The ORS Multidisciplinary Engineering Services Approach to Residential Developments Delivering residential developments in Ireland presents a range of complex challenges for residential developers. These challenges are driven by a combination of regulatory, financial and infrastructural factors. Strict planning regulations and lengthy approval processes can significantly delay project timelines, while evolving environmental and sustainability standards add
Modular construction has been in use in Ireland for decades and is now a well-established ‘modern method of construction’ (MMC) in the construction industry. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional pre-fabrication is available in all forms of construction and is favoured in cases where a large degree of repletion and modularisation can be achieved, such as multi-unit residential
Large‑Scale Residential Developments (LRDs) – Ireland’s Current Planning Pathway for Major Housing Schemes Ireland’s planning system for major residential schemes has evolved significantly since the Strategic Housing Development (SHD) process was introduced in 2016. SHDs were designed to fast‑track large housing applications by allowing developers to apply directly to An Bord Pleanála, bypassing local authorities. While the
Renewable Energy and the path to a low-carbon future With the pressing need to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy has become an increasingly important topic in recent years Renewable energy is energy that comes from sources or processes that are constantly replenished, such as wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric power.
BIM or Building Information Modelling, is a process for creating and managing information on a construction project across the project’s lifecycle and is central to the digitisation of the construction industry. Government policy has long been one of the leading drivers for BIM implementation in Ireland with stated objectives including the following. Cost certainty at
“You pay for a site investigation whether you undertake one or not.” That phrase, first spoken by my third‑level soil mechanics lecturer, seemed almost exaggerated at the time. Yet approaching 20 years in consulting engineering, its truth has become unmistakably clear. Every project pays for ground information either upfront through proper investigation, or later through costly surprises, delays,
The Strategic Housing Development (SHD) process was introduced in 2017 as part of Rebuilding Ireland to help expedite the planning application process and accelerate the delivery of larger housing and student accommodation developments. Developments comprising of over 100 residential units and/or student accommodation comprising 200 or more bed spaces are eligible to go through the
Cracking is a relatively common feature in all buildings, regardless of age or form of construction. Types and severity of cracking vary widely from cracking in non-structural finishes due to drying and shrinkage of material up to more severe forms which have a destabilising effect on the building structure. This article focuses on cracking which
Value Management may be typically described as an analytical process for developing innovative, holistic approaches to complex projects in a structured way. The design process of a project can be highly complex, technical and can deviate from the direction of the project from the original concept and aspirations of the project sponsor. In construction projects,