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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.
As reported by Elec Magazine, 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.
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.
Photo credit: Freepik