J. Vaughan Electrical Contractors Ltd (JVE) recently completed an iconic new feature to Dublin City’s skyline, the EXO Building. Standing at 16 storeys high over 16,000m2, it is the tallest commercial building in Ireland situated over three basement levels with ground floor receptions and mezzanine, along with 15 floors of office space, roof garden, roof plant and public space lighting upgrade. With the building supported at ground level by three elliptical cores, it represents one of the most impressive structures in the capital with 360-degree panoramic views of the city.
JVE completed the electrical services installation, comprising a full range of electrical services including, MV/LV distribution, lightning protection, CHP, life safety generator back-up, fire alarm, security, disabled services, category A office fit out, and feature lighting in public spaces, façade,
and reception. The installation was assisted using Building Information Modelling (BIM). This allowed the entire project to be co-ordinated across all stakeholders in 3D Revit and delivered a handover to the client which includes real time maintenance folders accessible through the 3D model.
Electrical Services installation required careful consideration to ensure the unique height of the
building met regulations, and in particular the implementation of BS 9999 Fire Safety in the design, management, and use of buildings. The Life Safety Generator install was designed to ensure that all firefighting services throughout the building were protected including lifts and firefighting shafts.
JVE worked closely with the design team to ensure a building of this nature was functional and manageable in the event of fire by implementing the use of ATS Switches
across all the essential services. Working with the design team including, Grant Thornton, Shay Cleary Architects, MCA Architects, O’Connor Sutton Cronin Consulting Engineers and Main Contractors Bennett Construction, the project was completed over 28 months, as a result of Covid restrictions.
Due to the architectural feature of the building being supported on three individual circular drum walls, the routing of cables between each drum is concealed in a complex arrangement of cable ways and mechanical ductwork.
The use of BIM allowed this area to be co-ordinated and installed to an efficient programme of works for all parties. The perimeter LED lighting around the Mezzanine floor created a featured finish to a challenging scope of work.
Feature Lighting
There is a number of feature lighting arrangements throughout the EXO building. Whether approaching the EXO by foot, or by road, the lighting certainly adds immediate visual appeal. The Crown Lighting on the 16th-floor roof casts a subtle, yet impactful feature on the roof cladding. The 8th-floor roof terrace is delightfully lit with use of bollards, uplights, planters and seat lighting. At ground level the architectural fins which surround the elliptical cores are illuminated spectacularly by downlights. This is carried through to the reception areas, adding a visual illusion of the drum lights lighting through each glass enclosure.
The public space lighting was upgraded and re-designed to allow the area to be transformed into an impressive display. The architectural pole lights offer a contemporary look to the approach,
along with a colour-changing display to uplight the plaza between the Point Village and 3 Arena.
Awards
- The EXO Building has been awarded LEED V3 Platinum certification, marking Europe’s first development to receive the certification prior to practical completion. This certification is the highest level by the US Green Building Council for Building Design and Construction.
- JVE received a highly commended award for Large Commercial Project at the 2020 Ireland Electrical Awards for the EXO building.
- The building won the prestigious International Architecture Award for 2019 from The Chicago Athenaeum Museum for Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art
Design and Urban Studies. - The EXO has been shortlisted for the Irish Construction Awards 2021 Large Commercial Project of the Year and Green Project of the Year.
J. Vaughan Electrical Contractors Ltd, Unit 2, Northwest Centre, Northwest Business Park,
Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, D15 VA06.
T: +353 (0)1 882 9728 D: +353 (0)86 319 0928
E: dmills@jve.ie
www.jve.ie
Sub-Contractors
Kavanaghs Lighting
Kavanaghs was delighted to supply Intra Lighting’s profile and linear luminaries on this project. With it’s seven year warranty as standard and flexible design approach allowing for options for direct and indirect lighting, unique designs and patterns.
European manufactured and top quality components, this was an excellent product choice for the EXO. As a specialist provider, Kavanagh’s teams understand the value of working together to bring the vision of the architect and design team to life. Working with a diverse range of products, the company has the ability to unpack the visual elements within lighting to create an overall effect that fits the client’s brief and design team’s vision.
With its designated project lighting department, Kavanaghs brings added value to projects with its in-house design team, visual concepts offerings, mood boards and concept briefs. As one of Ireland’s most iconic buildings, Kavanagh’s specialist lighting project team was delighted to put its in-house design team, lighting designers and project specialists to collaborate with the building’s architects, engineers and contractors to bring a holistic view that delivered the building’s design teams’ vision and goals for EXO.
For the team at Kavanaghs, working alongside the design team, it was important to exceed the remit of the brief using the built-in lighting to influence the mood and tone of the building. By preparing the necessary mood boards and undertaking the relevant support workings for the contractor on the project, it was possible to bring reality to the vision and concept set by the design team.
Kavanaghs would like to thank the design team for allowing them to be part of the exciting project and the opportunity to work with all involved and congratulate Shay Cleary Architect, OCSC Consultant Engineers and J. Vaughan Electrical on a successful project.
T: +353 (0)51 877 400
E: maurice@kavanaghs.ie
www.kavanaghs-lighting.ie
Profile Emergency Lighting Ltd
Profile Emergency Lighting Ltd was delighted to be chosen by J. Vaughan’s as the preferred
emergency lighting supplier for such a flagship and prestigious project. The team worked closely with the JVE design team to ensure that all the relevant emergency lighting levels were met in
accordance with IS32172013+A12017. Profile used 3W recessed PRO-LED pin spot throughout the build and a selection of its blade emergency exits to suit both recessed and hanging applications.
Established in 1999, the company provides a complete emergency lighting service to meet the safety, technical, design and service demands of its many customers. Partnering with some of the leading emergency lighting companies Profile is able to supply top quality emergency lighting including, Mackwell, Tridonic, Liteplan and Olympia Electronics to name a few.
Being an Enterprise Ireland client company has enabled Profile to successfully acquire several Government contracts, with the biggest to date being the National Children’s Hospital, Dublin and ongoing continuous work with the Dublin Airport Authority. The company’s success also continues in the private sector with numerous contracts including the LinkedIn EMEA HQ, Indeed, Facebook,
Amazon and Google. This is a result of Profile’s commitment to quality, service and standards.
Profile Emergency Lighting Ltd also provides a commissioning and maintenance service. Currently, it has in excess of 100 individual maintenance contracts with the Office of Public Works covering Garda Stations, Employment Exchanges and Government offices throughout the country. Profile
also maintains the emergency lighting at Ireland’s leading complex, Dundrum Town Centre, in addition to medical facilities such as Cork University Hospital. The company also has several contracts in the hospitality sector including Shelbourne, Gibson & Aloft Hotels.
T: +353 (0)1 276 2888
E: sales@profile.ie
www.profile.ie
Fire Technology Ireland
Fire Technology Ireland (FTI) carried out a full supply and commission of a complete L1 addressable fire detection system. Used to provide high levels of protection, Vesda air sampling looks after all lift shafts. The main fire alarm panels and network are Advanced Electronics MxPro 5 Series, combined with Fault Tolerant Networking and were chosen due to their ease of use, open protocol and complex cause and effect programming software.
All floors have their own individual panel which will provide a capability should the floors need to be sub-divided, or orientation changed. External open area sounders are used in the eighth-floor
garden area to provide warning of any situation. Nittan Evolution was used as the primary
detection system throughout the building with over 1350 devices being installed, and Vesda Air Sampling was used for high sensitivity areas and ease of maintenance on lifts shafts due to the
height of the building.
The use of combined smoke detectors sounders reduced the overall visual impact on the floors and common areas. The units have a 360-degree viewing angle to allow for quick location and
identification of any problem which may arise. Multiple way Input Output units significantly reduced installation time and the need to “hide” equipment. Where it was necessary to mount wall units for signalling, circular combined sounder strobes were used. These units have a profile of 30mm and are white in colour. The high visibility 360-degree strobe is extremely bright and visible from all angles. The 90 decibel sounder provides a clear audible tone which can be changed if required. A white cap conceals the terminations and dip switches.
Fully monitored power supplies were used to provide an individual signal should they lose power, or the batteries fail. For leak detection, Advanced MxPro 5 Series Panels and Standard Networking
were installed. Industry leading Vimpex leak detection tape and Nittan Evolution Zone Monitoring Units were combined to provide detection. These panels allow for central monitoring of the at-risk locations in the building where a water leak could cause infrastructure failure.
FTI offer the best fire safety equipment available on the market today at competitive prices. Its fire safety engineers are fully trained and equipped to service and commission all fire safety equipment. FTI are wholesale distributors for the biggest brands in the Fire Alarm market.
FTI hold stock of Advanced, Nittan, Apollo, Ziton, Aritech, Vesda, Morley, C-TEC, EMS Firecell, Hochiki, Global Fire Products, HAES Systems AOV’s, Ambient PAVA systems, Vimpex Leak Detection and Cranford Controls.
David Browne from FTI commented: “The EXO is the largest commercial high rise building in Ireland overshadowing the iconic Siptu building and Central Bank of Ireland which have the same systems installed by FTI. The EXO is installed with a complete open protocol, aesthetically pleasing choice of detection devices using Sine Wave Frequency Shift Keying transmission technology which is recognised as one of the most reliable and powerful Analogue Addressable systems on the market.”
Fire Technolgy Ireland, Unit 17, Finglas Business Centre, Jamestown Road, Finglas, Dublin 11
T: +353 (0)1 652 7039
E: david@ftirl.ie
www.ftirl.ie
Joseph A. Clancy Ltd
From design stage to project completion, Joseph A. Clancy Limited trading as JAC Ltd provided specialist lightning protection services for this unique EXO project. JAC Ltd was involved early with the consulting engineer and carried out a detailed lightning risk assessment and bespoke design to cater for all parts of the required standards I.S EN 62305:2012.
JAC Ltd is a family-owned and run, Dublin-based company that has been providing market-leading specialist services, including risk assessments, custom designs, external lightning protection systems (ELPS) installations, and internal lightning protection systems (ILPS). These include world-renowned ABB/Furse and enhanced Surge protection devices, with over 50 years of experience behind them throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe.
John Clancy, JAC Managing Director explained: “While working on this exciting project, we faced some challenges, and the pandemic was obviously tough for everyone. Safety is always the main priority, and this was paramount throughout the stopping and starting of works and complying fully with the ongoing government guidelines while maintaining our high standards for the client.”
Although JAC is working on many important projects, including Data Centres, hospitals, schools and apartment blocks, the company is particularly proud of the EXO project.
“Every now and again a project comes along that stands out,” continued John. “This one certainly ticks that box. The blue steels that greet the oncoming foot, road, and water traffic are clear for everyone to see.”
JAC has been involved with J. Vaughan Electrical for almost three years to date and would like to thank them and their team for the opportunity of working alongside them on this award-winning EXO project.
Unit 10 Block 1 Burnell Square, Mayne River Way, Malahide Road, Northern Cross
Dublin 17, D17 Y339.
T: +353 (0)1 8482271
E: info@jac.ie
www.JAC.ie
Edmundson Electrical
Edmundson Electrical based in Glasnevin, Dublin worked closely with J Vaughan Electrical (JVE)
to deliver a wide range of the lighting, lighting controls and hand dryers installed in the EXO building. This included working closely with the contracts manager and site manager from the preliminary stages of specifying and producing samples of products for mock-up areas with key
suppliers, to organising call offs and delivery schedules so JVE always received the goods in a timely and efficient manner throughout a challenging period affected by Brexit and Covid.
Operating from 15 locations throughout Ireland, Edmundson’s supplies a complete range of electrical products for industrial and domestic applications. Edmundson’s Area Sales Representative, Dan Eckersall said: “Collaborating with its key suppliers, Edmundson Electrical
was able to offer solutions so the lighting could be installed in the bespoke metal ceilings, matching RAL colours as per architect requirements.”
Edmundson’s provided emergency amenity lighting to the specification required. The company
was able to provide hand dryers to suit the requirements for all the restrooms and lighting controls to suit the requirements of the installation. All of this was fulfilled via the wholesale channel using ATC Electrical, LEDVANCE and Hager Ltd.
Dan continued: “We were delighted to have been involved in such an iconic project and would like to thank J Vaughan Electrical for choosing to use Edmundson Electrical. Their professionalism and communication throughout the duration made it possible for the smooth transition and supply of goods. They were a pleasure to deal with, and we look forward to working with them in the future.”
Stag Industrial Estate, Ballyboggan Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 11, Ireland
T: +353 (0)1 882 0770
E: Stephen.connolly@eeil.ie
www.ewl.ie
LEDVANCE
LEDVANCE was approached by J Vaughan Electrical Contractors Ltd (JVE) to supply lighting for the
EXO Building, at Point Square, Dublin and was firmly in position to offer the ideal solutions from its portfolio. The firm supplied the required solutions to meet the design and specification requirements, and partnered with Edmundson Electrical for this prestigious project.
The projects team worked closely with JVE to provide suitable panels, downlights, and LED tape products to meet the required LED panel solution, compatible with the SAS ceiling type being used. Planning was key and LEDVANCE used its CRM database to meet the time frame and large volume of scheduled delivery dates required.
LEDVANCE Projects Manager Stevie Young said: “Edmundson’s Glasnevin projects team was the ideal partner working with LEDVANCE on this project. The Exo Building was another landmark Irish project for LEDVANCE to be involved in and provides an excellent project reference for us, highlighting the quality of products, services and solutions we can provide for any lighting projects.” LEDVANCE is one of the world‘s leaders in general lighting for professionals as well as end-users, offering a broad variety of LED luminaires, advanced LED lamps, intelligent Smart Home and Smart Building solutions, as well as traditional light sources.
T: +353 (0)86 6001291
E: s.young@ledvance.com
www.ledvance.com
ATC Electrical
In consultation with Consultant Engineers, O’Connor Sutton Cronin, the ATC Premium Blade and Puma Hand Dryers were specified for this iconic Dublin building. The client’s criteria was for energy-efficient, hygienic, and high-speed electric hand dryers to be installed in the washrooms. These two hand dryers have been installed in many projects over the last number of years by ATC Electrical and are proven to be the hygienic option to paper towels which are detrimental to the environment.
Between the two washroom designs, 90 Premium Blade and 22 Puma High Speed Hand Dryers were installed for use. A leading feature of the Premium Blade is its built-in HEPA filter, which works to eliminate 99.97% of bacteria, maintaining hygienic standards in the building for both
staff and visitors.
Edmundson’s Electrical partnered with ATC to ensure the desired hand dryers were sourced and installed. O’Connor Sutton Cronin, Consulting Engineers commented: “ATC has great experience in working on large projects. We have worked on many projects together and will continue to do so. On the EXO Building, we were able to provide products that met the client’s requirements from a performance, aesthetic and budget point of view.”
J. Vaughan Electrical Contractor added: “It’s great working with a company like ATC – their sales and technical support is excellent. We trust them to provide products that look well and are easy to install. They have a product for all budgets, and we are confident that they have a wide range of products and carry comprehensive stock.”
ATC House, Broomhill Drive, Tallaght, Dublin
T: +353 (0)1 467 8301
E: sales@atc.ie
Hager Ltd
Through the wholesale channel Hager Ltd supplied Klik lighting products to J. Vaughan Electrical Contractors Ltd (JVE) on the iconic EXO Building, Dublin. Klik is a secure lighting connection and control system that brings plug-in convenience and versatility to lighting projects.
Klik control boxes and sensors, together with pluggable leads were supplied by Hager Ltd.
Klik 4 is a modular plug-in marshalling solution for lighting systems that provides simultaneous mechanical and electrical connection in one click-in action. Designed for on-load connection and disconnection, Klik 4 allows individual light fittings to be removed or added without affecting other fittings on the circuit.
Klik 3 Pin moulded plugs and leads distribute switch live, neutral and earth with 4 Pin, providing an additional connection, normally a permanent live for emergency lighting.
Pre-wired or self-wired plugs provide a highly adaptable solution for when systems need to be altered, and Klik significantly cuts down on installation time and costs by limiting the testing
requirements at the commissioning stage.
Michael Bissett from Hager explained that communication and professionalism were key on this
project. “At least six months before the products were due to be installed, we had many meetings with David Mills from JVE to go through design plans and drawings for everything being installed. We worked closely with JVE and laid out a schedule to ensure it was all delivered within the timeframe, which in the current climate was crucial to the success of the project.”
Michael explained that there were “very few” challenges as JVE was able to adapt as works progressed. “I find JVE extremely easy to work with, having collaborated with them on many projects before. Their professionalism and excellent communication ensure works are completed on time.”
Hager Ltd, Unit M2, Furry Park Industrial Estate Swords Road, Santry, Dublin DO9 NY19
T: +353 (0)1 883 5844
E: Michael.bissett@hager.com
www.hager.ie
Mechanical & Electrical Fixings Ltd
Mechanical & Electrical Fixings Ltd (MEF) were tasked with providing its exclusive Metsec brand of Cable Tray, Trunking and Cable Ladder for the works on the EXO Building, Dublin. The contract with MEF commenced in April 2019 and was completed midway through 2021.
MEF is a multi-disciplinary M&E product supplier with headquarters in Edinburgh and branches in Belfast and Dublin. MEF has been trading since 1987 and was initially a supplier to the mechanical services industry. It has now grown into a multi-functional supplier to all of the building services industry, offering the complete ‘first fix’ package to the electrical, mechanical, plumbing and ventilation trades.
The contract was overseen and managed by MEF’s Regional Manager for Ireland,
Theresa Horan. Speaking to Ireland’s Electrical Magazine, Theresa said: “All contacts that I dealt with in JVE were a pleasure to work with and JVE was very complimentary about the level of
services MEF provides.” Mike Mearns, Commercial Director at MEF added: “The project was led by David Mills and Phil Comiskey of JVE who were both a pleasure to deal with.”
T: +44 (0)131 448 2525
E: sales@mef.co.uk
www.mef.co.uk
Gallant Security Systems
Gallant Security Systems was contracted by JVE for the supply, installation and commissioning
of the security systems for the IP CCTV System, the intruder alarm system and IP video intercom system. The new systems installed predominately cover all landlord areas, basement carpark as well as external public areas including a standalone CCTV system for the external public area
between the EXO building, the Point Theatre and the Point Square development.
Gallant is renowned as a trusted partner to many building industry contractors as the preferred choice of security systems installer. Mark Michael, Director of Gallant Security commented: “Having worked with JVE for over 20 years on various projects, we were delighted that the company awarded us such a prestigious project. This appointment recognised the experience and quality we bring and our ability to deliver our installation in line with the projects programme of works.”
T: +353 (0)1 861 2770
E: info@gallantsecurity.com
www.gallantsecurity.com
RWL Advanced Solutions
Dublin-based company, RWL Advanced Solutions supplied all of the communications structure cabling systems throughout the EXO Building, Dublin. Having worked alongside J. Vaughan for approximately 18 years as one of its key suppliers, RWL was delighted to supply its products for the prestigious EXO building.
Items installed included, Excel Cat 6 structured cabling, OM4 multimode fibre network, cabinets and the alarm/control cables for various system devices. Speaking to Ireland’s Electrical Magazine, Willie Treacy, Commercial Manager at RWL said: “Excel is an excellent product at a very competitive price and it’s nice to have it highlighted in an iconic building like the EXO.”
With 20 years in business, RWL supplies a full range of structured cabling solutions, comms
cabinets, wall boxes, fibre optic solutions, telephony/control cabling systems and UPS’s.
T: +353 (0)1 424 2414
E: wtreacy@rwlas.com
www.rwlas.com
FibreLED
FibreLED was delighted to be involved with J Vaughan Electrical in captivating the nightscape of the city’s skyline by lighting up the landmark EXO Building, Dublin’s tallest office building.
FibreLED have worked on many façade enhancing projects that populate Dublin’s city from Capitol Dock, Indeed Offices to Georges Quay Plaza, Westin Hotel & Millenium Bridge to name a few.
The exterior façade of the EXO Building is installed with a bespoke linear LED lighting system. All fittings were custom made to enhance, illuminate and highlight this iconic office building. A lighting system was designed to not only outline the impressive exterior of this building but be energy efficient and cost effective.
FibreLED has been specialising in bespoke LED lighting systems and projects for almost 20 years. Its unique ability is to take a lighting brief from inception to specification, fabrication and installation with fielding the many design challenges from access to extreme moisture conditions
and difficult exterior environs to complicated control and emergency lighting.
T: +353 (0)1 496 0000
E: sales@fibreled.com
www.fibreled.com
