A large-scale development for Dublin’s north suburbs
Egis provided civil and structural engineering services for Whitehaven, working with Cairn.
Whitehaven recently reached the BCAR milestone, meaning the buildings were ready for occupancy in terms of legal and safety standards.
Throughout the project, Whitehaven exemplified sustainable construction and energy-efficient engineering design. When complete, the design and construction methods employed contributed to energy efficiency in the apartments. Furthermore, in terms of social impact the provision of affordable sustainable housing in Dublin is an important step in the drive to alleviate its current housing crisis.
Carbon neutral construction in a residential project
- Whitehaven has surpassed conventional Irish industry standards for carbon usage.
- The project achieved a B rating under the SCORS structural embodied carbon scale – reflecting a low structural carbon intensity of just 192 kgCO₂e/m² based on a total concrete volume of 20,544 m3. SCORS is a recognised industry framework that benchmarks the embodied carbon of building structures, helping designers and clients understand how carbon-efficient a project is.
Putting LEAN methodology into practice to lower carbon emissions
Whitehaven has achieved a high standard for sustainable first construction in Ireland. This was achieved through the use of LEAN design methodology for the superstructures and offsite fabrication of the pre-cast vertical elements.
LEAN design methodology permitted minimised concrete use throughout the development. Where concrete was used, only 30% GGBS content was used to decrease the carbon impact of the mix.
Other components of Whitehaven contributing to its overall sustainability include EAF Rebar and use of eco-design procedures. EAF Rebar is produced using the electric arc furnace process, which is more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient compared to the basic oxygen furnace (BOF) process, which is used in conventional reinforcement production.
Prioritising pre-existing biodiversity
An exceptional feature of the Whitehaven project are the two protected sycamore trees located in the middle of the brand-new development. These trees remained untouched by the construction around them.
Aged between 50 and 75 years old, the two towering trees serve as a testament to the sustainability-first approach taken by the design and construction teams and the developers.
A concrete-piled wall was constructed to wrap around the iconic mature trees and ensure maximum protection for them. Additionally, the carpark was designed to preserve an area larger than the root protection area associated with the two trees.
