With an extensive portfolio of projects spanning the conservation, housing, industrial, education, health and community sectors, Hugh J. O’Boyle Ltd has built an impressive and solid reputation within the construction sector.
The contractor’s recent work on Fisherwick Presbyterian Church goes some way to strengthening that reputation, particularly in the historical buildings sector.
Founded in 1948, Hugh J. O’Boyle is no stranger to complex projects. All of the company’s expertise was utilised on the Fisherwick project, an extensive package of works that included the renovation of the existing Church, halls and offices of the Church to provide a new multi-purpose hall, meeting rooms, offices, a state-of-the-art welcome centre, coffee bar and expansive new entrance. The outside entrance to the Church has been expansively refurbished and remodelled to provide an entrance which can be accessed from both the Malone Road and Chlorine Gardens. Internally, the Hugh J. O’Boyle team was tasked with stripping out the existing areas, remodelling and reordering the existing halls, the installation of a lift and the refurbishment of the kitchen & WCs. A high specification fit-out throughout, including a state of the art steel catering kitchen was also required.
Externally, works included cleaning and repair of existing railings, repointing and biocide washing of external stonework and level surface sandstone paving to the new footpath and new ramped access. Curtain walling to the external of the building provides an attractive facade to the entrance and allows natural light to penetrate deeper into the building. Landscaping further enhances the external areas of the Fisherwick Church.
To ensure the Fisherwick scheme was completed to the highest possible specification, on time and to budget, Hugh J. O’Boyle implemented its tried and tested robust methodology which covers key areas including programme, supply chain, health & safety and stakeholder management. A bespoke programme was developed to meet key milestones, with regular reviews completed throughout the project. The company’s pre-approved supply chain was appointed based on experience and through early involvement and collaboration.
Works at Fisherwick were completed sympathetically to complement this historical building. “Traditional building skills required to complete the conservation works dictated that we carefully selected and appointed the best heritage skilled team members from our own workforce and from our specialist supply chain members. The standout features of the project are the impressive entrance to the Church and the stunning welcome area that seamlessly links the halls to the Church,” said Declan McCormick, Managing Director at Hugh J. O’Boyle.
Access was another key focus of the scheme. It was very important for the Church that the works would make provision for everyone to enter the Church through the front doors. To achieve this, works included level surface pathways, with ample width and an even gradient, enabling wheelchair users and the ambulant disabled to access the building; a new sandstone ramp from the front of the building to the new double front doors fitted with long handle that could be easily opened on both sides.
Hugh J. O’Boyle Ltd has worked on many high profile restoration and heritage projects including Church House, Belfast, The Conservatory at Ballywalter and Montalto House in Ballynahinch.
“We’re extremely proud and privileged to have been involved in this unique project. We pride ourselves in delivering high quality schemes on time and to budget and testament to this is the volume of repeat business we receive from clients who know that we can be relied upon to provide excellent service and quality in every project.”
Hugh J. O’Boyle Ltd, 1 The Green, Irish Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6BE.
T: 028 4461 2278
E: info@hjob.co.uk
W: www.hjoboyle.co.uk
Operating for over 20 years, Hardscape has built a solid reputation in the industry as a trusted supplier of hard landscaping materials. The company’s technical expertise and ability to provide a wide range of materials makes it the go-to company for landscape architects and design professionals looking for something special.
On the Fisherwick Presbyterian project, Hardscape worked closely with Kennedy Fitzgerald Architects at design stage, helping the firm to select the correct hard landscape material for the scheme. After some deliberation, the design team opted for Hardscape’s Preta Johann granite from Portugal.
“The material’s aesthetic and technical characteristics met the design intent for this major restoration scheme. It really was the perfect choice for this project,” said Lowell McCreadie, Ireland Sales Manager at Hardscape.
The company also supplied setts, edging trim, step nosing and tactiles to the project. Hardscape is unique in that it handpicks ethically-sourced hard landscaping materials to help design teams create visionary urban spaces that stand out from everyday paving options, all while being delivered within the required budget. Products are recommended on a project-by- project basis and sourced from a worldwide network of ethical and trusted suppliers. In-house technical support and production design teams ensure the correct material specifications.
Hardscape was delighted to be involved in the Fisherwick project. “It was great to work with Hugh J. O’Boyle Ltd. This was the first time we had worked with them and hopefully not the last. Their eye to detail was superb and the scheme looks great!”
Hardscape, Building C, 89 Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 3BD
T: 028 9099 2500
E: lmc@hardscape.co.uk
W: www.hardscape.co.uk
After working closely with the architects to ensure the right product was specified for the job, VELUX Commercial supplied its recessed Northlights to the Fisherwick Church project. An innovative product for an important community building, the VELUX Northlights have been commended by visitors to the Church for the amount of daylight they’re bringing into the space.
“The contracts manager also commented on the highly engineered nature of the VELUX skylights and how straightforward and easy it was to work with them. They came to site already fabricated, making the process very smooth and hassle-free. The fact that they’re prefabricated also makes them extremely durable,” said Lisa Rafferty- Gracey, Business Development Manager at VELUX Commercial.
VELUX Modular Skylights are highly insulated glazed units, manufactured to tight tolerances and offer repeatable, dependable performance. They are CE-marked and arrive on site fully prefabricated, including customised flashings for complete watertightness. From the moment they’re made in the factory, the modules are designed to work as a single system. They can also be linked in rows to suit the building shape and roof design. In addition, skylight modules and their flashings have a 10- year guarantee and a lifespan of 30 years. They were, without doubt, the perfect lighting solution for the Fisherwick Church project.
“The skylights can be installed quickly and easily, resulting in reduced disruption in the wider build process. They also minimised the labour requirement on the project (in terms of both hours and skill level required) and as a result, allowed the design teams to work to far tighter project timescales,” said Lisa.
VELUX Company Ltd, Woodside Way, Glenrothes, Fife, Scotland, KY7 4ND
T: 015 927 78916
E: veluxcommercial@velux.co.uk
W: www.commercial.velux.co.uk
Operating for over 30 years, Access Scaffolding Co (NI) Ltd is experienced in the design and erection of reliable and safe scaffolding and supports. The company provided internal and external scaffolding for the Fisherwick Church project. Outside the Church, the company provided access scaffolds and for the interior of the building, birdcages scaffolds for safe, high level access.
The project presented the firm with a few challenges. “The size and shape of the Church made the job more complex, but in saying that it was nothing we couldn’t handle,” said Sean Hesketh, Director.
T: 028 9334 0044 / 07802 565866
E: asclniltd@gmail.com
SMcConnell & Sons were responsible for the new stonework at the Fisherwick Church project. Paul Morris, Contracts Manager at S McConnell & Sons Ltd and the rest of the team created a new front entrance, sandstone steps and new disabled ramp access.
An existing wall at the front entrance was also taken down, rebuilt and realigned to suit the new lay-out of the steps.
“We used existing stone for the new wall and we also made it bigger than what it was. In addition, we took the window surround at the side entrance down and formed a new arched opening. That was one of the biggest elements of the job.”
S McConnell & Sons’ work on the Church project has made a huge impact.
“The main contractor and architect have both said the new additions look like they’ve always been there. We’re delighted to have been involved in this project and to continue our excellent relationship with Hugh J. O’Boyle.”
T: 028 4176 3717
W: www.smcconnellandsons.com
Cathal Knox and the the team at Whiterock Property Services were responsible for the completion of all the plasterboarding and drylining, fillings and bulkheads at Fisherwick Presbyterian Church.
“This was a great opportunity for us as every square inch of walls needed to be lined, restudded and drylined. With so much detail on the job, it was really nice to see the finished product,” said Cathal.
The project didn’t present Cathal with any major challenges. “We completed the job to schedule and ensured we did an excellent job.”
T: 07746953075
E: cathalknox@yahoo.co.uk
JD Catering Supplies provided quality catering equipment to the Fisherwick Presbyterian Church project.
The company’s reputation for efficient service to the catering trade made it the ideal company to take on this substantial job at the newly renovated Church.
JD Catering Supplies handles all aspects of catering equipment for a varied range of clients including, pubs, hotels, food stores, restaurants, schools, hospitals, corporate and government organisations.
When it comes to HACCP procedures, food preparation, storage and health and safety regulations, the company is at the top of its league.
T: 028 867 61100
W: www.jdcatering.com
Solid Fabrications made the striking reception counter at the newly restored and refurbished Fisherwick Presbyterian Church. The counter is covered in Corian, a solid surface cladding product, which gives the counter a contemporary finish without being overly modern. Lettering to the front of the counter has given a personalised feel while thermoforming or curving on the corner of the counter also adds to the overall aesthetic.
Corian proved the ideal product for this particular project. “It’s a seamless product that is made in parts and then joined together. For spaces like coffee prep areas, it’s perfect as there’s no place for germs or dirt to go,” said Patrick Colhoun, Estimating & Marketing Manager at Solid Fabrications.
“This was a great project to work on and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Hugh J. O’Boyle the main contractor on future projects.”
T: 028 9335 1133
W: www.solidfabrications.co.uk
