LIV Student Accommodation, located on York Street, is one of Belfast City’s largest new student accommodation blocks.
Michael Nugent Ltd provided the full Mechanical and Electrical installation for the complex in partnership with Grahams. Some of these included: ventilation system, full domestic water services supply, foul and rainwater pipework, AHU and extract fans, sub mains cabling, all lighting, audio visual and much more.
The accommodation includes 717 stylish bedrooms, studio rooms and apartments across 13 floors. With shared communal areas and kitchens, retail units, courtyard areas, fitness studio and study rooms, the complex is an exceptional student facility.
The project was not without its difficulties, beginning and completing as it did during the global Covid-19 pandemic. “Michael Nugent Ltd worked closely with Grahams and all involved to devise a Covid-19 Contingency and Remobilisation Plan,” said Operations Director Richard Gilmour.
“This presented two major challenges. The health and welfare of our employees directly and indirectly and also the procurement of the required materials/equipment.
Communication was crucial to ensure all employees were aware of current Covid restrictions and the procedures to follow to remain safe.
“To avoid anticipated issues with global logistics and the fact that the delivery of equipment and materials to site was critical to the success of the project, we worked with our supply chain and implemented a strategy of early procurement and local storage to ensure the project was not delayed.”
The timeline was a further challenge, ensuring completion of LIV Student before the students occupied the building for the new semester. “We were able to overcome this challenge by working late nights to ensure completion on time to the highest standards,” explained Richard. Mechanical The domestic water system is heated by its own independent 2no. 500kw water heaters with 2no. 800l storage vessels to meet the demand of the building.
At the bottom of each riser, thermostatic balancing valves maintain 65°C within the hot water supply feeding to pre-fabricated pods. BMS also monitors these temperatures though sentinel points installed on the boosted cold, hot water and hot return supplies.
The fully programmed BMS system was put to work throughout the building in line with a strategy agreed with the end-user to monitor and control different aspects of the building, while also allowing the BMS to work automatically and adjust accordingly with external weather conditions which in turn improved the building efficiency and limited energy consumption.
Commenting on the completed project, Richard said, “The student accommodation itself is spectacular. LIV Student is the first building in Northern Ireland to be awarded 3-star Fitwel accreditation – the highest rating given by the world’s leading certification system for buildings.
“We were delighted to provide MEP services for LIV Student, which was a fantastic project from start to finish. LIV Student supports Ulster University Belfast Campus for which Michael Nugent Ltd has recently completed MEP services for Phase 2 Block BD and Block BB.”
Richard added, “It is a privilege to have been part of the prestigious project in the heart of Belfast. We are always delighted to work with Grahams and have delivered numerous groundbreaking projects with their exceptional team. Huge congratulations to all involved.”
Conor Curran, Maintenance Engineer for LIV Student concluded, “The quality and finish Michael Nugent Ltd has provided has been second to none.
Contracts Managers John McLernon and James Mackle have been excellent and a great help to the LIV team on the ground. It is a facility we can all be proud off. Well done.”
Mechanical Services:
• Fire protection system – smoke extraction
• Fire protection system – dry riser and sprinkler system
• Ventilation system
• Full domestic water services supply
• Sanitary ware installation
• Foul and rainwater pipework
• Natural gas installation
• AHU and extract fans
• Gas-fired water heaters
• LTHW heating system
• BMS control systems installation
• Above ground drainage system
Michael Nugent,
2 Tandragee Road,
Pomeroy,
Co. Tyrone
BT70 3DS T: +44 (0)28 8775 8617
E: info@michaelnugent.co.uk
www.michaelnugent.co.uk
Versatile Group
Bespoke nZEB solutions from Versatile Group heat up student accommodation…
Versatile Group provided nZEB compliant heating solutions for the LIV Student Accommodation project.
The heating area incorporated a mixture of shared apartments and studio rooms, spreading over 13 floors and servicing a community of 700 students. The site includes an on-site gym, cinema room, karaoke room, café, laundry and much more.
Versatile provided project-customised Runtal Radiators measuring over four metres in length, with specially welded feet for installation in front of glazed areas.
“The hall and common area at the front of the building is designed with floor-to-roof glass frontage with no wall to attach heating solutions,” said Philip Treacy, Operations Director, Versatile Group. “The height of the building and location provided logistical challenges as the radiators we supplied were extremely heavy and long. The limited space in apartments was another challenge to meet the output requirement with our radiators.
“The radiators we provided were low water content radiators with fast and efficient heat up times and tested to current EN442 requirements. Runtal Radiators provide the total solution for any tested environment.”
Established in 1984, as the demand for energy-conscious products has increased over the years, Versatile has been at the forefront of pioneering new product types and technology for heating, cooling, ventilation and bathrooms in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. They represent some of the strongest european manufacturers.
The emphasis is on delivering a bespoke/ tailored solution for all clients and projects.
Philip was full of praise for the mechanical contractor on this project, “Michael Nugent Ltd has had a very strong relationship with Versatile for a long number of years. We have always found Michael Nugent Ltdto be a quality M&E contractor and installer within the HVAC industry. Michael Nugent Ltd is a pleasure to work with.”
Versatile Group,
Beechmount Home Park,
Navan,
Co. Meath,
C15 WR60
T: +353 (0)46 902 9444
E: info@versatile.ie
www.versatile.ie
Geberit
LIV York Street is the first UK project to install unique Geberit Supertube streamlined drainage system…
Leading European sanitary product manufacturer Geberit was asked to provide its Supertube drainage system for the LIV Student Accommodation at York Street, Belfast.
Michael Nugent Ltd proposed using the innovative system, which eliminates the need for secondary venting in the high-rise student complex.
“The drainage for LIV York Street is a heavily loaded system,” explained Geberit Area Sales Manager Lucas Vogan. “There was very little space within the built environment. It has a relatively small footprint but is spread across 13 floors. The drainage needed to be a high performance solution that offered security, safety and efficiency for such a high-use facility.
“Geberit Supertube was the best option they could choose in conjunction with the Geberit Sovent fitting. This meant the mechanical contractor could reduce the diameter of the drainage pipe installed from 160mm to 110m and subsequently the duct size. This system made the need for a secondary vent completely redundant.”
Patented by Geberit, the Supertube and Sovent configuration at LIV is the most innovative drainage system in the whole of Europe – the first of its kind installed in the UK. It embraces the Geberit HDPE high-density polyethylene and DB 20 Silent drainage system. “The DB 20 Silent drainage system was installed to ensure the drainage system would not pose a noise nuisance factor.”
Geberit provided on-site training for installers. “This gave the main contractor and the client peace of mind, knowing the installers were fully trained by the manufacturer,” said Lucas. “It also ensured that the end installation was poetry in motion!”
Lucas is full of praise for the completed project. “This is an absolutely amazing installation that showcases our latest technology and provides a state-of-the-art drainage system for a modern, high-use student facility.”
T: +44 (0)7730 815 463
E: lucas.vogan@geberit.com
www.geberit.co.uk
G S Stothers M&E Engineering
G S Stothers M&E addS another prestigious smoke ventilation project to their portfolio…
G S Stothers M&E Engineering provided the smoke ventilation systems throughout the LIV Student Accommodation building, which consisted of natural and mechanical systems as well as a car park carbon monoxide clearance system.
As the sole distributor in Northern Ireland for Colt International, the Portavogie-based firm supplied various Colt products throughout this project, which the client found to be very user friendly.
G S Stothers M&E Engineering was founded in 1986 by Samuel Stothers and has specialised in smoke control for over 30 years. It is certified by IFC under the SDI 19 Scheme which was created to raise standards across the industry in smoke control systems as well as being a member of the Smoke Control Association, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, NICEIC, ConstructionLine and Safe Contractor.
The firm’s specialist teams can assist in the design, installation and commissioning as well as offering maintenance packages on smoke ventilation systems. Previous prestigious projects include: Castlecourt Shopping Centre, Victoria Square, Belfast City Quays 3, Royal Victoria Hospital, The Connaught Hotel, Titanic Signature, Ulster University and the New Children’s Hospital, Dublin.
Commenting on the completed project, Managing Director Jonney Stothers said, “This project stands out for us as it is located at the Cathedral Quarter area, the creative and cultural heart of Belfast City. We are also providing the smoke ventilation systems requirements for the new Ulster University Campus, which is located across the road from LIV.
“We enjoyed a seamless relationship with the M&E main contractor, Michael Nugent Ltd. Every aspect of the project was handled in a professional and friendly manner from the initial enquiry to the commissioning/client demonstrations.”
G S Stothers M&E Engineering,
Unit 5, 30 Bog Road,
Portavogie
BT22 1EQ
T: +44 (0)28 4277 2931
E: info@gsstothers.com
www.gsstothers.com
John J Doyle Ltd
John J Doyle took an innovative approach to flue routing and connections to tackle space limitations on LIV student accommodation project…
Main contractor Michael Nugent Ltd contracted John J Doyle Ltd to design, supply and install a new flue system to suit the new boilers and water heaters for the LIV Student Accommodation Belfast project.
The project presented challenges because of the limited space and height inside the boiler house and plant room. “A typical installation for this type of project would be a common header system to combine flues, but this was not possible,” explained Kyle Moore who managed the project for John J Doyle Ltd. “Instead, we routed each boiler flue individually through the boiler house roof, with water heater connections being installed using stainless steel single wall flues to maximise space in the plant room.
“In addition, to comply with UP10 regulations and the Clean Air Act, the flue was installed to the highest point of the building as, according to calculations, the planned termination point fell within the radius of concern.”
Upon completion of the flue systems for the new boilers and water heaters. John J Doyle Ltd was contracted to design, supply and install the flue system for the standby generators.
LIV Student Accommodation is part of a modern Belfast. “As Belfast’s chimney specialists, it is always satisfying to drive through our home city and see our flues along the city’s modernising skyline.”
John J Doyle Ltd are chimney specialists and refractory engineers providing design, supply and installation solutions for a variety of applications in sectors including residential/communal living, data centres, healthcare, manufacturing and education.
Established in 1928 in Belfast, for over 93 years, the firm has been committed to its core family values of integrity, innovation and outstanding engineering.
Commenting on the finished job, Kyle added, “It is always a pleasure to work with Michael Nugent. We have completed a number of chimney and flue projects with them, and each one has always been a successful and exciting experience.”
John J Doyle Ltd,
5 Duncrue Place,
Belfast,
BT3 9BU T: +44 (0)28 9024 7864
E: info@johnjdoyle.com
www.johnjdoyle.com
BSS Group
BSS Group supplied a range of high quality, durable products to the new LIV student accommodation project in Belfast…
As the UK’s leading distributor of pipeline and heating solutions, the company was best placed to supply a large amount of products to this prestigious project. Items supplied to LIV included Grundfos pumps, Oventrop valves, Geberit HDPE.
A quick and efficient delivery service ensured the mechanical contractor on the project wasn’t left waiting for much-needed products, ensuring the build process was able to proceed without disruption.
BSS Group has been working with Michael Nugent Ltd for over 20 years. That excellent relationship also helped ensure the project was delivered to schedule.
BSS Group provides bespoke solutions to customers, including products, specifications technical support and aftersales care. The company’s commitment to customer service and to stocking a wide variety of diverse products has ensured it is one of the leading distributors in the country.
T: +44 (0)28 9078 4000
E: 1910.sales@bssgroup.com
www.bssindustrial.co.uk
Powertech Refrigeration Ltd
Powertech Refrigeration Ltd supplied Mitsubishi intelligent heat pump systems to the LIV Student Accommodation project…
The specialist refrigeration, air conditioning and renewable energy contractor was founded in 2004 by David Smyth and Mervyn Hanna. Its project portfolio ranges from heavy industrial refrigeration systems through to domestic heating and cooling across the UK, Ireland and the international market. Powertech Refrigeration combines in-house knowledge and expertise with a collaborative working partnership with Aermec – a major, worldwide manufacturer in air conditioning and process cooling industry – the result being a comprehensive turnkey solution for the client.
Based in Markethill, Co Armagh, Powertech Refrigeration is a Mitsubishi 3 Diamond Dealer, meaning it can offer clients a reassuring seven-year warranty on parts.
Although a relatively small project, Powertech Refrigeration took great pride in their involvement on the LIV project. Director, David Smyth said, “It is always satisfying to complete a contract to the client’s expectations. It was a pleasure working with the team from Michael Nugent.
They were very professional and organised – great to do business with.”
T: +44 (0)28 3755 2792
E: dsmyth@powertechref.com
www.powertechrefrigeration.com
EB Gas Services Ltd
EB Gas Services Ltd installed a new 8” gas line at LIV Student Accommodation on behalf of M+E contractor, Michael Nugent Ltd…
The new installation provided gas to the 12th floor plantroom and was routed internally on the ground floor to an external wall rising externally to level 12.
Challenges involved designing and manufacturing a bracket system to support the pipe on the vertical rise with a restricted footprint while maintaining adequate strength and thermal breaks.
EB Gas Services Ltd also provided and commissioned an Intelligas Leak Detection Panel and associated controls.
Established in 1966 as a domestic gas centre selling bottled gas and domestic gas appliances, EB Gas Services Ltd has developed into one of the largest gas service and installation companies in Ireland.
Registered with both Gas Safe and RGII, EB Gas installation engineers are certified to work throughout the UK and Ireland.
The large team of qualified field operatives is supported by a team of back room staff, enabling engineers to repair or service all gas domestic, commercial industrial and catering appliances.
T: +44 (0)28 3026 2908
www.ebgasservices.com
MEF Ltd
Multi-disciplinary M&E product supplier MEF Ltd provided the electrical containment, cable tray, trunking and a full supply of fixings, fasteners and fastening solutions for the LIV Student Accommodation project…
Headquartered in Edinburgh with branches in Belfast and Dublin, MEF has been trading since 1987. Initially primarily a supplier to the mechanical services industry, it has 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 company has grown through providing innovative labour-saving solutions and quality branded products and excellent customer service. “We do what we say,” said Regional Manager, Theresa Horan. “We dedicate ourselves to honesty and integrity; to providing the best and most cost-effective solutions to the market place.”
Commenting on supplying the LIV Student Accommodation project, Theresa said, “MEF always endeavours to provide the most cost-effective, labour-saving solutions to the client, and, like Michael Nugent, places great value on service and supply of high-quality products with an emphasis on true customer service.”
T: +44 (0)131 448 2525
E: sales@mef.co.uk
www.mef.co.uk
McCaig Collim
McCaig Collim, Northern Ireland’s leading distributors for HVAC industries, supplies LIV York Street project…
McCaig Collim, Northern Ireland’s leading independent supplier to the mechanical heating, ventilation, pipeline and insulation industries, supplied a wide range of products to the LIV Student Accommodation project at York Street, Belfast.
Items included a range of valve types, fittings, pipe, bracketry and insulation.
Formed in 1968, the specialist supplier and official stockist and distributor for the Albion Range of valves has established itself as NI’s number one provider of technical insulation, steel, pipeline and ventilation products. The firm’s 40,000sqft facility near Belfast holds an extensive range of pipeline, climate control, pumps, heating and ventilation products. Items are supplied at their two trade counters or through its fleet of lorries that deliver throughout Ireland daily.
Delivering quality products, competitive prices and a top-notch customer service remain the main focus for this highly experienced distributor.
McCaig Collim has an unrivalled team of staff, strong in terms of both experience and customer service. Sales staff have (between them) hundreds of years of technical sales and service experience within the heating and ventilation market, with seven employees currently exceeding the 20-year mark.
This accumulated experience provides customers with full technical back-up and advice in selecting the right product to do the job from the varied range that is on offer.
Michael Nugent Limited has been a valued McCaig Collim customer for over 50 years, and the LIV Student Accommodation complex joins a long list of prestigious projects supplied by the firm across Northern Ireland.
McCaig Collim,
92-94 Dargan Crescent,
Belfast
BT3 9JP
T: +44 (0)28 9077 7788
E: sales@mccaig-collim.co.uk
www.mccaig-collim.co.uk
