AEWORLDMAP.COM (2,650+ posts)

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Building:  Biosciences Research Building
Location:  Galway, Ireland
Address:  University Road, Galway, Ireland
Architect of Record:  Payette
Associate Architect:  Reddy Architecture and Urbanism
Structural Engineer:  Barrett Mahony Consulting Engineers
Mechanical Engineer:  Homan O’Brien
Contractor:  J.J. Rhatigan & Co.
Client:  National University of Ireland, Galway
Size:  86,112 square feet
Cost:  $36,720,000
Completed:  2013

AE Interest:  The Biosciences Research Building of the National University of Ireland was constructed for an extremely low cost of $413 per SF. 89% of the building is used for research space. The building block that allows this to happen is a “layered lab” concept with a high/low energy strategy, which places the most mechanically intensive spaces into a zone adjacent to the open lab space. This allowed 45 percent of the building to be naturally ventilated.  Thermal corridors incorporating OAKAWOOD curtainwalls act as a “thermal sweater” and as the primary means of circulation. The precast concrete superstructure contains the 30% Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag resulting in the saving of 3,221 gigajoules of embodied energy and 70% carbon reduction from the Irish baseline building code. The BRB is pursuing BREEAM rating of “Very Good” (equivalent to LEED Platinum).

Articles:  1, 2