magazine

Leica Geosystems HDS Don’t just buy a scanner, Invest in a solution

Best in class hardware

Best in class software

Why just buy a laser scanner when you can invest in a complete solution?

Leica Geosystems offers you, best in class hardware, best in class software and best in class support

Why settle for anything less?

If you’re serious about laser scanning for BIM, then you need to talk to the market leader in measurement solutions.

With the longest heritage, the most advanced software, including fully-automated targetless registration of datasets, and the largest support team in the business, you can count on us to ensure you receive the right data, every time.

For more information please contact John Kerrigan, Ireland Country Manager.

Phone: +44 79175 43923 | E-Mail: john.kerrigan@leica-geosystems.com

Leica Geosystems Ltd uk.sales@leica-geosystems.com www.leica-geosystems.com

Best in class support

BIM public sector and large multinationals. The firm has seen a huge increase in BIM adoption in recent times and believe that if companies haven’t yet implemented it, it is certainly something they should be seriously considering. Jim Barrett, General Manager at the firm sees massive potential for firms who implement BIM. “The benefits of an intelligent modelbased process for increased accuracy, productivity, coordination and collaboration during the execution of a project through to lifecycle management are proven. Companies that implemented BIM earlier gained competitive advantage for winning work and developing into new markets, while now BIM is recognised as a necessity to compete effectively and to survive.” C-CAD has offices and training centres in Cork and Dublin and have been supplying Autodesk BIM products and services to Ireland’s highest profile architects, engineers and contractors for years. “Our philosophy is based on a partnership approach with our customers. We do everything to help you succeed and this allows us to continue to be successful. We pride ourselves in providing value for money with quality products and services and that’s why our customers keep coming back.” C-CAD’s highly trained and qualified BIM specialists are on hand to help clients implement BIM successfully. “We can provide all of your BIM software, hardware, training, support and consultancy needs and our friendly and knowledgeable staff are available to talk to you when you are ready.”

of interoperability. “A lot of studies show huge losses in the lack of data transfer between the Design / Construction stage and the Operation & Maintenance phase when the owner takes control of the building. When BIM is used to design and construct a building a huge amount of data is created and stored within the model. In theory the majority of this information should be transferred seamlessly to the building owner. But there’s a huge disconnect in this process (often referred to as the “Lack of Interoperability”). The reason for this, says Bobby, is down to the different data formats being used by the various teams involved. “In the US, that loss has been estimated at approximately $16 billion per year, so really it’s a huge problem. If the US economy is approximately 30 times the size of the Irish economy in construction terms, then potentially there’s €400 million being lost per year in Ireland due to the lack of data transfer. Big savings can be made if this issue is addressed and if the process ensures that the building owner gets all the information that’s been gathered in an efficient and correct way.”

Large multinationals tend to use the latest and greatest technologies available when they’re constructing new buildings. This was something Ardmac recognised as being the future direction of the construction industry and decided to introduce BIM into the organisation to keep us at the forefront of the construction sector. “The requirement for utilising BIM is becoming the industry norm. Ardmac adopting BIM has made us become an integral part of our clients’ overall design

Bobby Gallagher, CEO at DFM Systems DFM Systems is a company who have embraced BIM in their day to day business of producing handover documentation and operation and maintenance manuals for buildings. The company has been providing these services for the past 10 years and employ engineers, qualified in technical writing, to ensure that all documentation is complete and handed over as per client’s requirements in time for project completion.

The firm has developed a number of software applications to extract information from the thousands of lines on code within a BIM model and use this to ensure that all elements of the building are properly documented and that the building owner has everything needed to operate and maintain his new facility.

According to Bobby Gallagher, CEO at DFM Systems, the biggest issue in relation to BIM at the moment is the problem

‘The requirement for utilising BIM is becoming the industry norm.

Ardmac adopting BIM has made us become an integral part of our clients’ overall design and construction process where clash detection and off site coordination is critical to the overall success of any project.’Fergus Nugent, Project Engineer, Ardmac

Fergus Nugent, Project Engineer, Ardmac

23

Irish Building Magazine

Without BIM, your projects could be in trouble. And so could your business.

VIEWPOINT CAN HELP. The UK government has mandated that all public sector contracts to utilise BIM by 2016 - so if you’re considering BIM, now is the time. 4Projects® by Viewpoint with 4BIM is a collaborative software solution for building, infrastructure and energy. 4BIM makes it easy for clients, contractors, consultants and their full supply chain to manage and control their collaborative BIM requirements without expensive IT infrastructure or licenses saving time and money.

See this and all our construction software solutions at info.viewpoint.com/ieBIM

4Projects.com

+44 (0) 845 330 9007

#viewpointcanhelp

© 2014 Viewpoint, Inc. dba Viewpoint Construction Software.

All Rights Reserved.

BIM

and construction process where clash detection and off site co-ordination is critical to the overall success of any project.

We have worked hard at implementing BIM and are starting to see the benefits now in relation to: design productivity, coordination and clash free designs” according to Fergus Nugent, Project Engineer at Ardmac.

Ardmac engaged ArcDox who tailor-made their training to suit Ardmac’s requirements and with additional internal training has added to the firm’s proficiency. “We’re probably at BIM level 2 pushing towards BIM level 3. Ardmac has found that using BIM on all projects is not currently possible as this process it dependant on the client, his consultants and the other contractors being on board and fully committed to the

process. However, I see BIM as the future for the construction industry and believe that the benefits far outweigh the minor disadvantages.”

It’s clear that BIM has dramatic benefits for all stakeholders involved in the construction industry. It has been estimated that typically, an hour spent reviewing BIM information prior to construction saves the general contractor 10 hours in the field. Should a design issue arise, having BIM in place could save the general contractor up to 40 hours of meetings and downtime necessary to resolve the matter. If it’s to become a reality and used widely in Ireland, it has to be driven by the client or owner of the project and there must be a buy in to the process from all. Some firms have already committed to

‘It has been estimated that typically, an hour spent reviewing BIM information prior to construction saves the general contractor 10 hours in the field.’

25

Irish Building Magazine

GLOBAL CONSULTING SURVEYORS

The rapid emergence of Building Information Modelling (BIM) continues to revolutionise the way architecture, engineering and construction firms work together to communicate, solve problems and build better projects. Murphy Surveys deliver the highest level of expertise.

Using the latest integrated survey equipment that offers seamless data acquisition and delivery, along with our bespoke data processing software and tailored workflows Murphy Surveys will extract value and precision from your BIM investment.

T: +353 (0)45 484 040

www.murphysurveys.ie

Cork:

Tramore House, Tramore Road, Cork. Tel: 021-4344788 Dublin: Paradigm House, Dundrum Office Park, Dublin 14. Tel: 01-2960158 www.c-cad.com Email: sales@c-cad.com

Staying Competitive

Can you survive without BIM?

Plan, Design, Construct and Manage buildings more effectively with BIM, the intelligent model-based process

Win More Work with BIM Contact C-CAD Computing for all your Revit and BIM product, training, support and consultancy needs

Protect Your Investment From Feb 2015, upgrades from previous releases of Autodesk software will only be available on Subscription

CONTACT C-CAD NOW TO UPGRADE, > SUBSCRIBE & SAVE BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE C-CAD is an Authorised Autodesk reseller, consulting specialist and training centre

Kildare ● Dublin ● Cork ● Belfast ● Glasgow ● London

BIM

this idea while others have not. Implementation is a challenge; the initial investment required may be an issue for firms while a lack of government support (notwithstanding buy in from some elements such as the NDFA and the HSE) will further slow down the process. Some in the industry believe that at this stage, there’s no turning back. “It’s too good a process.

There are too many positives to ignore it. We’re a long way past that conversation that asks whether we should do BIM or not, Now, it’s how to do BIM or how to do it better,” according to Paul Brennan.

Another challenge often cited to BIM adoption is the fact that employees are under enough pressure at work and do not need the increased workload. While understandable, it also has to be said that BIM could give Irish contractors the opportunity

to differentiate themselves from their competitors (as reflected in some of the quotes from Irish firms above), by providing a better service which could meet modern needs such as, energy and acoustic analysis while at the same time increasing their own efficiency. BIM is more than technology or software programs; it’s a change of processes at every level and as with many paradigm shifts, there are risks associated with change.

With BIM becoming mandatory on government projects over £5 million sterling in Britain by 2016, it’s time for the Irish government to consider this in its policies. Such an endorsement would be beneficial, not only for the government but also for the contractors. It would promote BIMs use for all contractors and could even result in the development of BIM information in an Irish context. r

‘BIM is more than technology or software programs; it’s a change of processes at every level and as with many paradigm shifts, there are risks associated with change.’

Product demonstration as part of the The Leica tour of Ireland Roadshow which took place at UCD in Dublin, CIT in Cork and the University of Ulster in Belfast.

27

Irish Building Magazine

BIM - Exactal / CostX

CostX - One stop shop for Estimating Software Construction firms who’ve taken the plunge and implemented BIM into their practice can be quick in urging others to follow suit. But what are the practical, nuts and bolts considerations that companies need to examine before adopting BIM? Simon Lovegrove, Exactal UK & Europe Director explains.

T

Simon Lovegrove, Director UK & Europe, Exactal.

‘CostX estimating software was designed to allow measurement and estimating to move away from being paper-based into a fully digital workflow.’

he BIM machine is well and truly in motion and construction firms who haven’t implemented the software yet will undoubtedly be thinking about it over the next 12 months. It’s not as easy as buying the licence and training up however; there are, according to Simon Lovegrove, both hard and soft considerations associated with the decision. “The hard considerations revolve around technology – the need to purchase BIM-enabled software, and whether their existing hardware is adequate to support the model files or if they will need to upgrade. This is largely a financial decision.” The soft considerations are more to do with the people and processes of using BIM in an office capacity. “This involves the need to educate and train staff and introduce protocols and procedures in support of a BIM workflow. Many companies focus on the hard aspects but the key to success lies in proper implementation of the soft.”

For SMEs and large scale operators, the need to transition their current practices across to BIM in a planned and efficient manner, while addressing the soft and hard aspects above, is crucial. “Much of what they are already doing is still applicable in a BIM workflow and there is still a need to work with 2D drawing files within a BIM project. The main difference is the ability to interrogate the BIM model to extract quantities, but then use the 2D files to verify and validate the quantities rather than measuring them.” It’s also important to pick up the items that haven’t been modelled; Exactal’s CostX estimating software is good for this as it combines 2D and 3D in one package. “The hardware requirements are not particularly onerous, a modern 64-bit i7 Windows 7 or 8 machine with a good graphics card will handle most drawing files.”

For smaller firms who need to keep a keen eye on costs, what steps should they take if they want to move up the BIM ladder? “Well, firstly they can do some homework. There is a wealth of free online information. A good starting point is the CITA website (www.cita. ie/blog.asp) and also the UK BIM Task Group website (www.bimtaskgroup.org). There are also published standards such as PAS 1192-2

and the RICS has published a number of Guidance Notes and Research papers such as ‘How Can BIM Support the New Rules of Measurement (NRM1)” and “Overview of a 5D BIM Project’.” A CostX Whitepaper is also available on the Exactal website - www.exactal.co.uk - as well as demonstration videos and other useful information. “To minimise the challenges in transitioning, it’s important to establish realistic expectations of what BIM can and can’t achieve, what the enablers are and where the constraints lie.”

CostX estimating software was designed to allow measurement and estimating to move away from being paper-based into a fully digital workflow. The on-screen measurement tools are easy to use, and the workbooks are in a simple but powerful spreadsheetstyle format. So how does using it save firms money and time?

“We have a catchphrase which sums it up – ‘Faster, Smarter, More Accurate’. Fast digital measurement in 2D and 3D means huge time savings in quantity take-off, improved accuracy and much faster response times leading to better-informed decision making. Essentially, it enables estimators to better collaborate with project teams to explore opportunities and eliminate risk, leading to better outcomes.” Clients currently include consultant QS firms, contractors, subcontractors, developers, owners and government departments and ranges from sole proprietors to global companies.

What advice would you give firms who are thinking about implementing BIM but haven’t quite made their minds up?

“They need to start now. The movement towards BIM is irresistible and whilst it may currently appear to be an option, before long it will be ubiquitous simply because the benefits are too compelling for public and private clients alike.” According to Simon, adopting BIM doesn’t have to cost a fortune but it’s essential that firms dedicate the time and resources to understand the workflows. “Yes they need to invest in some software but they also need to invest in their people. Education is the key.

By all means appoint some BIM champions but don’t just leave it to a couple of enthusiasts - take a top down, management driven, whole of company approach. This holds true regardless of the size of the company.” r

BIM - 4Projects by Viewpoint

BIM: The time to act is now

T

Alun Baker, Managing Director EMEA, 4Projects by Viewpoint.

he numbers are positive: The latest NBS National BIM Report found awareness of BIM has become almost universal throughout construction in the UK, rising from 58 per cent in 2010, to 95 per cent in 2013. In terms of application on site, figures for 2013 (from Competitive Advantage) show BIM being used for 3.9 per cent of all UK construction projects, representing some £3.8bn in value. Come 2016, its penetration is forecast to rise to 50.8% of total work, worth £55.1bn.

Furthermore, an architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) supply-chain survey, undertaken by 4Projects this February, found 75 per cent of respondents believe the UK government was right to mandate L2, along with associated Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) and Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie).

However, only 2 per cent of that same AEC sample believe they are actually L2 compliant today and, to put matters into perspective, 65% still only use email as their primary information-sharing mechanism.

It appears clear that, whilst understanding the direction of travel might be one thing, determining the business case for how and when to jump aboard the BIM train is quite another.

An appetite for change is being fuelled not just by government policy, but by opportunity for competitive advantage, according to Steve Spark, Vice President Business Development, EMEA, at 4Projects by Viewpoint: “For project delivery teams, benefits can include improved cost efficiencies and control, time savings, risk mitigation and defect minimisation, reduced resource consumption and waste costs, plus better workflow management.

“For asset managers, on the other hand, benefits are being realised in terms of reduced cost of construction, operation and maintenance, enhanced FM, smarter decision-making on design issues, better lifecycle management and ‘soft landings’.

To turn information into intelligence, project data communication needs to be in a language and format that each individual recipient can both understand and use in their own business environment; plus then share with other actors, no matter what their respective system.

The universal platform that enables this degree of integrated workflow and unleashes the true collaboration potential of BIM, the gamechanger for construction, is a Common Data Environment (CDE), as Marketing Programmes Manager at 4Projects by Viewpoint, Adam Page explains: “The CDE (4Projects) brings together all project information in one place – It is the central point for data. Multiple parties feed their data (such as documents, drawings and plans) into the CDE and even though each stakeholder might be using different software (BIM Technology Eco System) it all integrates, so can be accessed by everyone – there are no technology barriers.

On 31 May, 2011, the UK Government Construction Strategy announced the intention to mandate collaborative 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a minimum requirement by 2016. Since then, has the reality on the ground in the UK matched the rhetoric?

“Utilised across the full lifecycle, the CDE is vital for control and visibility, efficiency and performance, plus delivery of the quality of information necessary for asset phase utilisation. Who you are dictates what data you need from the CDE, with data the key driver for BIM.” In the current market, with recovery only recently the word on construction lips, clients, designers, contractors and suppliers alike are all under pressure, both to enable innovation on live projects as a matter of urgency and futureproof investment at the same time. The combination of inclusive interoperability through CDE, plus speed of deployment, affordability and flexibility via SaaS, help create optimum conditions for Return on Investment (RoI).

A recent SmartMarket Report for McGraw Hill Construction found 75 per cent of BIM users reported RoI benefits. Market confidence is building and a sense of urgency growing. Latest figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) show 72 per cent surveyed now believe it is crucial to invest in BIM within the next 12 months.

Engagement is everywhere and the benefits of BIM are all dependent on who you are and what you do within the construction lifecycle, concludes Alun Baker, Managing Director EMEA, 4Projects by Viewpoint: “Clients are concerned with whole life cost (from concept to operation) and efficiencies that can be made to bring this down.

“Contractors want to win BIM work which could be adversely affected if they don’t adapt. Driving the efficiencies of BIM helps them in their involvement in the lifecycle.

“Therefore, across the board, the business imperative is clear: The time to act on BIM is now.” r

‘For project delivery teams, benefits can include improved cost efficiencies and control, time savings, risk mitigation and defect minimisation, reduced resource consumption and waste costs, plus better workflow management.’

Alun Baker, Managing Director EMEA, 4Projects

by Viewpoint

29

Irish Building Magazine

BIM - Leica Geosystems

Survey Instrument Services: Bringing You 3D High Definition Surveying and BIM Together Designers and engineers often lament when two, seemingly disparate, industries are lumped together for the first time. Not so with BIM and 3D High Definition Surveying (HDS) from Leica Geosystems. Whether for 3D modelling or design purposes laser scanning, or HDS, data has an enormous role to play within the BIM environment. With seamless integration, High Definition

A

Surveying information can be fed into BIM technologies such as AutoCAD, REVIT, NavisWorks, Bentley Systems and many more.

Over the last decade and as Leica Geosystems’ Distribution Partner in Ireland, Survey Instrument Services (SIS) has grown the HDS industry in Ireland from a handful of innovative specialist companies testing the Leica Geosystems scanners, to a majority of users who now seek to cut project lead times and design processes by adapting existing workflows to suit a multitude of industrial, heritage, surveying, retrofitting, facilities management, and BIM applications.

s economic activity picks up and business returns to the construction and design sectors, companies that had been hibernating during the recession are waking up to find a whole new ballgame in play with the ascendancy of BIM and As-Built Modelling.

Our neighbours in the UK are forging ahead with government led BIM requirements and have fast looming deadlines to implement BIM for publicly funded projects. This is having a huge knock on effect here in Ireland, with returning engineers and designers bringing new work-flow and technology ideas with them. Now entrenched HDS technologies in the UK are being transferred to the work-sites in Ireland.

HDS has become integral to the BIM process – not just for asbuilt surveys – but also for change detection, clash detection, monitoring, scan to design, project hand-over modelling, and asset information modelling.

Over the last decade and as Leica Geosystems’ Distribution Partner in Ireland, Survey Instrument Services (SIS) has grown the HDS industry in Ireland from a handful of innovative specialist companies testing the Leica Geosystems scanners, to a majority of users who now seek to cut project lead times and design processes by adapting existing work-flows to suit a multitude of industrial, heritage, surveying, retrofitting, facilities management, and BIM applications.

HDS from Leica GeoSystems’ fits the BIM process like a glove.

With scanners collecting up to 1 million points a second, Leica GeoSystems has covered all the angles in one stroke, you can set-up, scan, and move in less than 90 seconds! Both the P15 and P20 scanners boast 3mm accuracy, a 144mp equivalent full colour camera, and an exterior job-site safe IP54 rating with an industry beating operating temperature range of -20°C to +50°C. Importantly, and unlike many systems, the P15 and P20 both have an active built-in dual axis compensator, much like traditional survey total stations, so wind or minor vibrations do not have an effect on the quality of the scan data being collected.

With the latest version of Cyclone software, HDS data can be delivered to BIM operators with the least amount of effort.

Cyclone will now import and read HDS scan data, perform an automatic initial alignment, and register your scans ready for modelling quickly and accurately. Alternatively you can use the scanner’s on-board survey set-up functionality using standard

survey traversing or resection-like routines. This allows the user to download HDS data without the need to register it back in the office.

Cyclone also includes 3D modelling tools. Whether you are untying knots of pipework and elbows, extracting steel types, or cutting road cross sections, Cyclone will produce exportable 3D solids, shapes, and surfaces ready to import into which ever design package you choose.

SIS has a dedicated team with the training and expertise required to deal with this new technology. We were the first company to offer HDS technologies in Ireland and we can advise on the entire HDS work-flow.

Having successfully introduced GPS and GNSS technology into the Irish market we are uniquely experienced in bringing innovative solutions to industry which bring huge productivity advantages. We are currently experiencing a surge in the hire of surveying equipment including construction lasers, RTK GPS, Robotic Total Stations or 3D Laser Scanners. We have the most modern hire fleet of survey equipment in the country, for new users we deliver our equipment with training, and we are always contactable by phone to support our users.

We have been in business for 41 years and have an unrivalled service department and are the only Authorized Service Centre in Ireland for Leica Geosystems with factory trained personnel.

Covering the entire country, our support team can meet, advise and train those who are considering using scanning for the first time. If you would like further information or would like to book a demonstration, please call either Donnchadh Kelly on 087 258 5320 or William Flynn on 087 952 6593. r Product demonstration as part of the The Leica tour of Ireland Roadshow which took place at UCD in Dublin, CIT in Cork and the University of Ulster in Belfast.

BIM - Murphy Surveys

Murphy Surveys provide 250+ As Built BIM for Retail Giant TK Maxx Murphy Surveys has grown over the last 30 years from a small, family-run business to the largest survey company in Ireland. With offices in Kildare, Dublin, Cork, Belfast, London and Scotland and employing more than 200 staff, Murphy Surveys offer world-class solutions globally to long-term public and private sector clients, including government bodies and blue chip companies.

M

urphy Surveys have grown year on year – even through recession – because of it’s innovation and core understanding of clients’ needs. Continual investment in the latest surveying equipment and technology allows Murphy Surveys to provide the most efficient solutions that cut costs and risks for clients, while meeting the highest standards in accuracy and details.

Murphy Surveys maintains a strong presence in the BIM environment and have completed over 500 models to date for all sizes of projects in various sectors with varying requirements.

“We started to use BIM in 2010. Deciding to use the software was a planned response to the revolving requirements of AEC sector clients” says Ray Murphy, Managing Director at Murphy Surveys. “It was a fairly straightforward decision as we have been involved in 3D since the start of 3D CAD. As a company, we examined the evolving BIM requirements of AEC clients and invested in the most appropriate software solutions that supported the as-built BIM / Survey process”.

Murphy Surveys have developed their own exclusive, in-house 3D surveying and CAD/Revit modelling techniques and bespoke data processing software (an AutoDesk add-on.) They survey on, above and below ground for a complete and accurate digital record which included underground utilities, structural tendons and rebar sans finite detail such as interior artworks.

As Built BIM for 250+ TK Maxx Stores For the purposes of ongoing refurbishment and refit works to existing stores, and expansion into new stores, TK Maxx has contracted Murphy Surveys to complete internal and external measured building surveys, 2D AutoCAD plans, elevations and cross sections, Leica TruView, Virtual Tour and 3D As-Built Building Information Models (BIM) in Autodesk Revit format.

Murphy Surveys have delivered a Revit model for over 250+ sites in Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland and Germany since 2010. We have covered over 7,500,000 square feet to date and the work is still ongoing.

Solution and Deliverables Murphy Surveys mobilised specialist survey teams to visit the store locations, based on an agreed program of works with the client. The teams were required to visit the stores during normal opening hours.

Due to non-intrusive methods and experience in similar environments, the surveys caused no disruption to store activities.

The stores were quickly, accurately and cost effectively surveyed using a combination of High Definition Lasers (HDS), and Total Station (TPS) methods. The survey data was then checked and processed into 2D and 3D outputs.

Using these accurate as-built Building Information Models, TK Maxx now enjoys a faster and smoother design to completion store construction process. Quantities and materials are purchased from the models created by Murphy Surveys.

Equipment Leica C10 HDS Scanner Faro MS120 Leica High Precision Total Station Nikon Digital Camera “Murphy Surveys are dedicated to the provision of comprehensive and cost- Ray Murphy, Managing Director, Murphy Surveys effective survey solutions to public and private organisations globally, across a vast range of sectors. We ‘We strive to remain recognise that our growth is driven by our client-centered approach, one step ahead of our technologically-advanced and innovative services, our highly skilled and experienced personnel, our proven methods and our competitors at outstanding quality control, and our ongoing investment in the latest all times; to uphold technologies and equipment,” states Ray. our reputation as “We strive to remain one step ahead of our competitors at all times; to uphold our reputation as one of the most experienced, professional one of the most and innovative surveying companies in Ireland and the UK. Acute experienced, attention to detail and a well-developed Quality Control System professional and guarantee a consistently high standard across our services, with no equal in the marketplace.” innovative surveying “We are not just surveyors. We are global surveying consultants that companies in Ireland work with you, understand your needs, and develop the most costand the UK’ effective survey solution to meet your unique requirements.." r

31

Irish Building Magazine

Upgrade to an Autodesk BIM Suite ®

Upgrade your old Autodesk software & avail of up to 30% discount now – upgrades end 01/02/15 ®

Contact Diatec on 01-8530661 or email sales@diatec.ie or visit www.diatec.ie/autodesk-software-specials.html T: (01) 853 0661 E: sales@diatec.ie W: www.diatec.ie A: Unit 17, The Seapoint Building, 44/45 Clontarf Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3

T: (091) 776122 E: sales@diatecamicus.ie W: www.amicustec.ie A: Slieveaun, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway

BIM for SME’s

Making BIM work for the SME If you think Building Information Modelling techniques and technology is only for large, headline-grabbing projects, think again. Many SMEs are finding that BIM is helping them to work smarter and deliver better projects to their clients.

Murphy + McGerr

M

urphy + McGerr Architecture is a two-person practice based in Athlone that has been awarded the design contract for the redevelopment and upgrading of the GAA’s Cusack Park in Mullingar. Company co-founder Mel McGerr believes that one of the key ingredients in helping to win the contract was that they were able to present an interactive, animated 3D walk-through of the facility to Westmeath GAA’s County Board. Subsequently, presentations were made to members of the GAA’s Infrastructure Committee at a meeting at head office in Croke Park.

“These were guys who had commissioned the €260m redevelopment of Croke Park itself and the development of the €70m centre of excellence at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. They said they were blown away by the fact that a small practice like ours could produce a very professional 3D animation of our design, with details including what the view of the pitch would be from a seat within the stadium. Definitely, BIM with Autodesk Showcase allowed us to punch above our weight!”

The Westmeath firm has been using Autodesk’s Revit suite of products since 2007, the year the company was founded. The Cusack Park redevelopment is the company’s biggest project to date, says McGerr. “Our bread-and-butter is one-off houses and extensions and our typical customer is a couple in their 30s,

building their first home or extending the home they already own. In this context, there is not a lot of opportunity to be using BIM as a collaborative tool with engineers and quantity surveyors and other construction professionals, but people forget that working with the client is a collaborative process and Autodesk helps us with that.

“We have one client who, almost every evening after work, takes a virtual walk-through of his house via his home computer and he then makes regular inputs to us about how the design can be further improved. Work on building that house is going to start shortly and when it is complete it will be a result of that collaboration between us.”

McGerr reckons that it is only a matter of time before it becomes standard practice for contractors to access drawings via the smartphone in their pocket. He says: “So far the only contractor I have worked with who has used Autodesk on site is the guy building my own house and it has been great for identifying problems early and solving them quickly.”

He thinks also that as the building industry continues to recover and his practice works on larger projects, it will be more common for him to collaborate using BIM with other construction industry professionals – structural engineers, quantity surveyors, etc .

‘One of the key ingredients in helping to win the contract (GAA’s Cusack Park in Mullingar) was that they were able to present an interactive, animated 3D walkthrough of the facility to Westmeath GAA’s County Board’ Mel McGerr, co-founder Murphy + McGerr Architecture

33

Irish Building Magazine

McGann Scahill Architects

‘Initially, there was a significant cost, but it results in a significant improvement in the service we provide because our clients can interact better with the dynamic 3D images that we create for them. We initially did the threeday introductory course, then we did a two-day course in Revit Families’ Cuala McGann, McGann Scahill Architects

McGann Scahill Architects in Westport, Co Mayo, is another two-person architecture practice that uses BIM. “We use it fulltime,” says Cuala McGann. “Straight away we are drawing in 3D - which is how it should be, because we are designing for a 3D environment. We find it particularly useful for our fit-out work – one of our long-standing corporate clients is Carraig Donn and we are regularly producing 3D designs for them.”

McCann first started using Autodesk Revit in her practice in 2011 and she is currently using Building Design Suite Premium 2015, where she finds the suite’s Revit Architecture, Showcase and Navisworks products particularly useful.

“It was always an investment in the future,” she says. “Initially, there was a significant cost, but it results in a significant improvement in the service we provide because our clients can interact better with the dynamic 3D images that we create for them. We initially did the three-day introductory course, then we did a two-day course in Revit Families [components such as walls, windows, stairs, doors, etc used when building a 3D model], and we have done two more advanced courses since then. In all, eight days over four years, that is not a lot of time really when you consider how much you should be investing overall in CPD [continuing professional development].”

McGerr says that he too consciously decided to start using BIM when he was establishing his practice, cofounded with Patrick Murphy in 2007. He adds: “We initially saw it as simply a software to help improve efficiencies. We soon came to understand that BIM was a way of thinking and a means to greatly improve the way we work. It gives you time to examine more design options, to look at different ways of doing things and see how they work. However, it wasn’t until 2009, when I undertook a Masters in Design Management that my eyes were truly opened to the potential of BIM, such as integrated project delivery and lean construction.

“When we invested in BIM, I self-trained on the very basics at first and then I undertook a one-to-one three-day basic training course, followed by further training in Revit Families and then I passed on much of what I learned to my colleague Patrick. We both then undertook a three-day advanced course and subsequently we have been using online resources to improve

our software skills. We bounce a lot of ideas off each other and show each other different features that we learn or discover as we go forward.”

The subscription model of paying for Autodesk Revit is a very cost-effective way of accessing the latest BIM tools, customer support and other services hosted in the cloud. It also allows for flexible licensing in cases where practices are hiring people on short-term contracts.

“In terms of return on investment, we have reduced the time required on some work phases by at least 30%,” says McGerr.

“On our most streamlined projects we have seen time reductions of nearly 50% without reduction in quality – indeed BIM has probably improved the quality of information being distributed.

“We have created templates, containing standard information that can be used in different designs, so there is a real saving in avoiding duplication. We’ve also increased coordination within the practice and there are far less mistakes in the co-ordination of detailed construction drawings going to site – BIM allows you to catch mistakes or complications very early in the design process.”

McGann says half-ruefully that BIM hasn’t actually reduced the time she spends on individual projects: “What has happened is that I do more in the time available,” she says. “I give clients a much better quality project. The real benefit of BIM in our practice is the quality of the information that we produce. In addition, time is saved in repetitive tasks and communication exchange which allows more time for design.

“We have used it to collaborate with engineers on an OPW project, but a lot of our work is to do with one-off houses and extensions and most of the contractors involved in that work aren’t fully aware of the potential of BIM. I would love to get them accessing 3D drawings as a matter of course, but there are very few contractors who bring a laptop on site! I think that we will see greater adoption as the years progress, but greater education is needed. Within the profession of architecture, BIM user groups are a real help.

“To any other small architecture practice considering adopting BIM, I would say ‘Don’t be afraid to embrace it’. From the design point of view, it’s allowing you do a better job. When you start using new software, you have to be patient – it’s a bit like learning to drive! But if you keep putting it off, you will never to it!” r

BIM - ArcDox

BIM in Practice Ralph Montague

T

o find out Irish Building Magazine spoke to Ireland’s leading BIM consultancy practice, ArcDox, who has been working with projects teams over the last 5 years, to help implement BIM on over 50 Projects, having trained and supported over 500 people.

“The technology is not the problem - the biggest challenge is the fragmented and adversarial culture that exists in our industry” says Ralph Montague, managing partner of ArcDox, “BIM requires a collective and collaborative effort to get the most benefits, but people just aren’t used to working together in this way, and our systems and contracts are counter-productive and perpetuate bad behaviours”.

“We don’t see BIM as something extra that you add onto a traditional design management process”, adds Pat Slattery, managing partner of ArcDox, “but rather as an alternative methodology. People have to produce information on projects anyway, but BIM is just a far better, and more sophisticated way to produce, manage and exchange project information, that can vastly improve outcomes”.

BIM is a process carried out within a digital 3D object-based building modelling environment, where each object in a virtual building, assembled in software, represents a real life counterpart building component, and each object acts as the primary placeholders for vital digital information about that component.

Multiple traditional drawing and schedule documents can be derived/output from these models if required, but the usefulness of BIM, as an approach, is that all the information is captured in one place, and if a change is required, managed in one place, so that all documents can be kept coordinated and up to date, bringing about enormous efficiencies in creating, managing and exchanging information, and avoiding the errors and duplication of effort associated with the traditional exchange of paper-based information.

BIM significantly helps the client and project team understand, communicate and resolve issues, before going to tender or executing works on site, to reduce uncertainty and risk. The ability to view, navigate and explore all the project information in this data-rich 3D building model, gives every stakeholder a much better understanding of what is being proposed, and how it will fit and work together, facilitating far better communication, decision making and sign-off, for a much more efficient and effective design coordination process.

The ability to analyse these digital models with software, for structural performance, energy

The benefits of BIM to design, construction and operations of buildings are well documented, but are project teams actually achieving these benefits in practice, and what is required to try and make sure these benefits are leveraged? performance, quantity take-off, clash detection and programme sequencing, gives the team the ability to optimise design solutions, and consider site logistics and safety issues, in this virtual environment.

The process of gathering and managing vital information about the building assets in this digital environment, for both design and construction process, ensures that this information will be available to the facilities management team at handover, in a useful format to bring into their operations systems.

It all sounds good, but unfortunately none of the above will take place automatically, unless there is a clearly defined and managed BIM process and strategy, that every participant is required to adhere to, and contribute to, during the project. Some initial enthusiasm and goodwill may help project teams to get started in BIM, but without a clear requirement, at some point the process will break down, and people will revert to traditional ways of working.

Which is why the project team must work closely with the client to ensure key aspects are put in place, clearly defined in the works requirements, to drive the BIM process through design and construction to the successful handover of the project.

ArcDox strongly advocate the application of PAS1192-2 standard from the UK as guidance for the BIM process. “Our industry suffers from a lack of standardization when it comes to the production and management of design information”, says Ralph Montague, who also chairs a practice committee for BIM for the RIAI (Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland), and coordinates the Construction IT Alliance (CITA) BIM Group. “Without agreed standards, everybody is making it up as they go along, and this presents a real problem for our industry, which is 90% SME’s (small medium enterprises), who have to respond to different requirements on each project. What we really need is consistency in approach, and there is no need to reinvent the wheel, we can use the standards being develop in the UK as a starting point, as many companies will want to work in both jurisdictions”.

PAS1192-2:2013 “Specification for information management for the capital/delivery phase of construction projects using building information modelling (BIM)”, defines a process where clients clearly define their requirements in an EIR (Employers Information Requirements) document.

Project teams respond to this with a BEP (BIM Execution Plan) - 2 key documents that will drive the BIM strategy throughout the project.

A contractual agreement (or BIM Protocol) is implemented between all parties that participate,

to ensure they carry out their obligations, and to ensure all rights and responsibilities are managed/ maintained. The CIC (UK) BIM Protocol is a good example for standard contracts.

“We are helping project teams to produce and deliver their information in a useful digital format, that can be used, reviewed, accessed and queried by others”, say Pat Slattery, “at this stage we are working to Level 2 Maturity, as defined in the UK, where each participant produces their contribution to the design information, in a separate model, but these models can be brought together (or federated) into an overall model for coordination review purposes.

We’ve seen some poor use of BIM over the years, where people continue to work in 2D, and simply add BIM to the traditional process, which doesn’t really help. We are encouraging teams to embrace a true BIM process, and derive as many The ability to view, of the drawings and documents from the navigate and explore model as practically all the project possible”.

A big challenge is that construction clients, information in this who are new to BIM data-rich 3D building are not really sure what to ask for, and model, gives every the projects teams advising them, who stakeholder a much are also new to BIM, are not sure how to better understanding guide the process.

“If clients are not of what is being sure what they want, as a minimum, they proposed should be asking for design teams to implement a PAS 1192 BIM process during design and construction. The standard will ensure key elements are put in place to drive BIM. Clients should also ask that the information about their building be delivered at the end of construction, in an agreed structured digital format, as a minimum standard COBie (construction operations information exchange format) as being specified in the UK, using Uniclass2 classification.

This will ensure that the data is well ordered and ready to be imported into the operations systems without requiring the facilities managers to re-type the information.

“As Ireland’s leaders in BIM, ArcDox have been helping project teams to implement key protocols, procedures, standards and documentation, to help ensure the benefits of BIM are realized in practice. r

35

Irish Building Magazine

BIM - Tekla

BIM helps to create a vision of ar t

The innovative and cloud-like shaped structure of the Fondation Louis Vuitton, a Frank Gehry designed museum of contemporary art near Paris, has not only been a step ahead in design but also within the planning and construction process of a build.

The Fondation Louis Vuitton, a Frank Gehry designed museum of contemporary art near Paris ‘was a unique BIM project, as the only actual drawings produced were those for the fabrication of parts and assemblies; all the other information was provided between each project party from the 3D modelling process,’ Ian Belcher UK Manager, BDS VirCon. All images: The Fondation Louis Vuitton, a Frank Gehry designed museum of contemporary art near Paris

T

he museum was built using Tekla’s BIM software and was the ideal example of when the design and construction of a building would not have been possible without a comprehensive approach to BIM. The museum is covered by glass sails, supported on stainless steel mullions upon a structural-steel and glulam main frame. According to the designers, the 12 sails form a cloudlike collection of canopies over the museum with numerous curves and angles that reflect the surrounding trees and the Paris skyline. Steel fabricator Eiffage Construction Métallique contracted BDS VirCon to detail out the stainless steel mullions along with the glulam timber beams glazed fixing plates and the main base frames.

“This was a unique BIM project, as the only actual drawings produced were those for the fabrication of parts and assemblies; all the other information was provided between each project party from the 3D modelling process,” says Ian Belcher, UK Manager of BDS VirCon. “Our knowledge of how to get the most out of Tekla’s software along with a client willing to work with us in providing the right information to all parties involved, was what made this project a success.”

Gehry Partners delivered 3D requirements via Digital Projec to Eiffage for the structural design. From this data the exchange files were issued to BDS to then import into the BIM model for collaboration and detailing. “The nature and intent of the project setting meant that the 3D interfacing between software tools had to be the only way forward,” says Belcher. Even with the supply of intricate drawings for fabrication, these had to be supplemented for electronic files and 3D data exchange files. On top of the CAM files for part fabrication via automated machines, BDS supplied 3D drawings to aid the setting out and quality-controlling process of the node points.

The multiple curved glass surfaces of each sail meant that the stainless-steel mullion supports had to follow the shape of the spacer beams with varied endplate rotations. Eiffage was able to automate the fabrication of these members with the aid of Tekla and BDS, as the required information could be easily created from the model to drive these machines.

BDS VirCon imported the digital project data into the BIM model via the industry standard IFC format for all items, including the drawing files for the centreline of all curved items. These files also

indicated the change in radius of each member, with a point at the start, middle and end of the radius which they were able to replicate into the BIM model and onto fabrication drawings.

In addition to the normal CAM and 2D information, BDS supplied 3D drawings of all node blocks so that during fabrication the surveying equipment could be utilised in maintaining tolerances required for the project. Files were also supplied for the glulam manufacturer for the shaping and drilling of the timber beams. “The only items that did not come directly from the Tekla model happened to be the twisted or corkscrewed glulam beams, which were supplied directly from the digital projects software,” Belcher explains.

BIM software and cloud-based collaboration enabled concurrent design and advanced parametrics that were brought to the project, to the next level. In addition, an automated CNC process completed the fabrication chain.

BIM increased clarity and helped emphasise project understanding throughout all teams and the supply chain.

This resulted in faster cycle times and more automated higher-quality fabrication processes. Fondation Louis Vuitton was selected as the 2012 recipient of the prestigious BIM Excellence Award given by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Part of the model was entered into the Global Tekla BIM Awards in 2012 and another was a winner in the UK Tekla BIM Awards in 2013 and is set to open in the autumn of 2014. r

BIM - Soluis

Soluis - Innovating BIM Solutions Founded in 2000, Glasgow and London based firm Soluis offer a plethora of services to firms, one of which is helping their clients connect more effectively with their clients and project partners, allowing them to secure contracts, win competitions, achieve planning permission and enhance marketing coverage of their projects. With a large proportion of clients coming from the construction sector, the firm’s dedicated studio team are well acquainted with the complexities of the building industry.

D

irector Scott Grant began his career in the architecture profession before moving into the technology sector and applying his technology skills to provide support and training to all manner of construction industry professionals. For the past five years, Scott has focused on promoting the benefits of BIM across the industry and was laterally responsible for the management of one of the UK’s largest teams of Autodesk BIM implementation specialists.

According to Scott, BIM covers a range of capabilities that in reality break down into several areas that require their own clear definitions and are applicable in different ways to the many professionals involved in construction projects. By its very definition, BIM encourages the creation of data, and while this is a great thing when it comes to designing, delivering and operating a built asset, it often serves to overwhelm the external project stakeholders. Scott states, “technical data produced through BIM is ultimately the source of information required at each stage of a project and is perfect for review by project team members; but this data in itself does not reflect enough of the end result to immediately resonate with the clients or end-users.”

Another key aspect to consider is that the external environment has changed considerably, as the construction industry has gradually moved towards more intelligent development platforms and collaborative working practices. The challenge for construction, then, is that despite creating vast reams of valuable data through the BIM process, each interested party only wants to know about the bits that relate to their function or interest, and handing it all over is a sure way to guarantee that the key information is overlooked. “The imperatives Soluis are addressing are in helping the industry to efficiently harness the relevant parts of the available information, capturing the attention of those (often key) non-technical stakeholders and ensuring there is a direct route to higher levels of engagement and understanding.” This means more than just the visual impact approach to presentation, despite the fact that it’s often the emotional impact of such imagery that ends up convincing the financing stakeholders to award a contract. According to Scott, there are repeated examples of money being wasted late in the process because key stakeholders didn’t truly understand the technical information or were swayed by a conceptual presentation that didn’t offer sufficient understanding of more practical considerations.

Scott believes that by using a combination of the latest hardware devices and cutting edge gaming platforms, the industry will be able to engage any audience and move to an approach that informs and educates through entertainment.

There are significant benefits to this approach. The flexibility of consumer graphics engines, together with the familiarity

of consumer level hardware means that project information becomes widely accessible at all levels. Also, existing platforms that have been developed for the mass market can be re-purposed more readily to address some of the many challenges faced by the industry. “The speed of development associated with these benefits is greater than mainstream software vendors can typically fulfil. The success of presenting with purpose and clarity very often comes down to the bespoke requirements of specific projects, the objectives of the presentation and ultimately the audience.”

One of the best ways to promote the value of BIM to industry clients is to demonstrate how models and data can be put to good use for their own needs downstream, be that more effectively marketing property to prospective buyers, or simplifying ‘in the field’ access for maintenance teams. “Soluis have been developing interactive solutions for several years and there has been a notable increase in the uptake of such methods as the realisation of the benefits become apparent.”

The availability of high quality model data from the BIM process also means that there are cost savings to be had.

“Our customers can be more ambitious in how they present to clients. Although we can develop solutions from scratch, the re-use of the natural by-products of an intelligent, digitally driven process allow clients to see the value in the industry’s efforts to improve its efficiency and quality of service.”

Overall, Scott says, the firm recognises the need to democratise BIM information to make sure the construction industry is able to connect with multiple audiences, as their data becomes increasingly more detailed through each stage of a building’s life-cycle. “With such rapidly evolving consumer technology on offer, we look forward to a future when big data from BIM will be turned into all kinds of intuitive and engaging digital tools. It’s our hope that in helping lead the innovation and development of these tools we will ultimately be part of a construction industry that’s delivering a better service by communicating more clearly on the value it offers by way of performance, efficiency and certainty of outcome. r

‘The imperatives Soluis are addressing are in helping the industry to efficiently harness the relevant parts of the available information, capturing the attention of those (often key) non-technical stakeholders and ensuring there is a direct route to higher levels of engagement and understanding’ Scott Grant, Director, Soluis.

9 37

Irish Irish Building Building Magazine Magazine

Bringing your daily industry news to your finger tips......

“Click on our homepage BIM tab to view our BIM articles archive”

www.irishbuildingmagazine.ie

BIM - CITA Conference

BIM Planets Align in Ireland To coincide with Science Week, the Construction IT Alliance (CITA) are hosting a unique opportunity to hear in person from some of the world’s foremost experts on Building Information Modelling at the Clyde Court Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 on Friday 14th November.

Dr. Alan Hore

T

he conference is the finale of a four day technology challenge taking place in DIT Bolton Street. The challenge is intended to showcase the efforts of five integrated teams working together to find a solution to their chosen innovative challenge.

When asked about the event Dr. Alan Hore (DIT) said; “It is major coup for Ireland to attract such globally respected speakers. It is almost as if the BIM planets are aligning in Ireland over the next month. At the end of October, Dublin Castle is hosting the RTC conference, which is a significant event for the global BIM community. Both of these events provide Ireland with a unique opportunity to attract lots of positive attention for the rapidly upskilling Irish construction sector in Ireland. I am confident that the 14th November event will be supported by an enthusiastic audience who are interested in hearing from the competing challenge teams and to listen to the advice and words of encouragement for Ireland from globally respected experts in the field” Keynote Speakers include: Chuck Eastman is a pioneer of AEC CAD, developing research 3D and early solid and parametric modeling systems for the building industry starting in the middle 1970s. He was a faculty member at Carnegie-Mellon University and UCLA before his current position at GA Tech. At GA Tech he directs the Digital Building Laboratory that is sponsored by fifteen AEC companies and undertakes collaborative research with them. He is also one of the co-authors of the BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors.

Dr. Rafael Sacks, Technion Israel Institute of Technology Assoc. Prof. Sacks studied at the University of the Witwatersrand, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology. He is currently Associate Professor of Construction Management at the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology. To date, he is coauthor of two books, 37 papers in international peer-reviewed academic journals, 42 peer-reviewed conference papers, and a number of research reports. He is a co-author of the leading text on Building Information Modeling, entitled “The BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for

Owners, Managers, Architects, Engineers, Contractors and Fabricators”.

Professor Laura Lee, FAIA, Hon FRAIA Laura is an architect and Professor of Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, USA where she served as Head from 2004 - 2008. Laura has also taught at the Higher Institute of Architecture Henry van de Velde in Antwerp, Belgium; the Royal Danish Academy in Copenhagen, Denmark; the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland. Laura lectures on issues concerning the relationship between design, education, practice and research.

In 2009 - 2010, Laura was the 16th “Thinker in Residence” in South Australia, a program inviting global experts and leaders in their field to generate visionary and actionable recommendations for the government. She focused on the value of design and the impact of the built environment on the quality of life, and published “An Integrated Design Strategy for South Australia - Building the Future”.

‘I am confident that the 14th November event will be supported by an enthusiastic audience who are interested in hearing from the competing challenge teams and to listen to the advice and words of encouragement for

Professor David Philp, Head of BIM Implementation - UK Ireland from globally Cabinet Office. David graduated in the early nineties and joined Balfour Beatty as a Graduate Engineer; he advanced respected experts in through the company becoming Director of Technical the field’ Services and latterly BIM Programme Director. David is now Head of BIM at Mace. David’s enthusiasm lies in highlighting the potential of new technologies and how we interact with them to bring added value to our customers and unlock new ways of working throughout the entire life-cycle. David is passionate about our industry and perceives BIM as being a For more information on the event, catalyst for reform. An early contact: Suzanne Purcell, General Manager, CITA Ltd. adopter of practical change Email: spurcell@cita.ie and purposeful collaboration, Office 01-676 6052 David is currently seconded www.cita.ie to the Cabinet Office’s Efficiency and Reform Group To book your place contact admin@cita.ie where he is “Head of BIM Member price €245 Implementation”. He is also Non Member price €295 chair of the BIM2050 and Smart Collaboration Challenge Website various BIM4 working groups. https://cita091-public.sharepoint.com/ He is a Professor at Glasgow Caledonian University. r

39

Irish Building Magazine

THE WRITECH GROUP A Global Leader In Fire Protection Systems

Fire Engineering Excellence The Writech Group incorporating Writech Industrial Services Ltd and Writech Manufacturing Ltd is one of Europe’s leading Fire Protection Engineering Companies.

From standard installations to special risk, the Writech Group provide turn-key solutions to the highest international approval standards.

Writech have considerable experience in working on Distillery Projects. Our partnership approach allows for a mutual synergism and advancement in delivering to clients the highest standards in safety, project management, quality, efficiency & reliability.

Special Projects: Fire Protection System Turnkey Fire Deluge Special Hazard Contract Gas Turbines Power Generation Petrochemical Fire Pump Servicing / Maintenance

In 2014, The Writech Group received the highest recognised safety award from PepsiCo Worldwide Flavors Putting Safety First.

In 2014, The Writech Group’s UK Office were awarded the fire protection contract for Silverstone’s new F1 Training college.

Services Division: Maintenance Detection Installation Fixed/Portable Extinguishers Protection Installation Fixed/Portable Fire Water Pumps Special Products: Control Equipment Pipework Fabrication Steelwork Modules Fire Water Storage Tanks

World Exclusive demonstration at Firex2013 of the World’s very first paperless Field Service and Maintenance ‘APP’ for Fire Protection Systems.

Writech Head Office: Mullingar Business Park, Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland.

8 T: (+353) 44 9349857 F: (+353) 44 9349858 E: info@writechltd.com W: www.writechltd.com Irish Building Magazine

Tullamore Distillery The Tullamore Distillery will produce two types of Irish whiskey, Pot Still and Malt whiskey.

Both will be distilled in a batch process from a mash of barley and malted barley for the Pot Still and malted barley for the Malt.

Tullamore gets its Dew While the opening of the €35m Tullamore Distillery in Co Offaly marks more than the start of a new chapter in the life of the Tullamore D.E.W. brand, it also represents much more than that. As the first commercial distillery in Ireland to be built on a green-field site in more than 100 years, the Tullamore Distillery is an indication of how well the whiskey market is doing worldwide and how well Irish whiskey is doing as a subset of that. While worldwide sales of spirits are down overall, sales of whiskey are increasing and the fastest sales growth of all is being experienced by Irish whiskey, which is up more than 10% year on year.

T

ullamore D.E.W. is at the heart of this expansion – it’s worldwide sales have been increasing at a rate of 15% a year for the last three years and it is enjoying annual sales of increases of 20% in the United States. For several years, Tullamore D.E.W. has been the second biggest selling Irish whiskey worldwide and it is to be found in bars from Boston to Bangalore, from Moscow to Melbourne and from San Francisco to Shanghai. While the US is its biggest market, it goes down very well across Europe: it is the largest selling whiskey of any type in the Czech Republic, Denmark and the Baltics and it is the number one selling Irish whiskey in Germany, Sweden, Bulgaria, Poland and Estonia. The design & build contract was the first major project in Ireland for Dunne Building & Civil Engineers.

The opening of the Tullamore Distillery underlines the growing preeminence of William Grant & Sons, which is now the third largest producer of Scotch whisky, while remaining an independent familyowned business. Founded by the eponymous William Grant in 1887, the company’s Scotch brands include Glenfiddich single malt, The Balvenie and Grant’s, as well as spirits such as Hendrick’s gin, Sailor Jerry spiced rum and Reyka Icelandic vodka. The recent addition of Drambuie to the core product portfolio will further strengthen the growth of the business.

When William Grant & Sons bought the Tullamore D.E.W. brand in 2010, the company said it hoped to establish a distillery to produce the product itself. The Tullamore Distillery makes that hope a reality and is the company’s first distillery outside of Scotland.

At the official opening, Dunne Group founder Gordon Dunne said: “It is very satisfying to have played our part in returning Tullamore

Dew to its rightful home This is an especially proud moment for both myself and The Dunne Group with the success of our first major construction project in Ireland.”

A town and a tipple Tullamore has a long tradition of whiskey making and the first modern factory distillery was founded there in 1829 by a Michael Molloy. In the 1890s, the distillery was managed by a Daniel E Williams and it his initials that are found on today’s Tullamore D.E.W. bottles. Williams was a notable innovator – he brought electricity to Tullamore in 1893 and was also responsible for bringing telephones and i motorised transport to the town. That tradition of innovation continues with the Grant family at the Tullamore Distillery, where some of the most energy efficient distillery equipment in the world has been installed.

In the early 20th century the Irish whiskey industry went into a period of decline – the War of Independence and the Civil War affected production, then the Economic War affected exports to Britain, prohibition in the United States closed its biggest market and then almost as soon as prohibition ended, the Second World War but a halt to exports. After the war, Irish whiskey manufacturers did not

‘Sales of whiskey are increasing and the fastest sales growth of all is being experienced

by Irish whiskey’ 41

Irish Building Magazine

group electrical & mechanical services At the King & Moffatt Group we pride ourselves in offering our clients a high quality service within budget and within specified time frames.

King & Moffatt Group are a Construction Company engaged in the provision of an Electrical & Mechanical Service. These services are provided directly to our clients via an experienced and competent work force. King & Moffatt Group is a private limited company established in 1982. The company head office is located in Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon and the UK office is located in East Croydon, London.

Tullamore Distillery

Our professional team will be happy to help you with a complete turn-key service right through from planning and design stage to the installation of electrical and mechanical services.

With our experience and qualified workforce, we are able to offer an exceptional standard of quality, design and installation plus full support and maintenance.

We make it our business to provide the highest level of customer value & service at all times.

C & D Foods

Capabilities: • Electrical • Design and BIM • Control and Instrumentation • Energy Consultancy • Mechanical Sectors: • Food and Beverage • Industrial and Mining • Pharmaceutical and Healthcare • Hotel and Leisure • Education • Public Works • Transport

Double Tree by Hilton

King & Moffatt Group Boyle Road, Carrick-on-shannon, Co Roscommon.

T: 071 962 0378

The Lansdowne Building 2, Lansdowne Road, Croydon Surrey, CR9 2ER, UK. T: 0208 2636152

E: info@kingmoffatt.com www. kingmoffatt.com

Midlands Prison

Tullamore Distillery

Tullamore Distillery uses the very latest in modern and green technologies to reduce running costs by more than 60% prove as canny as their Scottish counterparts and failed to make the necessary investments and innovations necessary to succeed – tellingly, during the 1960s, the amount spent on advertising Scotch whiskey in the United States was greater than the total combined sales of Irish whiskey exports to America. In this period of retrenchment, the Tullamore D.E.W. brand was sold in to Powers in 1953 and the distillery closed down in 1954. With Powers becoming part of Irish Distillers in 1966, Tullamore D.E.W. production commenced at the New Middleton Distillery, where the majority of all spirits production in Ireland is carried out. In 1994, the C&C Group acquired the brand, with production continuing under license at Middleton, then in 2010 it was purchased by William Grant & Sons, who have put a lot of effort and energy into building the brand, which as well as Tullamore D.E.W. Original, currently includes Tullamore D.E.W. 10 year old Single Malt; Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve; Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix, a limited edition whiskey that jointly commemorates the world’s first aviation disaster, which occurred in Tullamore in 1785, and the reestablishment of distilling in the town in 2014; Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey Celebratory Phoenix Single Batch, a very limited edition of only 2014 bottles, specifically to note the opening of the new distillery and Tullamore D.E.W. Old Bonded Warehouse.

In addition to a new worldwide integrated advertising campaign launched in 2011, William Grant & Sons made a multi-million euro investment to open the Tullamore D.E.W. Visitor Centre on the site of the old distillery in 2012. Earlier that year the company also announced that it would build its new Tullamore Distillery on a 58 acre site at Clonminch on the outskirts of the town, realising a decades-long company aspiration to acquire an Irish whiskey distillery.

Work officially commenced on 12th September 2013, when Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, turned the first sod on the site and, in keeping with tradition, a small cask of Tullamore D.E.W. was cracked and its contents poured into the ground for luck. Just over a year later, on 17th September 2014, Minister Coveney was back to officially open the new distillery by turning the taps on the spirit safe to let the first spirit flow from the newly installed stills. This was the first time that whiskey had been produced in Tullamore for more than 60 years. Happily, during the entire construction period there were no serious accidents or injury – while this was obviously the result of good health and safety management, the more superstitious would say that the whiskey spilled at the start of the project also played its part.

The Build The man in charge of the construction project was John Stevenson, William Grant & Sons’ Head of Engineering for projects delivery.

“We looked at 57 possible sites across Ireland, only two of which were in Tullamore – the first of these was too small for our needs and the second was this one, which was a forest planted on a bog.

We couldn’t have found a more difficult site from a construction perspective – it had absolutely no services: no electricity, no water supply, no foul effluent connection, no gas., etc. We would have to put everything in ourselves, but Glenn Gordon our chairman insisted that this was where we would build, we would re-instate the link with Tullamore.”

“Ground conditions were terrible,” said Tony McLoughlin, William Grant & Son’s project engineer. “When you walked about you had

‘We couldn’t have found a more difficult site from a construction perspective – it had absolutely no services: no electricity, no water supply, no foul effluent connection, no gas’ John Stevenson, William Grant & Sons’ Head of Engineering 43

Irish Building Magazine

Specialists in Structural & Architectural Steelwork

Proud to have been associated with the Tullamore Dew Distillery Project

New Line Engineering Ltd. Durhamstown, Bohermeen, Navan, Co. Meath.

T: 086-822 3841 E: darren@newlineengineering.ie

R _ E - C O_N S T R U C T U R E S LT D

DUNLEER - CO. LOUTH - IRELAND

•

Steelfixng

•

Formwork

•

Concrete

Main Formwork Contractors with Dunne Group on the Tullamore Dew Distillery Project.

Wishing continued success to all involved in this iconic project.

For more information on our company and previous projects please feel free to call Shane MCGahon on 087 762 2143 or email: reconstructures@gmail.com

McLAUGHLIN TAYLOR DRYLINING LTD.

Metal Stud Partitions & Plasterboarding McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining are one of the countries leading metal partition and plaster-boarding contractors with experience across Ireland & the UK. Our award winning company is capable of undertaking projects of varied sizes in both the residential and commercial sector.

The key to our success is the professional relationship we develop with our clients. In doing so we guarantee an on-time quality finish while adhering to industries quality, environmental and safety standards.

We are proud to have worked with the Dunne Group on the Tullamore Dew Distillery project where it provided us with the opportunity to showcase some of our expertise including sound proof and fire rated metal stud partitions.

McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining Ltd offers a wide range of services from: • Metal Stud Partitions • Dry lining • MF Suspended Ceilings • Interior Insulation • Fire Proofing • Sound Proofing For a high quality finish at a competitive price please contact: McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining Ltd on 087 7738697 or email: mmclaughlintaylor@gmail.com

Tullamore Distillery The Tullamore Distillery location provides a good supply of quality, soft spring water from the nearby Slieve Bloom Mountains, ideal for the triple distillation process used in Tullamore D.E.W

to watch your step or else you would end up waist deep in water – we lost a forestry machine during the wood clearing, it sank into the ground and had to be dragged out at a later stage.”

“We were blessed that we had two really dry summers back to back,” said Stevenson. “When I came here first in November 2012 it did not stop raining until the January and I thought we were totally mad!”

“When we put the job out to tender, you could see that some of the bidders had no experience of working in ground conditions similar to what we had here – the winners of the tender, Dunne (BCE), and one other bidder were the only two who really showed that they understood what was involved. Beneath the peat, there was a layer of almost liquid clay that had to be dealt with.

“Dunne were excellent to work with. Not only were they one of the best value contractors bidding on this project, when ever there was a difficulty we could have a good commercial debate with one another and quickly come to a sensible practical agreement. It was a design build contract, so obviously they were looking at doing things as efficiently as possible – at the end of the process, we valued the additional works undertaken, including items removed from scope and intimated that the final price would have to be reduced by a significant amount and within 20 minutes we reached a mutual agreement. I know of no other civil engineering contractor with whom you could do that. This is the Dunne Group’s first big contract in Ireland, we’re very much a reference project and I can say that I would happily recommend them.”

Founded in 2001, the Dunne Group operates across the UK with a team of more than 700 employees and its Irish based subsidiary, Dunne (BCE) undertook the main contract. It is particularly well known as a specialist in reinforced concrete substructure and superstructure work but that by no means is the full scope of its specialisations, which include blockwork, pre-cast concrete, slip-forming, post-tensioning, concrete pumping and specialist plant hire. The company has had particular success partnering with some of the biggest names in civil engineering, including Brookfield Multiplex, Balfour Beaty, Sir Robert McAlpine and BAM. The company founder Gordon Dunne, a native of Navan whose father Les, was also prominent in the Irish construction industry.

The main works consisted of the construction of a distillery building, a co-products building, a filling store, two 5,000m2 warehouses each capable of storing more than 55,000 barrels of whiskey or 10,810,800

bulk litres of whiskey, numerous tank farms for client direct vessels, two 1,000m3 precast concrete water tanks, external concrete and tarred roads, perimeter fencing and parking areas. Before the project was completed, William Grant & Sons requested that another building, Distillery House, which operates as a VIP visitor centre and educational facility for brand ambassadors, be added to the project.

With its three distinctive roof-top pagodas, typical of whiskey distilleries in Scotland, Distillery House had been nicknamed ‘the Three Sisters’ throughout the project, and you will find echoes of ‘the power of three’ throughout the distillery as a kind of talisman. Not only is Irish whiskey triple distilled, but Tullamore D.E.W. is triple blended, made from a combination of grain whiskey, malted whiskey and pot whiskey. Additionally, the Grant coat of arms features three crowns. As a result, you will find that equipment comes in groups of three or multiples of three – there is a space for six stills in the distillery, there are six fermentation vessels installed and room for six more, the spirit safe is, perhaps uniquely, triangular shaped; there are copper finials on the rooftop with three balls and the control room desk is decorated with old barrel staves, only three of which have bungs. Numerous other clues are incorporated all over the installation, many of them hidden by the engineering team.

The initial works on the project consisted of a 450,000m3 peat strip, followed by a 70,000m3 cut/fill earthworks package with unsuitable material being lime/cement stabilised for re-use under building footprints. The buildings then needed to be supported by piles – and more than 2,300 of them were needed. In fact, if the piles were laid end to end they would stretch for 21km. More than 900 tonnes of structural steel and 9,000m3 of concrete were used in the development.

Because it is planned to double the distilleries capacity in future years, should the growth in Tullamore D.E.W. sales continue to grow as expected, much of the infrastructure had to be twice the capacity that was currently needed. Within the site there are more than: 10,000m of process pipe work, 100 process pumps, 1,000 process valves, 800 process instruments, 40 process tanks (containing more than 3.3 million litres of liquid and 150km of electric cable.

To supply the distillery with water a 14km pipeline had to be constructed to bring water to the site from the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Stevenson said: “Offaly and Laois County Councils were particularly helpful in facilitating this and organising wayleaves for us.” In all, more than 1,200 construction workers and specialist distillery engineers worked on the site over a 69 period, working a combined 475,000 working days to complete the project on schedule and on budget.

‘Because it is planned to double the distilleries capacity in future years, should the growth in Tullamore D.E.W. sales continue to grow as expected, much of the infrastructure had to be twice the capacity that was currently needed.’

The 10 m³ glass and polished brass Spirit Safe is uniquely designed in a triangular shape, an appropriate reference to Tullamore D.E.W.’s complex triple-distilled, triple blend of all three types of Irish whiskey, while also paying tribute to the Grant family’s coat of arms which features its own trio of crowns.

45

Irish Building Magazine

Healion Contractors Ltd

Roofing, Slating & Tiling 1st & 2nd Fixing Timber Frame Construction All General Carpentry & Fit Outs Fibre Glass Flat Roof & Valleys

McQuillan Carpentry has been in business for over twenty years.

We have been involved in many different projects over that period.

Healion Contractors Ltd are a Tullamore based business who are proud to have worked as part of the civil & ground work team that carried out the bulk of the works including deep excavation work at the prestigious Tullamore Distillery.

• Specialists in Site Clearance • Ground Work • All Civil Works Spollenstown, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. T: 057 932 0886 M: Brian 087 289 8881 / Derek 087 253 0816 E: healioncontractors@gmail.com

Barcrete Ltd Concrete Contractors

Tel: 041 - 685 3491 Fax: 041 - 685 3200 Mobile: 087 - 250 1275

Completed projects include: Large Housing Developments, Apartment Blocks, One off Private Dwellings, Schools & Colleges, Hotels & Nightclubs, Nursing Homes, Work at Dublin Airport, Worked on many projects for Irish Rail.

New Tullamore Distillery, Athlone Army Barracks amongst many others high quality, Project references are available on request.

McQuillan Carpentry pays careful attention to detail in all its projects. All work is carried out to the highest standards of quality & workmanship. We are Fully insured & Compliant with all Regulations.

If you would like more information about our company please call us on: M: 087 7809630 / T: 046 92 42 595 or email: mcquillancarpentryltd@yahoo.ie

• Specialist in Stone • Blocks, Brick & Paving • New build & Extensions

Newcastle, Moynalty, Kells, Co. Meath.

T: 046 924 2956 M. 086 270 9185 E. martin@rockroadstone.ie

Rock Road Stone Co ltd and Manor Stone Quarries ltd Supply & Install all forms of paving & building stone.

Barcrete Ltd — Over 20 years experience providing full-service concrete flooring, yards & formwork to the Industrial & Agri sectors serving all national locations & the UK.

We were happy to work together on a JV basis for Dunnes on the Tullamore Dew Project.

Proud to have worked on the Tullamore Dew Distillery project wishing continued success to all involved.

Main Office: Ballacolla, Co. Laois.

Manor Stone Quarries can supply your project with up to 15 types of Building Stone, alongside an extensive range of paving, cobble, chipping & pebbles.

For information on any of our services visit us online at: www.barcrete or email: barry@barcrete.com

Visit our state-of-the-art display yard & view the vast range of available products for both indoor & outdoor projects.

Tullamore Distillery

While the boundary walls have been constructed using local sandstone, the face of the Distillery Building and of Distillery House have been clad with York stone, which is more durable, yet lighter and brighter in appearance with a high level of quartz crystals that cause it to sparkle in the sunshine. Spanish slate has been used for the roofs, for both reasons of durability and quality of appearance.

When constructing the Distillery Building, Dunne Building and Civil Engineering had to provide specialist drainage capable of disposing of corrosive liquids heated at up to 100°C and the ground floor slab has been carefully designed to get rid of any spills as quickly as possible.

This building was made watertight before Christmas to allow plumbing and electrical works to be completed early in the New Year so that the building could be handed over in its entirety to the client in mid-Feb to allow William Grant & Sons to complete installation works and start distilling in late 2014.

and in the brewhouse, there is a mash conversion vessel tun and a Pegasus C lauter tun, designed six brews a day, with each brew producing 34,000 litres of wort for fermentation. Notably, when the barley is milled it is wet, which is the practice at all William Grant & Sons distilleries and is a practice designed to eliminate dust and the possibility of explosions. The Distillery has six fermentation vessels, two weak-wort tanks, two wash receiver tanks and vessels for warm, hot and cold water.

The four stills were manufactured by the most renowned coppersmiths in the world, Forsyths of Rothes, in Moray. These stills were handcrafted to a design based upon the original stills that were in use at the old Tullamore Distillery until its closure in 1954. A prominent difference between the design of a traditional Irish whiskey still and a Scotch whiskey still is that the neck of the Irish still is riveted in place – such apparently minor differences have an impact on spirit quality.

They stills transported 775km from Scotland to Tullamore in six separate pieces over land and sea on a flatbed truck before being riveted and welded together. The largest of the stills, the ‘copper pot wash’ still, has a volume capacity of around 22,500 litres, the largest in the William Grant & Sons group. After the stills were installed the triangular 10m³ spirit safe, made from glass and polished brass, was fitted complete with padlocks, as is traditional for reasons of satisfying customs and excise. The spirit safe allows the distilled liquid to be topped and tailed – liquor from the start and end of a batch is diverted for re-distillation and only the middle, or heart of the

‘The stills were hand-crafted to a design based upon the original stills that were in use at the old Tullamore Distillery until its closure in 1954’

Pictured at the opening are William Grant & Sons CEO, Stella David with fifth generation Grant family member Peter Gordon.

The Distillery Building contains the majority of the processes involved in distilling spirit – Millhouse where either raw or malted barley is ground into grist for processing: the Brewhouse where wort is fermented into wash (a form of liquid like abeer) and the Stillhouse where the light beers are distilled to create spirit.

Krones, the renowned German beer making equipment manufacturer, supplied the majority of the brewing and fermentation process equipment required for the project from the brewhouse up to the inlet of the wash stills, including the clean-in-place (CIP) system for the wash stills.

The millhouse is equipped with a Variomill conditioning wet roller

47

Irish Building Magazine

contract residential

ROLLER SHUTTER & INDUSTRIAL DOOR SOLUTIONS

Proud to have worked with Dunne (BCL) Ltd. on the Tullamore Dew Project

SPECIALIST FLOORING CONTRACTORS SINCE 1979

www.johnlynchcarpets.ie 6A Mullaghboy Ind. Est. Navan, Co. Meath.

Tel: 046 906 0622

Bective Square, Kells, Co. Meath.

Tel: 046 925 2442

Free Trial

If you are not entirely happy we will remove the unit Campion Pumps are so confident in the new N-Impeller technology with its anti-clogging capabilities we are willing to give it the ultimate test and supply and install the unit entirely free on a trial basis on troublesome sites.

‘Proud to have worked on the Tullamore Dew project’ Case Study Issue: Sewage Pumping station South Munster, previously 75kW Pump ragging on a weekly basis.

Solution: Campion Pumps installed 55kw N-Impeller pump on a trial basis.

Result: 3.5 years (& counting) without clogging. No maintenance needed to date. No downtime.

Gortnahoe,Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

T: 056 883 4288 E: sales@campion.ie www.campion.ie

C&S Repair & Maintenance Ltd., market leaders in the supply, manufacture, installation & maintenance of: • Commercial & Industrial Roller Shutter Doors • Fire Roller Shutter Doors • Insulated Roller Shutter & Sectional Doors • Smoke & Fire Curtains • Fast Acting Folding & Rolling Doors • Steel Personnel Doors • Flexible crash Doors • Loading Bays C&S Repair & Maintenance Ltd., Unit 2B, Newtown Road, Newtown Industrial Estate, Dublin 17 Tel 01 8845240 Fax 01 8648209 Email: sales@shuttersanddoors.ie Web: www.shuttersanddoors.ie

Tullamore Distillery

Tullamore D.E.W. is the second largest Irish whiskey worldwide with huge demand in the USA, Germany, Sweden, Central and Eastern Europe run, is sent to the filling room to be filled into casks for maturation.

The next building to be completed after the distillery was the CoProducts Building, from where all incoming services are distributed to all other buildings as required and co-products are processed. After the sugars have been removed from the barley mash, a distillery is left with a thick porridge-like substance known as draff, which is currently being supplied to local farmers as animal feed. However, in the future, the draff may be used to create bio-gas to feed a CHP (combined heat and power) plant, as is the case at William Grant & Son’s distillery at Girvan, where excess electricity and gas is exported to the national grid. Another co-product is pot ale, which can also be used as an animal feed. McLoughlin said: “The pot ale is sweet and protein rich – cows and pigs love it. The problem is that it goes sour after a few days, but you can extend its shelf life if you boil it down to make a syrup. You can then mix this syrup with the draff to create a pelletized animal feed. At the moment we are providing these two by-products to local farmers free, but we may shift the focus onto a more commercial one.

The site has been designed so that it can be easily expanded – with the possibility to increase the number of warehouses on site from two at present to 13. There is also the possibility for grain whiskey distilling to be added to the malt whiskey and pot whiskey distilling already taking place – a space for this has been left vacant between the warehouses and the Co-Products Building.

There is also planning permission for a potential future visitors’ centre that would have an adjoining cooperage and an old style dunnage warehouse (a warehouse for storing barrels). “If things keep going the way they are going in terms of brand growth, we will be needing to hire a team of coopers pretty soon to look after all of our casks,” said Stevenson. “Coopers are in short supply at the moment!”

“The dunnage warehouse will give the visitor experience a more traditional feel, with the barrels placed one on top of another in pyramid fashion on an earthen floor.

The VIP facility in Distillery House was a very late addition to the project. On entering the main door of the building, the lobby features a large phoenix motif made of copper. “The phoenix is the symbol

of Tullamore,” said Stevenson. “It dates back to the days when a hot air balloon crash landed in the town in 1785 and burned more than 100 houses to the ground. There was talk of relocating Tullamore, but the people said they would rebuild the town and they have used the phoenix as their symbol ever since. Similarly, we have distilling arising again from the ashes and this phoenix emblem celebrates that.”

On the first floor of the building, there is a tasting bar featuring not only Tullamore products, but a wide range of William Grant & Son spirits. The decor uses a mix of Irish oak, stainless steel and copper to great effect. There is also a mix of warm and cool lighting – the cool, pure white lighting, being needed to appreciate the depth of colour of the various spirits being sampled by guests. At the far end of the room, behind a glass wall and glass double doors, is a large table with a polished concrete countertop and concealed sinks surrounded by a shelf containing a myriad of whiskey samples. This is the office cum laboratory of master blender Brian Kinsman who is responsible for ensuring that all Tullamore D.E.W. brands are of a consistent quality.

It is here too that the master blender devises formulas for the limited edition whiskeys that will be released in future years.

Above this, on the second floor, is a VVIP area for entertaining very special guests. The atmosphere here is of a plush family area, with seating akin to a sitting room in one half of the room and tables set out for small group dining in the other half. This is a place where those working in partnership with William Grant & Sons can meet and be convivial together.

“There is great potential here,” said Stevenson. “This is the Tullamore Distillery, the home of Tullamore D.E.W.. However, we can also use this location as an incubator for new brands that could be developed here, brands that are separate from the Tullamore D.E.W. label, brands that are perhaps even separate to Irish whiskey. This is really a new chapter in an already long story..” r

‘If things keep going the way they are going in terms of brand growth, we will be needing to hire a team of coopers pretty soon to look after all of our casks’

49

Irish Building Magazine

FenestraPro

FenestraPro - Designing software

FenestraPro Founders, Simon Whelan & Dave Palmer

‘FenestraPro optimises the thermal, solar and daylighting requirements of the facade and provides the user with detailed understanding of how key façade design decisions affect the building’s energy performance’

Established in 2012 by Simon Whelan and Dave Palmer, FenestraPro is early stage design software that lets architects design non-domestic facades for more energy efficient buildings quicker, accurately and more cost effectively. Irish Building magazine is in conversation with Chief Operations Officer, Simon Whelan.

O

nce the shape of the building has been established, the cloud-based software can be used to establish several key design parameters at a fairly early stage in the design process. Some of these parameters include being able to determine the overall percentage glazing based on thermal performance, the optimal distribution of glazing based on location and orientation and outline glazing and shading specification to control and balance solar heat gain with natural daylight penetration.

Both Simon and Dave (both architectural technologists) are best placed to identify the technology gap that still exists in the sector. Over the years, Simon has worked in a number of small, medium and large architectural practices across Ireland and Australia while Dave founded Build Online, an online web-based catalogue, file and document management system and a tendering and procurement platform for the construction industry in 1997.

In 2002, Palmer Whelan & Associates was set up. Having ran a technology practice for several years, the pair’s involvement with DIT’s Hothouse innovation hub combined with investment from Enterprise Ireland in the shape of competitive start-up funding led to the establishment of FenestraPro. While the priority at early stage conceptual design is usually aesthetic, energy performance and environmental impact aren’t generally quantified until later in the process. This is where FenestraPro differs; it optimises the thermal, solar and daylighting requirements of the facade and provides the user with detailed

understanding of how key façade design decisions affect the building’s energy performance. “The façade is the moderator between the internal and external environment so it’s hugely important to the overall build performance. When the architect knows the rough shape of the building, they can very quickly establish the key parameters of the façade design, the optimal amount of glazing they should use and then distribute that glazing around the different orientations,” according to Simon Whelan.

Difficulties that can prove costly to correct such as overheating are side-stepped at an early stage in the design process. “A building has to be pretty heavily designed before building analysis can take place, at which point redesign will take a lot of time and obviously cost. We’re pushing all those design decisions at an early stage and ultimately allowing architects understand the implications of their design ideas.”

FenestraPro boasts several useful features - solar shading can be used as a tool where more glazing is required for high solar gain facades. Early stage massing interprets early stage design parameters in relation to the building and its environment, enabling the architectural team to make truly site specific decisions. In addition, the FenestraPro Glazing Specification Tool makes the detailed specification of glazing within a building something of a fine art, providing guidance on how various types of window system will affect energy and daylighting performance. “The software also registers the exact site location and orientation of the

FenestraPro

The cloud-based software application at FenestraPro. com provides full functionality for practices yet to evolve from CAD to BIM, significantly improving the façade design process. building; these issues can have a real impact on its performance in terms of the amount of solar radiation received.” FenestraPro also enables its user to compare different techniques of balancing energy performance with maximizing glazing in specific areas, altering performance specifications, natural daylighting, thermal comfort, aesthetic and practical design.

As an early decision-making software tool, the parallels with BIM are obvious. Productivity is improved due to visibility over design decisions and compliance issues, and costs are reduced due to reduction in design iterations. The firm has been working extensively with Autodesk and as part of the Autodesk Developer Network, Simon and Dave intend launching a Revit Plug-In very soon. A similar FormIt Plug-In will follow. The software may still be at an early stage, but so far the feedback has been very encouraging. “We’re targeting large scale architectural practices and several firms both here and in the UK have already signed up.

Gensler, the largest architectural firm in the world employing over 4,000 staff, have been very positive about the software and were an early adopter.”

According to Simon, FenestraPro is easy to use; it’s quite visual and graphical. A short amount of training around the software’s requirements and how to understand and manipulate the overall heat method is required. “It’s not so much using the software but it’s the information around it. Quite a lot of architects are technologically savvy so all it requires is a couple of hours training.”

So what differentiates FenestraPro from its competitors?

According to Simon, the biggest selling-point is that it’s an early-

stage design tool as opposed to an analysis tool. One of the biggest advantages is that the software can tell the architect how much glass he/she can have on the building in order to maximise heat gain or control overheating, based on its location and orientation.

An ability to significantly reduce or streamline the façade design process by as much as 30% will ensure compliance at an early stage. “It’s ongoing compliance as well, that’s where architects are seeing the advantages. Also, one of the less tangible benefits we’re seeing is that architects are able to retain control over the façade design process rather than farming it out to mechanical engineers. Essentially, they’re the driver of the design.”

According to Simon, performance design is becoming as important as the functional design or the aesthetic of a building.

“Traditionally, architects will have pushed the responsibility for performance design onto, for example, mechanical engineers.

I think this is changing; nowadays architects feel they want to regain that control and they understand that performance is a huge factor for the occupants and the owner.”

With excellent industry feedback and buy-in from leading architectural firms, both Simon and Dave are optimistic about the future of FenestraPro. The pair hope to double the workforce over the next few months and see the Revit plug-in as the next step towards getting the “early-stage design tool” FenestraPro message out there. “Really it comes down to being able to improve facade design by 30% and getting those parameters right early on. We’re also keen to get the message out there that this software allows architects retain control of the design and ultimately achieve aesthetic realisation of the building.” r

‘We’re targeting large scale architectural practices and several firms both here and in the UK have already signed up. Gensler, the largest architectural firm in the world employing over 4,000 staff, have been very positive about the software and were an early adopter’

FenestraPro for Revit is used within the BIM environment, and writes directly to the Conceptual Mass Model to optimise the solar, thermal and daylighting performance of the façade.

51

Irish Building Magazine

SB 3143 SuretyBondADoutline.pdf

Brouder Bros. Steel Ltd. “For Structural Integrity”

Brouder Brothers Steel Ltd is a family owned business and has been involved in the construction of Steel Frame and the Cladding of various Industrial Buildings for over 25 years.

We have acquired vast experience in the construction of a wide variety of structures.

Projects completed include : • Commercial & Industrial • Warehousing Units • Showrooms • Apartments • Agricultural Buildings

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Proud to have worked with Manley Construction on the Drogheda Cinema.

Woodlands, Rathangan, Co Kildare.

T. 045-524620 E. caroline@brouderbros.ie www.brouderbros.ie

1

30/04/2014

15:02

The Arc Cinema Drogheda

Award worthy Building a cinema on top of a live shopping centre was no mean feat for both Manley Construction and Lafferty Architects. Irish Building speaks with the architect and main contractor behing this state-of-the-art project.

I

n addition to a challenging build process, planning was also difficult to come by for the Arc Cinema on level 3 of Drogheda Town Centre. “We got involved with the project back in 2010 when we suggested to the client at the time that a cinema would be an ideal option for level 3 of the centre. Planning was hard to come by; we got refused for the sixth screen but eventually overcame the decision, bringing seating capacity up to 750,” says Oliver Nolan, at Lafferty Architects. The six screens was a requirement to make the cinema viable. “From the outset, we felt that a cinema positioned at level 3 was the perfect addition to the centre, this area of the shopping centre had been a dead end and hard to let. The cinema now occupies all of level 3 of the centre. We felt a cinema would be more of a destination and would create passing footfall for that part of the centre, which had been struggling in the downturn. It would also allow the centre to compete with the satellite retail parks on the periphery of the town.”

Construction on the €6 million cinema began in August 2013 with nearly a 12 month build. For both the architect and the contractor, the biggest challenge was operating on an extremely tight site that remained live throughout the construction period. “The project consisted of a roof top extension of the existing shopping centre roof. We managed to thread the new structure through the old and done it over live retail. The existing building was raised by 2m to accommodate the six screens. Throughout all of this, the mall was kept live at all times and to top it all off, we had extremely bad weather for quite a lot of the build,” says Damien Manley from Manley Construction. The difficulties associated with a tight, live site were exacerbated by the complete lack of storage areas for the construction team. “This was very much a Just in Time building, everything was taken off a truck and put straight into the location.

Lightweight fast construction was used throughout; the existing shopping mall was built in 1985 so we had to tie in with the existing steel frame,” according to Damien.

Cooperation from retailers in the centre meant the build process went relatively smoothly. “We strained a few relationships at

times but ultimately we got there. It was difficult to tell people that we were going to pull apart their shop overnight and have it back together for them the next morning,” says Oliver. As well as designing the shell, Lafferty Design were asked by Melcorpo to do the fit-out of the cinema. “It was a really interesting project for us; we ended up getting involved in branding, even picking the name.”

Essentially, the fit-out of the Arc Cinema has created a new brand, a process that Lafferty Architects have been deeply involved in from the brand name and concept to the actual fit-out. Based around ‘Hero moments’ from films of the past, the fit-out and branding together with a high-end luxurious feel has made the Arc Cinema experience a unique one for the user. A colour changing LED ceiling in the entrance foyer was installed to create ‘We managed to thread a mood change within the foyer, changing from day time the new structure through screenings to evening screenings.

Another considerable challenge for the team were the tight the old and done it over restrictions in relation to the building’s overall height, due live retail. The existing to the typography in Drogheda and how visible the roof building was raised by 2m of the existing centre was from other parts of the town. To ensure the construction impacted positively on Drogheda, to accommodate the six the coordination of the structure with the mechanical screens. Throughout all of and electrical plant needed to be carefully considered. this, the mall was kept This was made possible by coordinating the design team live at all times’, through BIM. The mechanical and electrical engineer, structural engineer and architect used an integrated BIM Damien Manley approach through the design process that allowed the Construction Director buildings structure to integrate with its building services Manley Construction and ultimately achieve a condensed and efficient layout that satisfied the restrictions.

The cinema has proved a hit with people in Drogheda; patrons can enjoy one of 750 Artic leather seats across the 6 screens, which are all fitted with digital projectors, Dolby 7.1 surround sound, with 3D in half of them. The cinema has also proved a huge success for Melcorpo, creating a buzz around that area of the town and increasing footfall within the cinema. r

53

Irish Building Magazine

THE CEMENT

YOU TRUST

For over 75 years our customers have trusted Irish Cement products, manufactured using local raw materials.

CPRS00026

ECO-EFFICIENT

CO2 Reduced Carbon Cement

Irish Cement CEM II products are the first in the Irish Republic to be awarded the BES 6001 Environmental and Sustainability Standard.

For more details please visit our website www.irishcement.ie

Sustainable Cement

Non Bleached Paper

CMI

Cement Manufacturers Ireland – Building Sustainability

L-R: Mark McAuley, CMI; Barry King, Quinn Cement; Jim Mintern, Chairman of Cement Manufacturers Ireland, Tom McManus, Lagan Cement & Seamus Lynch, Irish Cement.

H

ere, CMI Chairman Jim Mintern explains the importance of these developments and the role played by the domestic cement industry in a sustainable economy.

Sustainability Our cement plants operate in rural locations and play important roles in these local economies, taken as a whole the sector is vital for the future development of our economy and society.

CMI has four members; Irish Cement, with manufacturing operations at Platin, County Meath and Castlemungret in Limerick; Lagan Cement with its manufacturing operation at Kinnegad in County Westmeath; Quinn Cement based at Ballyconnell, County Cavan and an associate member Lafarge Cement in Cookstown, County Tyrone.

Our core purpose is the production of quality cements using locally sourced materials. Cement production is a complex process requiring a very high level of energy input with our kilns operating at gas temperatures of 2,000 degrees. Typically the fuels required for these high temperatures are imported fossil fuels which we are now replacing with locally produced alternative fuels, manufactured from residual wastes.

As part of this launch, CMI members committed to achieving a landmark transition to 50% low carbon alternative fuels by 2017 - thereby reducing by half the requirement for fossil fuel imports of the sector.

This has a double benefit; as well as using lower carbon fuels, our production processes are making a significant contribution to Ireland’s waste recovery strategy by reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. Currently, CMI members have achieved an average of 30% alternative fuel use. Achieving a new 50% target, will divert an estimated annual total of 350,000 tonnes of waste

At a key juncture for the Irish economy and its future sustainable development, Cement Manufacturers Ireland (CMI) have committed to achieving a landmark transition to 50% low carbon alternative fuels by 2017. This announcement was commended by the Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly at the launch of CMI’s publication Building a Sustainable Future for Ireland.

away from landfill by 2017.

Speaking at the launch of Building a Sustainable Future for Ireland, Minister Kelly commended CMI members on the ambition shown with this target and the example it sets across the built environment sector in improving its sustainability.

Product and Processes The cement sector is regulated in Europe by the European Emissions Trading Scheme – recognising the vital nature of the industry.

Despite representing just 3% of Ireland’s carbon emissions, the cement industry recognises our responsibility to continually improve our production process. We have transformed our cement products and today we produce the lower carbon CEM II cement. First introduced to the market in 2006, CEM II is now the main cement used by the Irish construction industry and has contributed to the reduction in the carbon footprint of a bag of cement by over 20%.

CEM II cement is ‘eco-efficient’ cement because not only has it a lower carbon footprint but it is manufactured using local raw materials, using local labour and increasingly using local fuels.

These innovations have been facilitated by an investment of almost €300 million by our members in new plant technology over the past 15 years to give Ireland one of the most modern and energy efficient national cement industries in Europe.

Taken together, the investment in new technology coupled with reduced energy emissions and reduced fossil fuel imports demonstrates our commitment to the principles of sustainable production now and into the future.

Economy Concrete, produced with our cements, remains as integral to the modern Irish economy as it was

to our fledging state when the cement industry was first set up here in the 1930’s. Much has changed in that time but concrete’s flexibility and durability means it remains the material we depend on most in the built environment.

Concrete is so fundamental to our lives that we take it for granted and it is practically invisible to many of us. The essential ingredient in concrete is cement and its local availability and abundance of supply are critical for a modern economy.

Thanks to the skills of our people, the far-sighted investment in modern plant and the quality of our products, we have adapted and sustained our operations through the recession. CMI As part of this member companies launch, CMI members continue to support over 2,000 jobs committed to both directly achieving a landmark and indirectly transition to 50% low in communities carbon alternative across the country supplying cement fuels by 2017 to both the local thereby reducing by and international half the requirement markets. for fossil fuel imports The Future With Building a of the sector.

Sustainable Future for Ireland, CMI members have charted a course toward further environmental efficiency – based on investment and innovation – that will underpin our role as the backbone of sustainable construction.

We look forward with confidence to continually producing our cements in an environmentally sustainable manner - guaranteeing optimum use of local resources and maintaining jobs in the Irish economy. r

55

Irish Building Magazine

London Build

All roads lead to London in 2015 London is awash with construction activity. Wherever you look you can see construction projects, whether it be cranes dotted across the skyline or boarded up areas under renovation. London is experiencing a noticeable rise in construction. London Build 2015 will showcase all things building on June 18th and 19th at the O2 Arena.

O

‘The expo will provide hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors with the perfect platform to get up to speed with all the latest opportunities and developments arising in Southern England’s booming construction industry’

56

Irish Building Magazine

liver Kinross, an internationally operating research company, has identified London’s construction industry as one of the fastest and most exciting growing markets in the world right now. As a result, on June 18th & 19th at the O2 Arena, Oliver Kinross are launching the London Build Expo 2015. The expo will provide hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors with the perfect platform to get up to speed with all the latest opportunities and developments arising in Southern England’s booming construction industry.

One of the main areas for new construction will be in Canary Wharf. Songbird estates have won planning permission to begin work on 30 buildings to the east of Canary Wharf. This will be the first large scale construction work in the area since the financial crisis. The project will consist of 30 buildings and ‘the plans involve offices and more than 100 shops, restaurants and cafés as well as 3,100 homes, a 420-place primary school an NHS medical centre, parks, public squares and dock-edge walkways.” The project will also boast a 57-storey cylindrical residential skyscraper which will be designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the same firm responsible for the Tate Modern and the ‘Bird’s Nest’ Olympic stadium in Beijing.

This is just one of many projects that are either in the planning stage or under-way across London and Greater London. The UK construction market is tipped to rapidly recover over the next 5 years. The Construction Industry Training Board states

that there is on average a shortage of 1,790 skilled workers per year in London. Coupled with this there is also a waiting list for some specialised machinery. Tom Fitzpatrick from Construction News reported earlier this year that the Managing Director of Keltbray, Mr. Paul Deacy, had been quoted a 26week wait for an order put in for a tower crane.

Construction machinery has recently been the subject of government debate with London Mayor Boris Johnson planning new rules aimed at improving the quality of London’s air. Companies will be required to update any machinery that releases emissions and is more than 10 years old. London will be the first city to impose such a mandate. It will be local authorities’ responsibility to ensure that companies have updated any equipment that falls under this category. The rules will apply only on larger projects and there will be some exemptions for ‘specialist construction machinery.’ The target is to reduce nitrogen oxides (Nox) by approximately 40% by 2020.

Waiting lists for specialised equipment, a shortage of skilled construction workers and upgrading ageing machinery are just a few of the challenges that will face London’s booming construction industry. All ongoing isssues with the industry. In responce London Build 2015 has been launched and will run on June 18th & 19th at the O2 Arena. For more information visit: http://www.londonbuildexpo.com/ r

Organised By

EXPO

June 18th & 19th 2015

www.londonbuildexpo.com

LONDON BUILD 2015

Including CPD Conference & Interactive Training Workshops

Taking place at the World Famous

O2 Arena, London

10,000+

Register for FREE tickets to attend the expo at: http://www.londonbuildexpo.com/register-for-visitor-pass/ Exhibition space is selling fast! Contact us for further information.

CONTACT: Olivia Wylie | +44 (0) 207 065 5524 | olivia@oliverkinross.com

9

Irish Building Magazine

ALL-NEW FORD MONDEO COMING SOON ford.ie