Contract Value: €1.6 million
Client: IPUT, 47-49 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2
Project Architect: Henry J Lyons Architects, Pearse St., Dublin 2
Project Engineer: DBFL Consulting Engineers, Ormond Quay, Dublin 1
Clients Quantity Surveyor: Kerrigan Sheanon Newman, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14
Walmac Demolition carried out stabilisation works to No. 72 Grafton street prior to the structural and architectural redevelopment of this prime location shopping unit. The aim of the redevelopment was to create an international standard retail store with over 800 square metres (9,318 square feet) of open plan space over three floors.
The site is located on the heavily pedestrianised Grafton Street, one of Europe’s busiest shopping streets. Both the building itself and the adjoining building are protected structures and so we worked along side a reputable Conservation Architect. It features an attractive red brick neo-Tudor style facade, a seven meter wide glazed exterior and a double height entrance with a stunning vaulted ceiling to the rear.
Prior to demolition works commencing the building was decommissioned, and all existing services were manually removed. Thereafter soft strip of all non-structural elements was carried out. Internally all floors and walls which were constructed to a reinforced concrete design over three levels were removed. This commenced at third floor level whilst retaining the external preserved structure. To enable this work to be carried out in a safe manner a temporary support system was installed at each floor level stabilising the building. The walls at basement level were underpinned at the foundation level. As the demolitions works progressed, the permanent steel structure frame was installed within the building which also proved for the installation of a new lift.
