Trinity College is mid-way through a significant refurbishment of the Behan residential accommodation building.
Stage 1 of the interior upgrade works was completed in February 2014. These works focused on improving the student bedrooms and corridors. You can see a selection of images of the Stage 1 works here.
Stage 2 works will consist of upgrade works to the stairwells, laundries, bathrooms, storage areas, and the terrace .
These works will be undertaken during the 2014/15 summer break, in order to minimise disruption to students.
ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABLE BUILDING
A number of potential Ecologically Sustainable Development measures have been considered. Key environmental measures adopted for this project include:
- use of low-VOC paint and other solvent products throughout the refurbishment
- use of recycled or FSC-certified timber where required; building contractors will recycle more than 80% of construction waste
- selection of high-efficiency light fittings
AUDIT OF STAGE 2 WORKS
Stairwells:
- generally brighten the stairwells with new finishes and lighting
- make stair treads code-compliant, addressing the requirement for contrasting nosing strips and slip resistance, repairing/replacing broken tiles
- replace existing out-of-production wall tiles with new hard plaster and paint finish
- investigate the possibility of reinstating the stairwell windows to allow improved day-lighting to the hallways beyond
- improve the appearance of surface-mounted services conduits
- close in the under-stair area in the basements.
Laundries:
- review the laundry areas arrangement
- introduction of the fixed fold-away ironing boards (with safety timing switch) and supporting hanging joinery
- improve window design for more secure fit and introduction of top operable pane for ventilation.
Bathrooms:
- upgrade the fittings and fixtures
- upgrade the cubicle system
- introduce better mirror arrangement above basins
- upgrade the hydraulic piping through the building.
Storage areas:
- better house the general waste and recycle bins currently in the entry alcoves
- propose better designed and distributed cleaners’ areas, including storage and cleaners’ sinks
- investigate better use of the existing cleaners’ rooms
- introduction of filtered water/ambient temperature water outlets in common areas.
Club room:
- generally refresh the walls, floors and ceiling.
Terrace:
- restrict the access of wind-blown leaves to the light-well box gutters
- new code-compliant balustrade to the terrace edge
- stair nosing and lighting to the external stairs to the Gourlay Building.