Discovery Centre and Group Entry Building at Dublin Zoo.
Construction of a new discovery centre including the partial demolition of the existing reptile house and the construction of a new group entry building with all associated landscape and drainage works throughout the proposed site. July 2018.
Dublin Zoo is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the state and had to remain open to the public for the entire duration of the project. The safety of staff, the large number of visitors particularly children was at all times of paramount importance. We always take all measures necessary to ensure their safety at all times. In particular attention is drawn to the inquisitive nature of children and their inability to heed conventional safety/warning signage. We ensured the site was setup so that an child`s adventurous nature does not place them in danger. The importance of these safety measures cannot be over stated and will are being strictly enforced throughout the contract period. A unique aspect of this work environment was that the works was to take the animals into consideration in so far as all works which would be perceived as loud and intrusive to the animals had to be scheduled with the Zoo so that the animals which were close enough to be disturbed were kept in their inside enclosures. These works were always planned several weeks ahead to give plenty of notice.
Scope of Works
- Health & Safety for Construction Staff, Zoo Staff & the Public
- Demolition Works
- Foundations
- Groundworks
- Piling
- Walls & Columns
- Blockwork
- Roofing
- Glazing
- Plastering
- Ceilings & Partitions
- Carpentry & finishes
- Mechanical & Electrical
- Tarmacadam
- Paving
Value of contract €2.6 million.
ZooRasic World (Roberts House)
19-092016 to 30-06-2017
Value €2.5 million
Type : Restoration – Refurbishment.
Roberts House was originally built in 1898, and designed by the architect Laurence Aloysius McDonnell. It was the original Lions enclosure and up to recently was a free flying aviary. It is a landmark building and of historical significance. As this was refurbishing of an existing building there were many unforeseen issues which could have affected the budget and programme, TCSL were able to meet these challenges in a very proactive manner to bring the project in on time and within the budget.
Works :
- Two new roofs
- Restoration of all the Victorian metalwork
- Repointing of the brickwork and restoration of the damaged and worn bricks internally and externally
- Completely new mechanical and electrical system
- Glazing, tiling, decorating.
- Tanks and life support systems for animals.
- Internal fitout of display areas, signage, staff kitchen and welfare.
Orangutan Forest
15-09-2015 to 27-06-2016
Type : New construction – refurbishment
The project involved the construction of a new lake & habitat for the orangutans with associated life support and holding buildings and visitor viewing areas to the new habitat. A new aviary structure for the sumba cockatoo was constructed. Also included was the refurbishment of existing structures to provide storage & bathroom facilities and the construction of associated landscape works throughout the site. These works involved many hazards such as working at height and over/adjacent to water. The refurbishment works also provided it’s own challenges in relation to the very restricted access and space along with structural issues and the presence of asbestos for removal. This project was delivered on time and within budget and is a very popular area with Zoo visitors.
Value €2.7 million
Works
- Complete refurbishment of the existing Orangutan building.
- Mechanical – Electrical
- Roofing
- Large rooflights
- Flooring
- Tiling
- Painting/Decorating
- Glazing
- Joinery
- Creating new Islands incorporating walkways for viewing
- Newly constructed “Trees” for the Orangutans with specialist rope “walkways” enabling the Orangutans access to the islands. The trees also incorporated a feeding elevator system.
- Landscaping.
Dublin Zoo New Pacific Coast Habitat
Incorporating new sea lion pool and viewing area, restaurant, seating area, enclosed aviary, landscaping and features. The construction of new Pacific Coast Habitat at the location of existing Sea Lion & Flamingo Habitats within Dublin Zoo
Project includes construction of new pool & habitat for the sea lions, new sea lion holding buildings with associated life support buildings and visitor viewing areas. A new aviary structure for the flamingos to include new visitor viewing areas within the new aviary while retaining the existing holding buildings.
Also new Café and Public Toilets.
Dublin Zoo is the second most popular visitor attraction in the state and had to open to the public for the entire duration of the project. The safety of staff, the large number of visitors particularly children was at all times of paramount importance, particular attention is drawn to the inquisitive nature of children and their inability to heed conventional safety/warning signage. T. Connolly & Sons Ltd also tied in with existing services in the Zoo for water supply, electric, foul & surface water and gas.
Value of contract €2.8 million.
