The Making of an Award-Winning Project
Every award-winning engineering project begins with a challenge. At Block J, An Garda Síochána Headquarters in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, Varming Consulting Engineers faced a particularly complex one: modernising building services while preserving an important historic structure.
As part of our 80th-anniversary celebrations, we explore the engineering decisions, technical solutions and collaboration behind this project, which won the ACEI Design Excellence Award 2025.
An Award-Winning Engineering Project Rooted in Heritage
Block J forms part of the historic Garda Headquarters campus, with much of its construction dating back to the nineteenth century.
The protected building required extensive refurbishment to provide modern, flexible accommodation for a specialist Garda unit. However, its ageing mechanical and electrical installations presented significant challenges.
Appointed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), Varming provided mechanical and electrical engineering design, sustainability engineering and ancillary design certification services.
The objective was clear: improve building performance while protecting its historic character.
Engineering Within a Historic Building
Integrating modern building services into a protected structure required careful planning and coordination.
The refurbishment included upgrades to heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, electrical distribution, ICT, security and fire suppression systems.
To minimise alterations to the original building, Varming’s engineers used existing floor voids, ceiling spaces and redundant service routes.
As a result, the design reduced disruption to historic features while providing reliable, accessible and maintainable installations.
This approach also helped balance modern operational requirements with the building’s conservation needs.
Delivering Measurable Energy Improvements
Energy efficiency played a central role in the refurbishment.
Following an assessment of the existing heating infrastructure, Varming identified an opportunity to use an established heating arrangement. This avoided the need for an additional plantroom.
The design combined a high-temperature air source heat pump with existing gas-fired boilers to create an efficient bivalent heating system.
In addition, the project introduced energy-efficient LED lighting, occupancy-based controls and daylight optimisation. Improvements to the building’s thermal performance further supported its energy objectives.
Together, these measures achieved significant results:
- 42% reduction in primary energy consumption
- 41% reduction in operational CO₂ emissions
These improvements demonstrate that historic buildings can achieve substantial energy savings without compromising their architectural character.
Collaboration Behind the Achievement
Successful delivery relied on close collaboration between Varming, the OPW, An Garda Síochána, MCA Architects, Clancy Construction and the wider project team.
Throughout the refurbishment, regular design reviews and site inspections helped resolve complex installation challenges.
Furthermore, ongoing technical coordination ensured that modern building services met operational requirements while respecting conservation objectives.
The completed refurbishment combines historic character with improved functionality, greater flexibility and enhanced environmental performance.
Continuing a Tradition of Engineering Excellence
This award-winning engineering project reflects the values that have guided Varming Consulting Engineers throughout its 80-year history: technical excellence, thoughtful design and a commitment to lasting value.
Winning the ACEI Design Excellence Award 2025 recognised the engineering expertise and collaboration behind this complex refurbishment.
Above all, the project demonstrates how building services engineering can support the continued use of Ireland’s architectural heritage while meeting modern performance standards.
Explore more of Varming’s engineering expertise and our work across heritage, refurbishment and sustainable building design in our Projects portfolio.
