Special flooring operation brings historic barracks into 21st Century
Flooring solution key to transforming Collins Barracks block into comfortable, energy efficient accommodation for soldiers
Constructed at the start of the 19th Century, and extensively repaired after a Civil War fire, Block 1 in the grounds of Cork's Collins Barracks was added to the Defence Forces' building refurbishment programme in early 2025.
As part of the first phase to transform the building into fit-for-purpose accommodation, Roadstone, in collaboration with Ardex Building Products and Vision Contractors, delivered a customised floor solution to help bring it up to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of A2.
To deliver a customised flooring solution, incorporating underfloor heating, for a building over 220-years-old:
- Large complex project.
- Protected conservation stairs.
- Restricted floor depths available across upper floors.
- Ensuite accommodation in each room.
- Safety concerns surrounding deep digs in a largely stone wall build.
- Traditionally gas-fired heating source.
These demands meant that, in order to achieve a building with an A2 energy rating, two floor solutions would be required.
Thermal dynamic simulations guided the design team to an insulation-over-slab solution on the ground floor, with FlowPlus cement screed embedding the underfloor heating pipes. On the upper levels, the pipes would be accommodated within a Prelined Wedi Board system. Air-to-water heat pumps are an integral part of this design.
Working as one unit, Roadstone, Ardex Building Products and Vision Contracting were involved from initial design all the way through to the application of floor coverings.
Collaborative Design
- Having previously worked with Roadstone on a project for the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Brandon Duart of Vision Contracting requested our technical expertise in providing products for retrofitting the ground floor and upper levels of this traditional design building.
- Roadstone FlowPlus liquid screed was poured over 100mm of insulation on the ground floor.
- Wedi is a board product pre-lined for UFH pipes, engineered to provide thermal insulation, is waterproof and can be quickly installed with minimal impact to building structures.
- A sample area of Wedi board was laid on the first floor to demonstrate the system's concept to the design and management team. Approval for use was given on the basis of its non-invasive design and height requirements.
Integrated Supply Chain
Roadstone provided a single coordinated supply solution, delivering:
- Flowplus liquid cement screed on the ground floor.
- Prelined Wedi Board on upper levels.
- Flooring levelling and floor adhesion products.
This unified approach simplified delivery for the customer, who benefited from streamlined procurement, consistent quality and fewer points of contact.
Roadstone's flooring solutions fulfilled the brief of refurbishing Collins Barracks Block 1 as comfortable, fit-for-purpose and low-carbon-footprint accommodation for 25 officers and NCOs.
Early engagement and technical collaboration with all the stakeholders allowed us to futureproof this period building for generations of soldiers with little-to-no impact on its traditional, protected design.
As energy efficiency management becomes a national priority – driven by rising fossil fuel costs and carbon emission targets – Roadstone is positioned with the right products, capability and partnerships to support Ireland’s future infrastructure.
-
Collins Barracks Block 1 before refurbishment
-
Collins Barracks Block 1 during refurbishment
-
Collins Barracks Block 1 after refurbishment
-
Underfloor heat piping for ground floor awaits FlowPlus screed covering
-
Wedi Board's low profile minimised any impact to the building
-
Pre-lined Wedi Board being laid on upper floor of Block 1
-
Underfloor piping is easily fitted into Wedi Board's grooves
-
Remote video URL
-
Remote video URL
