Thompson House Hospital

Client

Down Lisburn Trust Estates Dept, Lagan Valley Hospital

Key Services Required

Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

Awards

RICS NI 2007 Sustainability Category, Highly Commended

Building Better Healthcare Awards 2007 Sustainable Design, Highly Commended

Project Information

The refurbishment and renovation of this 19th century 3-storey brain injuries hospital to provide 42 bed spaces for long term/respite care of severely disabled or neurologically impaired patients. An 8-bed brain injuries unit, therapy suite and sensory room were designed to new space standards. A new entrance lobby and ambulance canopy were provided, along with a new sun lounge extension. Fire safety and M&E systems were upgraded to meet legislation.

The emphasis on sustainability throughout the design has led to a secure and more cost effective future for the building and its owner. An innovative new Energy Centre featuring condensing boilers, CHP and geothermal heating was instigated. Offices use a solar reflective, multi-foil, insulation and night cooling design strategy in lieu of air conditioning. Low carbon design principles were adopted as far as practicable within the existing building. Site carbon consumption has been reduced by 40%. The challenge of improving circulation has been successfully met with the provision of new stair towers and bridge links to meet HTM 81 requirements.

Photos courtesy of Hamilton Architects

Paul O'Neill

MIET CEng MEng

Paul joined Bennett Freehill in late-2021 as part of the organisations drive towards technical excellence, an employee-focused culture, strategic growth and NZEB focus. 

A Chartered Engineer with 14 years’ experience in the construction and electrical industries, Paul has particular specialisms in electrical engineering, conservation, power generation and vertical transportation having worked on projects in the education, healthcare, hotels and office sectors. 

As electrical engineering design lead, Paul is responsible for technical delivery and project responsibility related to electrical engineering, and more critically, directing technical, quality and standards within the engineering teams.

Paul brings his passion for technical quality, buildability, progressivity and efficiency to the Bennett Freehill team.

Aaron McCarthy

MCIBSE CEng BEng

Aaron is a Chartered Engineer who specialises in sustainability and low carbon design, with detailed knowledge of passive design techniques and thermal modelling procedures.

Aaron joined Bennett Freehill in mid-2021, having previously gained 10 years’ experience as an Energy and Building Services design engineer within leading multi-national building services practices. Aaron brings extensive experience in managing and delivering large scale multi-disciplinary projects and has a wealth of experience in MEP Project Management.

Aaron is responsible for client liaison, technical delivery and management of design teams to ensure we meet our clients aspirations.

Aaron brings his passion and drive for successful project delivery through collaboration with clients and design teams.

In May 2022 Aaron was appointed as Partner.

Cormac Freehill

MCIBSE MIET CEng MSc BEng

A Chartered Building Services Engineer with over 15 years’ experience working with some of the UK’s foremost engineering companies, Cormac has been pivotal to the successful award and delivery of multi-million pound projects since being appointed to the role of Managing Director in June 2020 and rebranding the business as Bennett Freehill.

Cormac brings a new vision, new energy and fresh leadership to the team and is responsible for the strategic growth and development of the business, through supporting and undertaking marketing activities, and the training and development of our technically accomplished staff.  In the role of design team leader and client liaison Cormac ensures that the team delivers pioneering, pragmatic MEP design excellence for our clients. 

Cormac specialises in Passivhaus and Nearly Zero-Energy Building (NZEB) construction and is passionate about, and professionally skilled in, Renewable Energy Systems, Energy, Procurement, Design Management and Consulting Engineering.

Cormac Freehill

MCIBSE MIET CEng MSc BEng

A Chartered Building Services Engineer with over 15 years’ experience working with some of the UK’s foremost engineering companies, Cormac has been pivotal to the successful award and delivery of multi-million pound projects since being appointed to the role of Managing Director in June 2020 and rebranding the business as Bennett Freehill.

Cormac brings a new vision, new energy and fresh leadership to the team and is responsible for the strategic growth and development of the business, through supporting and undertaking marketing activities, and the training and development of our technically accomplished staff.  In the role of design team leader and client liaison Cormac ensures that the team delivers pioneering, pragmatic MEP design excellence for our clients. 

Cormac specialises in Passivhaus and Nearly Zero-Energy Building (NZEB) construction and is passionate about, and professionally skilled in, Renewable Energy Systems, Energy, Procurement, Design Management and Consulting Engineering.