HSE Pension Management Offices
Honouring Heritage Through Modern Design
Conservation and Office Fitout at St Brendan’s Ward, St Joseph’s Hospital
In 2020, Collins Building & Civil Engineering Ltd proudly delivered an intricate conservation and internal fitout project at St Brendan’s Ward, part of St Joseph’s Hospital in Limerick City. Commissioned by the Health Service Executive (HSE), this project involved the restoration and transformation of a protected 19th-century structure into modern offices for the HSE Pension Management team, blending careful heritage work with contemporary functionality.
Conservation with Care: A Protected Landmark
St Joseph’s Hospital is a protected structure, and the work carried out was subject to strict conservation protocols. Collins BCE collaborated closely with Mr. Tom Cassidy, Conservation Officer at Limerick City Council, and Van Dijk Conservation Architects in Dundalk to ensure all works honoured the building’s historical integrity.
Key conservation works included:
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Guano Removal
Safe and sensitive removal of built-up organic matter to protect the original structure. -
Structural Alterations
Selective demolitions, new openings, and the blocking up of existing stone walls—all executed in line with conservation best practices. -
Window Refurbishment & Replacement
Existing windows, some dating back to the 1800s, were restored or replaced to match the original profiles and materials. -
Roofing Repairs
Treatment of existing timbers, structural repairs, dry rot treatment, and the installation of new blue Bangor slates to match existing finishes. -
Rainwater Goods
New cast aluminium gutters and downpipes were installed in keeping with the original style. -
Conservation Rooflight Restoration
Specialist restoration of existing rooflights to retain historical detailing while improving performance.
Bringing New Purpose to Historic Space
Alongside the extensive conservation work, Collins BCE completed a full internal office fitout, including:
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Mechanical & Electrical Installations
Modern systems sensitively integrated into the historic structure. -
Glazed Partitions & Office Layouts
Functional, light-filled spaces created to suit administrative workflows. -
Lath & Plaster Ceilings
Installed to match the original interior finishes and maintain period authenticity.
Externally, the project also included:
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Stonework Restoration & Lime Rendering
Raking out and repointing of existing stonework, with lime render applied both internally and externally. -
Limestone Cladding & Tile Conservation
Façade enhancements using natural limestone, and conservation of original floor tiles. -
External Works & Ancillary Structures
Construction of a new car park, site services, and the restoration of the existing clock and main façade—preserving important visual features of the hospital’s legacy.
Respecting the Past, Building for the Future
This project exemplifies Collins BCE’s ability to bridge the gap between heritage preservation and modern-day needs. Working within a protected environment requires skill, sensitivity, and deep collaboration—qualities that have long defined our approach.
By restoring and upgrading St Brendan’s Ward, we provided the HSE with a functional, comfortable office space that continues to serve vital services, all while protecting the cultural and architectural heritage of the building.
A Proud Contribution to Limerick’s Heritage
Completed in March 2020, the St Brendan’s Ward project reflects our deep respect for Ireland’s architectural history. It’s more than a building—it’s part of Limerick’s living heritage, thoughtfully revitalised for generations to come.
Want to learn more about our conservation work or office fitouts in protected settings? Get in touch with Collins BCE today.
