Borrisokane Community College

Project:	Redevelopment of Borrisokane Community College, Co. Tipperary
Completion Date:	2013
Client:	Tipperary Education and Training Board
Project Value:	€6.9m
Services Provided:	Full Civil and Structural Engineering
Project Size:	3,400m2 New Build, 1,650m2 Refurbishment

Project Description

This project involved a major redevelopment to the post-primary school in Borrisokane whcih was completed in September 2013.  The school which caters for almost 500 pupils is located on a former workhouse site, and previously occupied a number of the original protected buildings as well as more recent single storey additions constructed in the 1970’s & 80s.  The majority of the existing ‘70’s & 80s buildings were not compatible with current educational requirements and were demolished.  They were replaced with a new two storey school building which ties in with the existing protected buildings and is formed around a central glazed courtyard.  There was extensive renovation of the original two storey stone workhouse buildings to restore them to their original condition while ensuring compliance with current building and education standards.  The existing large sports hall and changing areas were also upgraded and a fitness suite added.  In 2009, during the Tender Design stage, an ASD (Autism) Unit was added to the brief.  This unit was incorporated in to the design to ensure student integration with the main school while also providing the exclusive space required.

As the school had to remain fully operational during the works, the design was completed so as to allow the new school to be constructed in phases to ensure full occupancy of the school could be maintained at all times. The new building is constructed of masonry/concrete frame with concrete 1st floor and steel flat roofs.  Window opes are designed to maximize use of natural light; and corridors with extensive glazed sections surround a central courtyard.  External works included the provision a number of hard ball courts, as well as a 64 space car park and a 9 bay bus park to cater for staff parking and student set down.  Surface water run-off is controlled using permeable paving and geo-cellular tanks to attenuate. All work was carried out under the supervision of archaeological and conservation specialists to make sure the character of the original site was retained