P McVey Building Systems recently delivered a complex and high-spec modular project for St. Vincent’s University Hospital, located on a busy healthcare campus in Dublin
Completed over a one-year period spanning 2024 and 2025, the project demonstrates the effectiveness of precision offsite construction in high-pressure, operational environments.
The development consisted of a two-storey modular accommodation facility, purpose-built to house the hospital’s dedicated medical records storage. The structure was designed to meet the strict compliance, access, and operational needs of a live hospital setting.
The €1.5 million project comprised 40 prefabricated steel-framed modules, all designed, manufactured, and partially fitted out offsite.
Four overnight installation phase
One of the key achievements of this project was the installation phase, which was executed over just four overnight shifts. This condensed delivery timeline was a strategic decision, minimising any potential disruption to day-to-day hospital activity — particularly crucial in an environment where patient care and emergency access must remain uninterrupted at all times.
Due to the site’s constrained location within the active hospital campus, access and logistics required careful coordination. Deliveries and craning were scheduled during off-peak hours to ensure that emergency routes and daily operations were unaffected. This effort demanded close collaboration between P McVey Building Systems and the hospital’s facilities and operational teams — highlighting our commitment to flexibility and client-focused delivery.
Project success thanks to a fully off-site-led construction method
The success of this project can be attributed to a fully off-site-led construction method. All modular units were fabricated in a controlled factory environment, enabling a high standard of quality control, consistency of finishes, and efficient programme management. While site preparations and M&E works progressed simultaneously, each module was fitted with structural components, internal partitions, insulation, flooring, and basic finishes. This significantly reduced the need for extended on-site work, allowing for faster commissioning and handover.
To support delivery, 40 articulated lorry loads transported the modules to the hospital over multiple nights. Despite the logistical challenge, the transportation and craning were completed efficiently and without incident — a testament to the expertise of our delivery teams and planning personnel.
Regulatory compliance
Throughout the project, special attention was given to regulatory compliance, including fire safety standards, accessibility, and structural performance — all critical elements in a clinical healthcare environment. The finished building was designed not only to serve its functional purpose but to blend appropriately within the existing architectural landscape of the hospital.
Importance of offsite construction in public sector and healthcare infrastructure
This project highlights the increasing importance of offsite construction in public sector and healthcare infrastructure, particularly where programme certainty, environmental performance, and minimal disruption are crucial.
We’re proud to have delivered this facility safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards — helping support the operational needs of one of Ireland’s busiest university hospitals.
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