We are delighted to see that the University of Limerick Student Centre has been shortlisted for the 2026 Institution of Structural Engineers Excellence Awards in the Medium project category.
The 3,500m2 three-storey over part-basement building provides a multi-level foyer, dedicated spaces for clubs and societies, a new 200-seat theatre auditorium, office, shop and café spaces, while overlooking a new landscaped quadrangle between the Centre and the UL Glucksman Library.
PUNCH provided civil, structural and traffic engineering services to UL as part of the multidisciplinary team appointed to the project. We embraced low-carbon, lean design and zero-waste measures as far as practicable for the project. All reinforced concrete elements incorporated 50% GGBS, which reduced the embodied carbon in the concrete foundations, basement structure, cores and floor slabs. The GGBS offset the carbon intensity per cubic meter of concrete by 53%, equating to over 450 tonnes of carbon.
At PUNCH, we understand the value of education. That’s why we support our staff who wish to undertake further education and training. We encourage staff members to maintain their Continuous Professional Development (CPD) accreditations with Engineers Ireland. We also continue to offer training in sustainable design and construction through seminars, in-house lectures, and external training programmes. We promote the achievement of professional titles with institutions such as Engineers Ireland, the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland, the Institute of Structural Engineers, and the Institute of Civil Engineers.
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