Heritage Portfolio

McCONNELL’S DISTILLERY, CRUMLIN ROAD GAOL, BELFAST

LISTED-BUILDING STATUS, A FULL-HEIGHT OPEN ATRIUM, STONE WALLS AND VAULTED CELL CEILINGS WERE AMONG CHALLENGES NAVIGATED BY ISD IN ITS M&E INSTALLATION…

ISD was responsible for the mechanical and electrical (M&E) design, from early planning stages through RIBA design stages to completion and handover, at McConnell’s Distillery.

With the Crumlin Road Gaol a unique building of important historical value in Northern Ireland’s history, the installation required ISD to work closely with the Historic Environment Division (HED) and wider design team to ensure the original character of the building was preserved. Adrian Murray, Director of ISD, said, “An extremely difficult building to integrate M&E services into, major challenges included its listed building status, a fullheight open atrium splitting the building in two, and stone walls and vaulted cell ceilings, making the integration and coordination of all services difficult.” Plant rooms were created on both sides of the building to minimise the extent of crossovers within the atrium, while bespoke ventilation design utilised existing cell windows for air intake and extract while maintaining the listedbuilding status.

Rather than concealing services, they were showcased as a feature with the rawness of surface-mounted galvanised steel infrastructure and ductwork contrasting with modern fittings and fixtures.

“We had an excellent working relationship with Felix O’Hare and AEM Ltd all the way through the project,” said Adrian. “A large part of our and the wider design team’s collaboration with the contractor was just recognising the mammoth task.

“Nothing was straightforward, and we can only be impressed by the professionalism our partners brought to this scheme.

“The requirement to integrate extensive mechanical and electrical engineering services, all of which were exposed to public view, whilst working closely with HED and the wider design team to preserve the original character of the building presented ISD with a unique opportunity to showcase our abilities. “With the building of important historical value in Northerns Ireland’s history, we are very proud to have been involved on this project and look forward to seeing it become one of the region’s leading attractions.”

Founded in 1996, ISD provides bespoke building services designs across many sectors of the construction industry. “Through inspired mechanical and electrical solutions, we achieve discreet and sustainable energy efficiency in every design, whilst making sure they seamlessly integrate with the building architecture for a welcoming and high-performing environment,” said Adrian.
“We create spaces for people to love.”

The Diamond Hall Coleraine

ARCHITECT Samuel Stevenson & Sons

CLIENT: Ulster University

Originally constructed in 1972, the university commissioned ISD to work alongside Samuel Stevenson & Sons to carry out an external and internal refurbishment.
This project was awarded the Conservation and Restoration section of the Woods Award.

St Patrick’s Church Donaghmore

ARCHITECT McKeown & Shields Architects

CLIENT: St Patrick’s Parish, Donaghmore

ISD were commissioned to work alongside the project architects to undertake the sympathetic restoration and extension of this church. Originally consecrated during the Great Famine in 1846, this was the 4th major restoration of the church.

Work was completed in 2015.

St Bernadette’s Church, Belfast

ARCHITECT Kennedy Fitzgerald and Associates

Built in 1967, the Church is B+ listed due to its national and international interest and is distinguished for its use of innovative construction techniques on a scale which is extremely rare in Northern Ireland.

ISD was commissioned to refurbish and enhance this wonderful existing Grade B+ listed church.

Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch

ARCHITECT John J O’Connell Architects

CLIENT: Montalto Estate

Based in County Down, The Carriage Rooms at Montalto Estate is perfect for weddings, conferences and special occasions.

Completed in 2016 the project involved many challenging aspects not least being the integration of the radiant heating system into the building. The project has been described as an exemplar scheme by the NIEA Historic Buildings Unit.