A perspective from the main contractor - Bowen Construction

On first viewing the tender drawings and specifications, it was clear to us that we were facing into a hugely complex, difficult and daunting challenge from a construction point of view. The unique design of the two buildings and the location of the site in the harbour, married to the need to work around a client still in occupation throughout the construction period, required a committed and focused team and the correct systems to be in place to guide our every move.

The experience and knowledge of our team in Project Management were invaluable in controlling all aspects of the design and construction development. The construction programme was extremely tight and required three distinct phases and handovers along with the redeployment of the Commissioners of Irish Lights' staff in a seamless move from building to building. The approach was simply to divide and conquer, and to give ourselves and the design team enough time to allow for the detailed design of the circular office building over a year in advance of starting on-site.

Specialist contractors were selected and brought on board nine months in advance of production and a detailed weekly Design Development Programme was agreed with the design team. The control of all design issues was headed up by our Project Manager, while the rest of the team concentrated on the control of building works, tolerances, interfaces and finishes.

The complex nature of the building services, façades and internal finishes required detailed reviews on a weekly basis and numerous trips to European suppliers to finalise design, sampling and release of working drawings. There were major challenges in terms of design and services co-ordination when integrating the varying aspects of the curved glass façade, the thermal flue ventilation, and the internal solar activated blinds.

The nature of the site and rock profiles required an innovative solution to piling and foundations, and the accuracy required on the structure and temporary bracing was critical for the follow-on coffers and main structure. Construction was hampered by very high winds and a tight site, but we have had great co-operation from all sub-contractors and a personal dedication from the entire team in completing what we believe is a project of true distinction.

Without the total co-operation of the Commissioners of Irish Lights and the entire design team, it would not have been possible to complete the project to the quality and schedule required and we are indebted to them all for their flexible and pragmatic approach to the many challenges we faced. We are delighted to have been associated with such a prestigious client and design team and are proud of what has been collectively achieved.

Patrick O' Brien
Project Director
Bowen Construction