Dublin City Council’s (DCC) existing creche facility in Wood Quay has undergone a significant transformation, with McKeon Group leading the way as Project Supervisor Construction Stage and contractor.
Project team
Main Contractor & PSCS
McKeon Group
client
Dublin City Council
Overview
This project involved demolishing parts of the existing internal structure and constructing a new single-storey extension. The project was complex due to its location: the site is adjacent to and directly above the historic Dublin City Wall and lies within an area of known Viking archaeology, requiring careful planning and expert execution.
The Challenge
DCC aimed to expand the existing creche facilities to increase capacity and provide enhanced resources. This included expanding the toddler and Montessori rooms and adding additional changing, sleeping, toilet, and kitchenette facilities to establish a comfortable and safe environment for children and staff.
The Delivery
As experienced fit out contractors in heritage environments, McKeon Group’s construction team understood the goals and challenges of this creche refurbishment project. One key challenge was the creche’s proximity to the historical Viking architecture. For this reason, we undertook this work with the highest care and safety measures under the supervision of the project archaeologist.
We began with internal demolitions and enabling works for the new extension. During this initial strip-out, our team encountered previously unknown mechanical and electrical services, which we swiftly addressed and rectified through a collaborative approach across all teams.
Other work we carried out included installing new walls, floors and ceilings, as well as new mechanical, electrical, security and IT systems.
The project also included a bespoke fitted and loose furniture package, as well as new toys and play equipment, to create a warm and thoughtful environment. A unique playground designed to acknowledge the site’s Viking history was created and installed outside the creche.
We prioritised using sustainable materials for this project, with recycled rubber used for the playground flooring and timber chosen for most of the loose furniture and play products.
The Outcome
The project has culminated in a significantly expanded and enhanced creche facilities with modern amenities, as well as a playground that reflects the site’s history.
McKeon Group is proud to have successfully delivered this creche refurbishment and upgrades project for DCC with minimal impact on the surrounding environment. The team took extreme care, implementing protection measures to preserve the historical environment and worked tirelessly to ensure a safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing space for children and staff alike.
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