Old Library Redevelopment Project - High Pressure Water Mist (HPWM) Fire Suppression System for Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin

Tender description

Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin seeks to appoint a suitably qualified, competent and experienced contractor to carry out the design and works. The project concerns the construction works located at the University’s city centre campus. The contracting Authority (CA) intends to invite 5 candidates to participate in dialogue, please note that the contracting authority reserves the right to invite at least 5, subject to the number qualifying. The selection and short-listing criteria are wholly described within the tender document set. i.e. Pre-qualification Questionnaire document separately attached. Responses must be submitted via the electronic postbox available on www.etenders.gov.ie by the response deadline. Only responses submitted to the electronic postbox will be accepted. Responses submitted by any other means (including but not limited to by email, fax, post or hand delivery) will NOT be accepted. Response submitted late will not be accepted. Lot 1: Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin seeks to appoint a suitably qualified, competent and experienced contractor to carry out the design and works. The project concerns the construction works located at the University’s city centre campus. The Contracting Authority (CA) intends to invite 5 candidates to participate in dialogue, please note that the CA reserves the right to invite at least 5, subject to the number qualifying. The CA is employing the Competitive Dialogue Procedure to deliver the most suitable solution and contractor. As part of the Fire Safety Strategy for the proposed refurbished building, a wet fire suppression system will be installed throughout the Old Library, Podium Visitor Centre (including Welcome Space) and the Basement Level Plantroom accommodation. Trinity College’s preferred means of fire suppression is a High Pressure Water Mist (HPWM) system (i.e. operating at pressures greater than 35 bar, but typically from 60 – 130 bar) designed on BS 8489-1:2016 or EN 14972-1:2020 (once issued), NFPA Standard 750 and based on actual fire test data relating to the hazard identified by the specialist designer and within these documents. The HPWM System shall be installed to provide both life and property protection within the Old Library building, Podium Visitor Centre (including Welcome Space) and the Basement Level Plantroom accommodation. The extent of the system will be limited to the areas of the refurbishment and development and will not protect the adjacent and connected existing buildings. Given the Historic nature, fire load and geometry of the Old Library, Podium, Visitor Centre (including Welcome Space) and Basement Level Plantroom Accommodation, it is likely that the majority of areas will be covered by an already undertaken and independent third-party certified fire test. This will require to be verified by the specialist contractor shortly after appointment. However, the unique nature of the Old Library’s Long Room will require the specialist HPWM contractor to undertake an independent third-party test to verify and certify that the HPWM system can meet or exceed the fire suppression requirements. The Long Room has an approximate height of 14.5m to highest point of arched wooden ceiling and is approx. 65m long. It comprises bookcase storage on both ground (first floor in building) and gallery levels, in bays accessed off the main space, with ceiling heights approx. 5m on both floors (arched wooden ceilings on the gallery level). The bookcases have a structural wooden frame which rises through to the attic above to support the building roof structure. On appointment to preferred specialist contractor status, the specialist shall allow for the design of the HPWM system throughout but subject to the fire test requirements noted below. The design will be carried out in conjunction with the Design Team members and Fire Engineers to ensure integration with the building historic significance and developed from the initial Design Team proposals. The selection and short-listing criteria are wholly described within the tender document set. i.e. Pre-qualification Questionnaire document separately attached. Responses must be submitted via the electronic postbox available on www.etenders.gov.ie by the response deadline. Only responses submitted to the electronic postbox will be accepted. Responses submitted by any other means (including but not limited to by email, fax, post or hand delivery) will NOT be accepted. Response submitted late will not be accepted. The Old Library Redevelopment Project is being part-funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Fáilte Ireland.