PROJECT CASESTUDY

Derelict Warehouse to Modern Office Accommodation

Office Re-Development, Landlord Works

Project Size: 9,500 Sq ft
Location: Limerick
Activity: Project Feasibility, Planning, Technical Design & CAT A Fitout
Duration: 10 Months (On-Site)

PROJECT OVERVIEW

We were first approached by the landlord of the building to carry out a series of roof repairs.

However, having the seen the building, we had a vision of how the building could be transformed into a usable office space.

THE VISION

A conceptual design to demonstrate how the idea could be developed was well received by the client. We were then engaged to carry out an initial costing exercise and planning feasibility study with Limerick County Council.

It was decided to go for change of use planning application as the original derelict building was for a warehouse. As the building was built with the external wall on the street, we felt that we wouldn’t be able to acquire planning permission to demolish and rebuild.

Calibro then built a wider project team to collaborate on the project, including architects, structural engineers and ground testing specialists.

The refurbishment meant the virtual complete demolition of the building, just leaving the existing mass filled external walls standing, including all the existing window openings. The existing concrete oversite slab was removed, internal piles were drilled and foundation ring beams were poured.

A new steel structure was installed inside the existing concrete walls which supported the existing walls, but also provided for the first and second floor, and the new roof. The new slate roof was installed with complementary zinc entrance canopy and dormer window.

Large openings were cut east and west of the building and curtain walling/windows installed to maximise the natural light. New windows were installed into the existing openings which coincided with the new floor level to bring the windows to the correct height to the floor.

All the walls were insulated to bring up to current thermal regulations. New HVAC systems were installed to heat, cool and bring fresh air into the space, allowing for 5 air changes per hour. The external carpark was levelled and tarmacked to form a pleasant external parking area including external furniture to attract tenants to the space.

The space has been completed to a high specification CAT A standard for the landlord, giving three usable floors of office space, each over 3,000 sq.ft.