As part of the NI Schools Replacement Programme, Lismore Comprehensive in Craigavon, County Armagh serves as the new site for one of Northern Ireland’s largest schools. This 15,800sqm capacity building home to 1,200 pupils is setting standards for education, operational and sustainable performance.

Our whole-life approach reflected the overall aspirations of the project and we were additionally commissioned to lead on the low-energy and low-carbon solutions that the project required.

A key factor in this complex build was to maintain the existing adjacent school in full operation until the new school was completed and commissioned. This meant there was a need to relocate and re-route existing utility infrastructures without any disruption to the existing school in operation.

The school has a real mix of complex spaces including Science Labs, Home Economic Rooms, Music Rooms, Recording Studio’s all with their own specific demands.

We had to carefully blend the engineering services to provide a reliable and resilient solution that delivered a safe environment for students and staff. The normal range of services was supplemented by digital solutions, including security access control, audio visual needs and stage lighting whilst considering the acoustics of the adjacent spaces.

Ceiling voids were kept below 800mm wherever feasible to minimise the need for smoke detection. However, the presence of structural steelwork within these voids added complexity, making it challenging to coordinate the intricate services within the limited spaces available.

We achieved this by working in close consultation with the full team during the pre-construction design period using Revit as our 3D modelling tool.

Other key MEP design features were incorporated to meet current standards and regulations, including:

• Thermal IES modelling to optimise building performance
• M&E sub-metering in accordance with CIBSE TM39 for energy monitoring and targeting
• Hybrid ventilation in compliance with BB101 aiding consumption and comfort
• 150m² PV system as a low-cost and low-carbon solution
• 0kW Solar Thermal
• Specialist gases to Science & Technology suites
• New utility connections including changeovers and stakeholder engagement

 The final phase of the project included the demolition of the existing school accommodation.

The overall project targeted and successfully achieved a BREEAM accreditation of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘B’, which were key client requirements.