This was an iconic project for Trinity College Dublin and for them a departure from their normal method of procurement as this was a competitive Design & Build tender which Walls Construction won with the assistance of their appointed design team.
The development represents a significant provision of floor area on a tight urban site on Pearse Street, totalling approximately 40,000m2 of accommodation on a site area of only 4,400m2. This is provided by means of three basement levels, five over-ground storeys to the main parapet level and three additional set-back penthouse levels, giving 11 storeys in total.
The proposal to create a new entrance to Pearse Station was considered a significant positive by the planners. The development also incorporated a commercial element known as Trinity Central and retail space at street level.
The academic elements include a 1,500m2 highly serviced Bio Resources Unit, the departments of Medicine, Physiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry and Immunology and two 300 seat lecture theatres. Furthermore a 78m2 Cat 3 laboratory; a 100m2 Bio Engineering; a 575m2 Anatomy, Embalming Rooms, Body Fridges and Dissection Room, including 2 NMR Rooms and associated plant space have all been incorporated into the new medical research unit.