Ireland

Redevelopment at John Paul II Library

A brand new extension will provide state-of-the-art library facilities for the National University of Ireland, Maynooth.

The existing John Paul II library in Maynooth, County Kildare is currently undergoing a major refurbishment operation that will include the construction of a 6,000m² extension and a range of improvement works. Once complete the new library will boast improved provisions for students, including a brand new ground floor student café.

The redevelopment of John Paul II Library has incorporated a number of environmentally friendly features, including photovoltaic panels and twin glazed façades with automatically activated solar control blinds. Additional sustainable features include automated lighting systems, natural ventilation and ground water heat pump systems.

Work commenced in January 2011 with Walls Construction as the main contractor and Scott Talon Walker Architects as the architect. As the project is being conducted whilst the University campus remains open, works have been programmed to take place during specific time frames in order to limit the disruption to student life.

So far the project has involved extensive demolition works and the construction of new internal walls to reconfigure the existing layout of the library. This has included the removal of existing walls, ceilings and floors, along with the complete removal of all mechanical and electrical services in the library. Plant facilities and associated equipment have also been removed from the roof and will be replaced with new facilities during the course of the construction.

External works will include the construction of a new plaza located to the east of the new extension, along with two new pedestrian bridges. Landscaping works will also take place and will include the planting of new trees to replace the trees that were removed from the site during the initial planning stages.

Additional works include the removal of an existing pedestrian footbridge and the redevelopment of associated traffic works, footpaths and cycle paths.

The project is due to be completed in October 2012.

About the author

Roma Publications