When global tech firm, EOS IT Solutions needed to construct a landmark new head office at The Boulevard Banbridge they turned to leading engineering, construction & fitout experts Killowen Contracts Ltd to deliver their complex and stunning new project.
Works on the 20,000sqft extension provided both a state-of-the-art CAT A office space for the company and additional warehouse space supporting their key operations in logistics.
Following appointment in early 2020, Killowen commenced on site at the start of March expecting a 39-week contract duration. While there were a number of issues for consideration, which they were already aware of, that was before lockdown created the biggest challenge of all.
Maurice McGivern, Director Killowen Contracts, explained, “The impact of Brexit was evident from the outset as material prices increased and supplies became lower on a weekly basis. We discovered lead-time for material deliveries were increasing which would ultimately impact our programme.
“Furthermore, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic was a major challenge and impacted the project on a number of issues. We were required to stand down for six weeks during lockdown and it was immediately evident on our return to site that there was a serious impact on production of key materials through the furlough scheme and associated closure of plant and production facilities by key suppliers.
“At this point, it was important we considered our programme on a daily basis, working with the design team and our key supply chain members to procure and secure orders for materials such as the steel frame, cladding, metal decking and aluminium windows as soon as possible. We encountered a number of delays on supply of the glazing, which was outside the control of both Killowen Contracts and our supplier, Bann Architectural. Glass was in short supply and delivery was delayed by both Brexit and compounded with plant closures resulting from the pandemic.
“We worked closely with Bann Architectural to get as many windows installed on site as possible to ensure the building was watertight, then erected a temporary screen on any remaining windows to facilitate progress on site and prevent any detrimental impact on the programme.”
Forward thinking
EOS IT Solutions is a family run global technology and logistics company, providing collaboration and IT support services to some of the worlds’ largest industry leaders, so, there are quite a few resources and innovative systems integrated within the build incorporating mechanical and electrical / IT systems.
“Throughout the build we worked closely with our client to integrate all services required to meet their global networking needs, including IT, data, AV and security. As building works proceeded during the pandemic we worked in partnership with the design team and client to offer solutions taking account of the long-term impact of Covid-19 in the workplace, discussing solutions facilitating staff return to the office.
Commenting on the completed project, Maurice said, “Given the challenges encountered throughout the contract it is a pleasure to work with a forward thinking client who realised the impact of the pandemic on the build. As a company, we were keen to deliver the project to the highest quality and within the timeframe set out, however the pandemic did impact the completion date.
“We worked in collaboration with the design team: McAdam Stewart Architects, MJ Donnelly Quantity Surveyors, Bailie Associates and George Dawson Structural Engineers to ensure we met our client requirements and reduce any impact as much as possible. Taking the opportunities presented within challenges to determine if we could provide solutions or alternatives that would improve quality, reduce cost or shorten the programme.
“As a company we retain strong relationships with our key supply chain partners who were integral in delivery of the project during such a challenging period in the industry.”
Killowen Contracts Ltd are a family run company and every project is Director led. “From the outset we endeavour to form a strong and positive relationship with all stakeholders in the build including the client and design team. In this case we were able to do just that, which was very beneficial in overcoming the challenges encountered from commencement.
“We look forward to hopefully completing many projects with EOS IT Solutions and all members of the design team.”
Project Team
Client: EOS IT Solutions
Main Contractor:
Killowen Contracts Ltd
Mechanical Contractor:
JMG Mechanical Services
Electrical Contractor:
Adair Building Services
Architect: McAdam Stewart Architects
Killowen Contracts, 35 Bridge Rd, Newry BT34 3QT
T: +44 (0)28 4175 3378 – E: construction@killowencontracts.co.uk
www.killowencontracts.co.uk
Adair Building Services – specialists in design, mechanical, electrical, maintenance and fit out projects…
The highly experienced Adair Building Services team provided and installed a fully integrated installation to the new cutting-edge EOS IT Solutions Head office and distribution warehouse in Banbridge.
ABS were tasked along with key members of their vastly experienced specialist contractors supply chain with the complete supply, installation, commissioning and integration of the lighting, emergency lighting, general power, data, CCTV, intruder alarm, access control, fire alarm and generator/UPS back-up systems.
David Buchanan from Adair Building Services, “As per all our projects we implemented close coordination with Killowen Contracts, our specialist contractors and the client’s design team to ensure all requirements were provided for the client’s bespoke, ever evolving business to ensure any challenges encountered were resolved swiftly. This was further challenged by the requirement to keep the clients existing business on site operational during the new works.”
Adair Building Services origin dates back to 1992, mainly within the electrical industry. However, through time and requests from a lot of their clients it has grown and evolved to include Mechanical with full design and build capabilities along-side ABS’ long running maintenance, installation and testing services. The family-owned business has earned a wealth of experience throughout the residential, hospitality, education, commercial and healthcare sectors enabling them to deliver a first-class service from start to finish.
“Our design team engage with clients early on projects to enable us to bring innovative M&E solutions with a focus on costing and sustainability, with added value engineering services,” said David.
Commenting on the completed job, he added, “The most satisfying aspect about this project was being involved in the installation of the advanced technology throughout the project relative to the client’s requirements for their business. The systems installed and in place are very much ‘in the future’ and we are very glad to have experienced and progressed our own knowledge in such exceptional technology.”
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Killowen contracts, all our specialist contractors, the design team, client and suppliers for their dedication and assistance in the completion of the project to such a high standard especially in the challenging climate of the past year and look forward to working with you on our next adventure”
Adair Building Services, 32 Garvaghy Road, Banbridge, Co. Down BT32 3SZ
T: +44 (0)28 9753 3433 – E: info@adairbuildingservices.co.uk
Fb:adairbuildingservices – www.adairbuildingservices.co.uk
Local doors specialist meets global client’s exacting requirements…
Doorways are the leading supplier of doors, architectural ironmongery, access control and door automation to the construction industry in Northern Ireland, and when the project at Eagle Overseas (EOS) IT Solutions Head Office came up their technical team were keen to get on board at the earliest possible stage.
Doorways are proving to be specialists at delivering the right solutions for unique requirements. To achieve these exacting standards and to ensure the correct products were specified from the outset the Doorways technical team worked closely with Killowen Contracts.
“Our priority, whatever the size or type of construction project, is to support the contractor’s design and site team by making sure we’re meeting their client’s specification, fire certification and budget requirements,” said Robert McNeill, Sales Manager for Doorways.
From design, specification and functionality right through to fire certification, the experts at Doorways can help save you time and money on your next construction project. Their approach towards every job incorporates their four core principles: Quality, Choice, Design and Service.
Commenting on the completed job, Robert said, “EOS is a global operation, and this is their European headquarters. It is always great to work on projects where large corporate companies are involved. Once the order was received, we provided a detailed schedule of works. From that point, we focused on meeting the project deadlines and worked closely with the foreman to achieve that.”
With a growing list of jobs in education, hospitality healthcare and commercial sectors Doorways are proving to be specialists at delivering doors, ironmongery and access control for any construction project.
To discuss further how Doorways can benefit your next construction project,
call Robert: +44 (0)28 9032 2802 or email: robert.mcneill@doorways.co.uk
www.doorways.co.uk
A.C.T fabricated the stairs and metalwork for the landmark EOS IT Solutions Head Office in Banbridge.
Specifically, A.C.T designed and manufactured the balcony, handrails, staircase and fire staircase at the rear of the building.
The highly skilled A.C.T team works with a range of materials, including stainless steel, mild steel and aluminium to provide a top quality service of the highest standards using laser cutting, machining and welding solutions for customers across the UK and Ireland.
Their skilled welders are coded to BS EN ISO 9606-1:2013 in both TIG and MIG welding. This provides peace of mind that when they undertake a job you know you will get
the very best. All welders go through stringent qualifications and re-qualifications every two years to keep up to the mark; these qualifications are x-rayed and mechanically tested to ensure they meet the current required code.
For further information on A.C.T’s services, products and design work, don’t hesitate to contact a member of their team.
T: +44 (0)28 4023 8042
E: info@a-c-technology.com
www.a-c-technology.com
Bailie Associates were tasked with providing M+E services for the state-of-the-art EOS IT Solutions Head Office building to include energy efficient systems for a densely occupied space containing a high element of IT.
The project required close collaboration during design for M+E services with a number of unique features and requests to plan for. Gavin Hewitt, Mechanical Director of Bailie Associates explained further, “Each floor is provided with its own independent flexible floor air conditioning system, utilising a cabinet style air conditioning unit to provide conditioned air to the raised floor plenum, with a number of floor terminal units.”
During the installation the client requested that the ventilation/air conditioning system was future proofed to cover for covid-19 requirements. “On this basis, research was carried out between ourselves and the air conditioning company and a system of UV lights were designed and integrated into the system.” Electrically the project incorporated a high integrity power supply system designed by Ian Corbett Electrical Director of Bailie Associates, with UPS, generator and no break automatic change over switch, which was essential for maintaining power to the clients IT services.
Commenting on the project, Gavin said, “Killowen Contracts were an excellent building company to have been involved with. They were proactive on site with coordinating their sub contracts and when any difficulties arose, a solution was never far from being found.”
T: +44 (0)28 9260 2692
E: info@bailieassociates.com
www.bailieassociates.com
Glazing and curtain walling specialists Bann Architectural Systems Ltd were sub-contracted to work on the new headquarters for EOS IT Solutions. A major feature of this new build project is the impressive and clever use of curtain walling.
“Curtain walling provides the opportunity to maximise the glazed areas, and to fill the space with natural light,” said Kyle Bowman from Bann Architectural Systems Ltd.
The project was a smooth operation for Bann Architectural Systems Ltd, from fabrication to installation. Bann Architectural Systems, based just off the A1 dual carriageway between Dromore and Banbridge, has already demonstrated the company’s professionalism and quality on domestic and commercial projects across the country.
“The project went really well for us, and we’re delighted to add the EOS IT Solutions headquarters to Bann Architectural Systems’ portfolio. We have worked alongside Killowen Contracts on many previous jobs and have developed a great working relationship over the years.”
T: 028 9269 8855
E: info@bann-systems.co.uk
www.bannarchitectural.co.uk
Clerk Fencing were entrusted with the design, manufacturer and installation of mesh fencing, posts, double gates and pedestrian gates at the ultra-modern EOS IT Solutions Head office in Banbridge.
Clerk Fencing design, manufacture and install of all types of metal railings, gates, stairways, balconies, walkways, bollards, barriers, handrails to name but a few. They also have developed a good reputation for restoration of existing iron works either in-situ or their workshops where they can restore, repair, sand-blast, repaint and powder-coat your old items back to their original glory.
Clerk Fencing was created in 1986, by Frank Clerkin in a small shed beside his Rostrevor home. The operation has grown substantially since then, and is now housed across the road with two workshops, offices and a powder-coating plant.
The professional teamwork on both residential household and larger commercial projects; from identifying customer requirements, through product design to manufacture installation, as well as after sales.
T: +44 (0)28 4173 9776
E: estimating@clerkfencing.com
www.clerkengineering.com
MJ Donnelly Quantity Surveyors provided their full services for the complex EOS IT Solutions Head Offices in Banbridge.
The uniquely designed project, which is situated adjacent to the existing working EOS IT Solutions warehouse facility, created some difficulties, which they needed to overcome, said Michael Donnelly, Director.
“Providing cost certainty from the initial cost plan stage through to final account was a challenge,” said Michael, “but we produced an accurate and reliable cost plan to allow the client to make key business decisions, achieve value for money and a completed project within budget.”
Despite the challenges, Michael praised the “smooth running” of the project with the design team, client and main contractor working together closely.
“It was a pleasure to work with the contractor’s team, who demonstrated excellent communication and cooperation during the project.”
Commenting on the completed project, he said, “The client is a rapidly growing tech company and we are delighted to have been able to advise and support in creating a visually attractive workplace for their employees.”
T: +44 (0)28 406 50002
E: info@mjdonnelly.co.uk
www.mjdonnelly.co.uk
JMG Mechanical Ltd was responsible for the plumbing, ventilation and air-conditioning installations at EOS IT Solutions Head office, Banbridge.
Combined Dyson sensor taps/hand dryers along with sensor flush toilets were fitted to toilet blocks in order to meet heightened hygiene precautions to provide contact-less facilities in light of Covid-19.
JMG Mechanical utilised the expertise of Titan Air Conditioning to provide the Flexible Space Underfloor Air Conditioning specified by M&E Consultants Bailie Associates. Using the raised access floor void to create a ventilation patch reduced the need for ceiling based mechanical services and providing excellent distribution of cooling, heating and ventilation evenly across each of the floors.
JMG Mechanical Services Ltd is a family-run business based in Newry, Co. Down. The company have extensive experience in the commercial, healthcare and education sectors.
Commenting on the job, Director, Ciaran McGovern, said, “We have been working on projects with Killowen Contracts for over 20 years, so have a seamless working relationship, which was evident yet again on this job.”
T: +44 (0)28 3026 2625
T: +44 (0)770 801 5603
E: jmgmechanical@gmail.com
www.jmgmechanicalservices.co.uk
