Shanganagh Castle Estate Rooftop Access Platform

At a Glance

Walls Construction, on behalf of the Land Development Agency (LDA), is undertaking the Shanganagh Castle Estate project, a pioneering design and build venture. This large-scale development is set to deliver 546 residential units constructed to Passive House standards across eight apartment blocks, along with 51 houses, a stand-alone crèche, and extensive landscaping. As the first project to be supported by the LDA, this initiative is part of the Irish Government’s commitment to unlocking state land for new housing and addressing the shortage of affordable homes across Ireland. Relinea was brought on board to deliver a bespoke GRP platform for rooftop access on phase one of the apartment blocks, ensuring a safe and efficient solution for maintenance teams.

Client

Walls Construction

Location

Dublin
, Ireland

Services

Design, Installation, Supply

Products

Explain your needs

Problem/Challenge

A key aspect of this project was enabling safe, accessible rooftop spaces for essential maintenance on the apartment blocks, which had complex rooftop configurations densely packed with critical pipework and equipment. The existing setup on each rooftop created significant safety hazards, restricted access, and increased the difficulty of essential maintenance tasks. Traditional materials like steel, while commonly used in access platforms, posed additional challenges. Steel’s substantial weight could jeopardise structural integrity on rooftops with strict weight limitations, and its vulnerability to rust and corrosion in Ireland’s unpredictable climate risked requiring extensive, costly maintenance over time. Walls Construction required a durable, lightweight, and safe solution that would deliver stable rooftop access without compromising long-term sustainability or adding undue weight to the structure.

Solution

Relinea designed a bespoke GRP rooftop access platform that directly addressed the needs of Walls Construction and the demands of the Shanganagh Castle Estate project. Relinea’s design team created a bespoke platform that fit seamlessly around the existing rooftop pipework layout.

Our GRP platforms offered numerous advantages that were particularly suited to this complex, high-profile project. Unlike steel, GRP is non-corrosive and highly resistant to harsh weather conditions, providing a longer lifespan with minimal maintenance, ideal for exposed rooftop environments. GRP’s durability aligns well with the project’s sustainability goals, as it offers a 50+ year lifespan with minimal upkeep. Additionally, GRP is approximately 70% lighter than steel, making it a perfect choice for rooftop settings where weight restrictions are a priority. Despite its lightweight nature, GRP maintains high structural strength, making it easier to install and ensuring robust, long-lasting support. For safety, the anti-slip surface of GRP greatly reduces the risk of accidents, particularly in wet conditions, and its non-conductive properties add an extra layer of protection around electrical equipment, ensuring safe access for maintenance teams.

Relinea’s bespoke GRP solution not only met but exceeded the requirements of the Shanganagh Castle Estate project. This tailored approach provided a durable, safe, and sustainable platform that facilitates easy maintenance access while aligning with the Passive House standard’s focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. This solution supported the broader project goals, contributing to affordable, high-quality housing and showcasing a robust infrastructure that will serve the Shanganagh Castle Estate community for years to come.