Client Health Service Executive
Location Killarney, Ireland
Architect JNP Architects
State-of-the-art development achieves A2 BER and full Net Zero Energy Building compliance
About the project
IN2 were awarded the role of providing full M&E, Environmental and Sustainability design services for the HSE’s Public Private Partnership contract for numerous community care units.
Among the seven projects in this ambitious initiative is the Community Nursing Unit (CNU) in Killarney. Located within the historic grounds of St. Finan’s Hospital, this state-of-the-art development has 130 bedrooms, 2 storeys, and replaces outdated accommodation with a modern, person-centred environment for residents requiring long-term and specialist care. The completed Killarney Community Nursing Unit will achieve A2 BER and full Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) compliance, positioning it as one of Ireland’s most sustainable healthcare facilities.
IN2 was appointed to lead the MEP design and Sustainability strategy from concept through to construction. The project will deliver a sustainable, energy-efficient healthcare facility featuring single and twin bedrooms with en-suites, day rooms, therapy and activity spaces, and landscaped gardens designed to encourage independence and wellbeing. The building’s design integrates natural light, views, and ventilation to create uplifting spaces for residents and staff.
The approach combined natural ventilation, passive cooling, and all-electric heating via Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) to significantly reduce operational carbon emissions. A central element of IN2’s work was the evaluation of window configurations, glazing performance, and ventilation strategies through DSM analysis. The implementation of triple-glazed units and a finely tuned control system minimised overheating risk and improved comfort, achieving compliance with CIBSE TM52 standards.
In addition, IN2 delivered the full external lighting design, including roadways, pedestrian pathways, and landscaped areas. Using Schréder LED luminaires, the design achieved excellent lux uniformity while minimising light spill to adjacent habitats. All systems are monitored through an advanced Building Management System (BMS) providing real-time data and performance insights for ongoing optimisation.
Through rigorous collaboration, technical excellence, and sustainability-led design, IN2 ensured the Killarney CNU will deliver long-term value for both residents and the HSE, creating a facility that not only meets immediate clinical and operational needs but also supports Ireland’s broader decarbonisation goals.
