Extension & Refurbishment of Glór na Mara N.S., Tramore, Co. Waterford, Ireland

Glór na Mara N.S. marked an amalgamation of two schools, with the establishment of a ‘new’ school in the millennium year of 2000 – now culminating in the physical realisation of a single building, through this extension and refurbishment project, which will continue to grow and cater for the needs of the children of Tramore, Co. Waterford.

Having been appointed as Architects and Design Team Leaders in early 2014, C.J. Falconer & Associates – supported by the extended Design Team which includes MacMinn O Reilly Mahon (Quantity Surveyors), Hayes Higgins Partnership (Civil & Structural Engineers and Mechanical, Electrical & Services Engineers), and G. Sexton & Partners (Fire Consultant) – have developed a sensitive design, specification, and approach to the delivery of the schools’ new facilities.

As part of the project, a new one-to-two storey, 1,899 m2 extension building will be delivered, which will accommodate the school’s growing needs - providing 12 new classrooms, a Library & Resource Area, General Purpose Room, Special Education Tuition Rooms, and Offices.

In addition to the new extension - the project also includes a substantial 1,046 m2 refurbishment works to the existing school building - which will see the fit-out / updating of 5 classrooms, as well as the forming of a new Staff Room, Multi-Purpose Room, and Special Education Tuition Rooms – and an enlarged and improved site entrance, with a new internal road network, external ball courts, junior play area, and car parking.

The project also includes a number of environmental, and sustainability elements – and the new build element has been designed to new nZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) standard – including photovoltaic panels, high thermal performance / comfort, natural ventilation, lighting controls and LED lighting throughout.