National Children's Hospital
KH Engineering Ltd.
Finalist in: Steel Structures In Major Construction Projects
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Story
The National Children's hospital is a fantastic new addition to the Dublin skyline. The building will be 7 storeys at its highest, comprising of approx. 160,000m2 of accommodation including the car park, 6150 rooms in total, the finished building will be the size of Dundrum Town Centre, with an internal street the length of Grafton Street, 4 acres of outdoor areas & gardens, 14 gardens and internal courtyards – including the Rainbow Garden which is the length of Croke Park.
The project originally began for KH Engineering when we completed 200 tonne of steel in the basement making us the first steel contractor on the project with individual beams weighing up to 35 tonnes. In early 2021 KH were then offered the project to complete the curved roof on the National Children's Hospital. This project was completed to execution class 4 which is the highest level of certification that a steelwork project can be.
The 650-tonne galvanized curved roof was mainly comprised of 610x229x113 UB steel carcass beams, which were rolled – at various radii to form the structure for the feature zinc cladded roof of the facility, the purlins, tie beams and intermediate steels were mainly 254x146x37UB complimented by various types of bracing and concrete connections.
Attached to the curved roof there were chimney structures which were multi-angled and very difficult pieces to form in their composition due to their attachment on to the side of the curved roof.
KH Engineering overcame the individual challenge presented by these chimneys by implementing ongoing trial assembly throughout the fabrication process and, when complete, the chimneys arrived on site and were slotted into place perfectly with no difficulty upon erecting.
The steelwork forming this roof was an exceptionally complicated piece of engineering which required extensive planning, coordination within detailing & modelling, precision within fabricating and attention to detail regarding logistics and when erecting on site.
Why It Should Win
The project of the new national children's hospital deserves to win the Irish steel awards for several compelling reasons.
Firstly, the scale and complexity of the project showcase the exceptional engineering prowess and innovative use of structural steel. The construction of a seven-story building with a curved roof spanning 650 tonnes required meticulous planning, precision fabrication, and seamless coordination. The execution of such a challenging design demonstrates the expertise and technical capabilities of the team involved.
Secondly, the project's commitment to the highest standards of quality is evident in achieving execution class 4 certification, the highest level of certification for a steelwork project. This recognition is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail, adherence to industry standards, full traceability for every single member, plate & bolt, and rigorous quality control measures implemented throughout the fabrication and erection process.
Furthermore, the incorporation of unique architectural features, such as the curved roof and the integration of skylights, highlights the project's commitment to aesthetics, functionality, and creating an uplifting environment for children and their families. The design seamlessly blends with the overall architectural vision, enhancing the overall appeal and impact of the hospital.
Additionally, the successful completion of the project within the specified timeframe and meeting client deadlines demonstrates a commendable level of efficiency, project management, and the ability to overcome challenges along the way. The team's dedication and commitment to delivering the project on time further enhance its merit for recognition.
Moreover, the new national children's hospital represents a significant contribution to the community, providing world-class healthcare facilities for children. The project's societal impact, coupled with its engineering excellence and architectural innovation, makes it a worthy contender for the Irish steel awards.
Overall, the new national children's hospital project stands as a shining example of outstanding engineering, exceptional craftsmanship, and a deep commitment to creating a nurturing environment for children in need.
Project Details
KH Engineering Ltd.
#0007
2023 Awards
Voting has closed for this edition
Share This Project
Category Sponsor
2023 Irish Steel Awards Winner
Congratulations to KH Engineering Ltd. for winning an Irish Steel Award!