On behalf of Ronan Group, we recently completed this development. It is situated in the heart of Dublin’s Docklands near transport links such as the Luas Red Line, Connolly train station, several bus routes, cycle lanes and the planned MetroLink. The entirety of Spencer Place is a 6.05 acre riverfront site in close proximity to the heart of the Central Business District.
The former red brick British Rail Hotel situated on the south of the site was refurbished as a 2,688sqm office building utilising best practice conservation procedures to avoid any impact of the protected structure. A central plaza between the buildings is covered by a seven-storey glazed atrium to provide a sense of light, space and openness.
The Salesforce development achieved LEED V4 Platinum and Wired Score Certification, this new headquarters is pioneering a new way forward for sustainability and is one of the first Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) enjoyed by a commercial occupier in the Irish market.
The Salesforce letting at Spencer Place represents the largest office letting in the history of the Irish State. The development also has the coveted title of being the most sustainable Salesforce Tower in the world.
The Client commissioned Axiseng to design the MEP services and Part L associated with the development.
There was a significant sustainable energy drive for the development with Salesforce. This resulted in the removal of fossil fuels and change to heat pumps. One of the biggest challenges was space planning for plant. With limitations on the roof scape of each building, an alternative location had to be found. This was the case for all the buildings. This involved major redesign of the basement levels to accommodate additional plantrooms/service transfer plantroom zones and risers.
A mix of Shell & Core and Cat A on tenant floors was delivered, with full fit-out of landlord amenities and toilet cores. The development also included destination control lifts.
There are several sustainable strategies utilised in the building. They have addressed building fabric, servicing, water, renewables and overall energy certification.
Fabric
Three new commercial buildings were constructed at Spencer Place, together with the rejuvenation of the protected structure, the former British Railway Hotel. A glass veil-like façade provides sun protection and stops the interior heating up, which has the added benefit of reducing energy requirements.
The fabric has been designed to meet the Building Regulations’ requirements and to maximise the building performance. In addition, the construction of the building has resulted in a high level of airtightness in the order of 3.5 m3/hr/m2 at 50 Pa.
Servicing
The office blocks encompassed sustainability and energy saving methods as key principle of the design and the office space was developed as a CAT A installation with CAT B interventions for Salesforce.
Heating & Cooling
The servicing strategy involved the provision of cooling and heating by 6-pipe multi-function heat pumps, which includes water cooled chillers to support peak cooling loads coupled to dry air coolers on the roof.
When the ambient temperature drops, electric elements within buffer tanks provide source to assist in heating demand.
In simultaneous heating and cooling demand mode the external condensers are off the loop and the system uses the chilled water pipes from the cooling system and uses the warm water pipes from the heating thus recovering the heat for free (achieving a total efficiency ratio) – making it as efficient as possible.
Hot Water
Hot water is generated utilising air-cooled heat pumps. The heat pumps are standalone to service the needs of the hot water production within each of the buildings.
This process allows for the energy efficient generation of hot water, the heat pumps are also connected to storage vessels allowing volume for backup and support of the heat pumps.
Water Use
As part of the sustainable strategy relating to the use of potable water, the following strategies have been employed:
Lighting
Smart Efficient LED lighting was installed throughout the development. PIR occupancy sensors were incorporated in open plan areas, to minimise energy use. A lighting control system was installed to monitor and allow easier control of the systems.
Energy consumption monitoring
Energy metering was installed on each floor distribution board, as part of the overall LEED strategy. This allows for monitoring of the overall usage through the central BMS system. Power factor correction was installed within the main switch room to further limit energy wastage.
EV chargers
As part of the LEED accreditation the addition of EV chargers was included in the design, adding to LEED credits.
Water consumption management and monitoring
Water meters are linked back to the central BMS. They notify if high levels of water are being used, which may be caused by leaks in the system.
Renewables
As part of the renewable energy drive in the development, heat pumps have been utilised as the primary source of heating and cooling. In addition, a PV array has been provided to supply energy within each of the buildings.
Certification
The building sustainable objectives have been measured through the LEED assessment process during the design and construction. The development achieved LEED Platinum Certification.
The commercial office buildings achieved WiredScore Platinum certification for its digital connectivity. It is the first in Ireland to achieve the highest score rating of 100% from WiredScore and the fourth in Europe, making it one of the most digitally connected developments in Ireland.