Beaufort Research Laboratory (Maritime and Energy Research Building) Ringaskiddy
The Beaufort building at Ringaskiddy hosts the SFI funded MarEI Research Centre and the LIR Ocean Test Facility. The building accommodates 150 marine, maritime and sustainable energy researchers in a 5,000m2 state of the art facility which houses four wave tanks and a suite of research laboratories. The Beaufort building is funded by the HEA through PRTLI5 program, Bord Gais, The Department of Communication Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) and the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM). Planning permission was granted in July 2011 and construction commenced on January 2014. The building was completed in July 2015 and officially opened by an Taoiseach Enda Kenny on 11th July 2015.
Beaufort Sustainability Features:
- A3 Building Energy Rating with possibility to upgrade to A1
- Thermal mass reducing cooling load
- Reduced thermal gain
- Naturallly ventilated offices with heat recovery in bathroom and shower areas
- High levels of thermal insulation
- Rain water harvesting and water saving devices
- Long life, efficient lighting with intelligent lighting controls
- Zoned, intelligent heating controls
- Automatic building management system to optimise energy use
- Electric car charging points and bicycle storage as part of a sustainable transport plan
- Re-use of crushed concrete and rock excavated from the site
- Future proofed for connection of photovoltaic and wind turbine
Project Team
Delivered by the UCC Capital Projects Team
Design Team
| Architect | McCullough Mulvin |
|---|---|
| Civil & Structural Engineers | ARUP |
| Mechanical & Electrical Engineers | RPS |
| Quantity Surveyor | John J Casey & Co. |
Contractor
J.J. Rhatigan & Company