- Consultant Engineers: Delap & Waller
- Builders: H&J Martin
- Contractor: ERM Mechanical
The Guildhall is one of Derry’s most recognisable landmarks and has been at the heart of city life since 1890. It was built in 1887 by ‘the Honourable the Irish Society’ on land reclaimed from the River Foyle at a cost of £19,000 (equivalent to £1.5 million today).
The building was named in honour of its connection to the City of London and its guilds. It was officially opened in 1890 as the administrative centre for Londonderry Corporation. 120 years later it still retains its civic function and is home to the Derry City Council chamber and the Mayor’s Parlour. It is the only surviving guildhall still in civic use in Ireland.
The Challenge
Over its 120 year history, the Guildhall has been destroyed twice – by fire in 1908 and through bomb attacks in 1972. The grade ‘A’ listed building is important for many reasons – historical, architectural, cultural and political.
A major £9.5m restoration of the Guildhall has just been completed; the building which has been closed since 2012 to accommodate the restoration is now open again to the public and whilst retaining its civic function it now also boasts a new multifaceted tourism experience providing a central hub for visitors exploring the city.
The Solution
Consultants Delap & Waller worked closely with Versatile Heating, Cooling & Ventilation for the most energy efficient, and the most aesthetically pleasing products to place within the Guild Hall. The heating solutions selected from the Versatile range were the Jaga Mini Canal perimeter window solution and the Zehnder Nova radiator in both vertical and horizontal models.
Perfect for providing heat alongside glazed facades, the Mini Canal is discreet and convenient – especially as it is delivered fully-assembled and ready to fit. The heater is extremely versatile, with its varying depth, size and multiple grille material options. The Mini Canal uses Low-H2O technology, saving energy costs while remaining highly responsive to temperature changes.
Supplied in vertical or horizontal versions and in a wide range that includes double panels or combinations of panel and convector fins, the Zehnder Nova provided the total solution for the Guild Hall in Derry.
Advantages for use within this project are as follows:
• Low water content with efficient, fast heat up
• Durable powder coat finish (Standard RAL9016 white)
• Wide range of colours including metallic finishes
• Horizontal (H) and Vertical (V) types available
• Floor-mounted options
• Raised access floor application option
• High-pressure options
• Bespoke connection positions, vertical or horizontal entry
• Tested to current EN442 requirements
€11.9m
Project Cost
