Scott Tallon Walker Architects was delighted to support the delivery of Ireland’s first multi-site Higher Education PPP project, Higher Education Bundle 1 (HEB1), as main contractor Design Team Lead.

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Higher Education Authority identified the need for six projects in the Technological University/ Institute of Technology sector, three of which have been delivered by STW:

• TUS Athlone – STEM Facility: including science labs, lecture theatres, classrooms and other facilities.
• MTU Cork – Learning Resource Centre: Now known as the Le Chéile building, which has been awarded the Better Building Award for Best New Development by Cork Business Association. The building houses the campus’s student engagement office (AnSEO) and The Academic Learning Centre, accommodating learning, study, exhibition, engagement, and entrepreneurial space.
• MTU Tralee – STEM Facility: including Agri-Tech workshops, computer labs, lecture theatres and engineering classrooms, located at the Institute’s North Campus.

HEB1 marks a significant national milestone in the delivery of STEM, ICT, Engineering, and Life Sciences higher education, and was delivered on time and within budget.

Extensive dialogue took place with the Contracting Authority and their design team against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic at bid stage, and through detailed design and construction stages, with end-users consulted to ensure that their requirements were met.

Sustainability was central to the design and delivery of these buildings, which feature photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting, improved fabric performance, smart controls, and extensive use of natural ventilation. 

All three buildings have had a significant impact on their respective campuses allowing for enhancement and expansion of programmes being offered by the Higher Education Institutes, accommodating growing student populations, and the needs of staff.

Rebecca Ryan of STW led the JJ Rhatigan & Company contractor design team in the detailed design and delivery of this project, developed through Public Private Partnership under Project Ireland 2040, developing the exemplar design, including bespoke furniture and selection of all loose furniture and other FF&E.

Congratulations to JJ Rhatigan & Company and to all involved in the successful delivery of the project on the announcement that HEB1 has been shortlisted for the Education Over €20m Award at the Irish Construction Excellence Awards.

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