Client Rotunda Hospital
Location Dublin, Ireland
Value €500k
Utilising our strong track record in Environmental Design for Rotunda Hospital's huge refurbishment project
About the project
IN2 was appointed to extend and carry out a complete refurbishment of the existing Post Mortem facility and adjacent Sexual Assault and Trauma Unit (SATU) at the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin.
IN2 assisted the architects in developing the project brief in conjunction with the post-mortem consultants and specialist equipment suppliers.
IN2 have a proven track record in the Environmental design for mortuary and post mortem facilities, particularly in specialist ventilation design. Most post mortem facilities are extremely inefficient and quite often fail routine validation. Successful delivery of modern post mortem facilities requires specialist design and effective project management. The post mortem and support areas have particular ventilation requirements (ventilated mortuary tables, along with specific requirements for the handling of Formalin (a carcinogenic substance)). In meeting these requirements, IN2 developed a variable air volume solution to maximize efficiency whilst ensuring adequate ventilation at all times.
All ductwork passing through fire-rated constructions was fitted with fire dampers, with penetrations to 1-hour compartments fitted with actuated fire/smoke dampers centrally controlled and monitored via a fire/smoke damper control panel. IN2 arranged to have the final ventilation system design audited by Ventilation hygiene specialists to ensure that sufficient access existed to facilitate the future scheduled cleaning regime.
The project presented several unique challenges. Due to the nature and location of the Rotunda Hospital site and its proximity to the Garden of Remembrance, available plant space was extremely restricted. The 1st floor of the PM building had also to be kept live during the refurbishment of the ground floor post-mortem facility. Enabling works associated with the diversion of oxygen lines, serving the entire Rotunda, had to be carried out with extreme care.
