Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Galway demonstrates how Modern Methods of Construction can support the rapid delivery of high-performance academic buildings while aligning with institutional climate action objectives.

Delivered by MMC Ireland member, Modulacc , the project comprises two two-storey modular buildings located at ATU’s Dublin Road and Wellpark Road Campuses. Together, the buildings span 1,500 sqm in total floor area and were developed to address immediate pressure on classroom capacity while achieving speed, efficiency and strong value for money.

On this project, Modulacc delivered a full turnkey solution—including planning, design, manufacture, siteworks, installation, and M&E fit-out—providing ATU with a seamless end-to-end service.

From project inception, ATU identified key objectives including accelerated delivery, cost certainty and exemplary energy performance. Offsite construction enabled programme efficiencies compared with traditional methods, supporting earlier occupation while maintaining quality control and minimising disruption to campus operations.

During the statutory planning process, Galway City Council granted an unconditional time exemption in recognition of Modulacc’s ability to achieve full BCAR compliance and deliver buildings with a long design life. The solution ensures long-term functionality while maintaining a balanced capital investment profile.

The buildings are heating pump–led and achieve an A2 BER energy rating, resulting in significantly lower operational carbon emissions than older campus stock. The reduced energy demand per square metre provides measurable alignment with the university’s sustainability and climate action commitments.

As outlined by David Lee, Head of Facilities Management and Sustainability at ATU, the project serves as a visible marker of the university’s environmental agenda, demonstrating to students and staff that low-carbon, energy-efficient buildings can be delivered effectively within the higher education sector.

Post-occupancy feedback from academic users has been notably positive, dispelling initial preconceptions around modular construction and reinforcing confidence in the quality, comfort and performance of the completed spaces.

ATU Galway’s expansion illustrates how Modulacc, as an MMC Ireland member, is supporting the delivery of durable, energy-efficient higher education infrastructure, combining programme certainty with long-term operational carbon reduction.