The redevelopment of Connacht Rugby’s Dexcom Stadium in Galway
The redevelopment of Connacht Rugby’s Dexcom Stadium in Galway represents a transformative project designed to elevate the region’s sporting infrastructure. The project consists of two distinct phases: a state-of-the-art high-performance sports centre, now completed, and the construction of a 7,000-seat North Stand, currently in progress.
Both phases presented unique rainwater management challenges due to the scale of the roof structures and spatial constraints. In both cases, siphonic drainage was selected as the optimal solution to meet the functional and architectural requirements of the project.
Phase 1: High-Performance Sports Centre
The high-performance sports centre, designed by Healy Partners Architects, provides a cutting-edge training and performance hub for Connacht Rugby and its Academy. Given the tight spatial constraints of the facility and the complexity of coordinating multiple building services, a gravity-based rainwater management solution was deemed unsuitable.
During early-stage consultations, a CPD session with Healy Partners highlighted the advantages of siphonic drainage in compact environments. It quickly became evident that siphonic drainage offered significant coordination and performance benefits compared to conventional systems.
Key considerations during the design and installation of the system included:
- Centralised Roof Drainage: The large roofs of the facility meant that most rainwater fell centrally, necessitating a solution capable of efficiently conveying large volumes of water over long distances without requiring multiple downpipes.
- Service Integration: The siphonic system enabled us to integrate rainwater pipework into the congested building services layout, avoiding spatial conflicts and ensuring efficient coordination with other trades.
- Optimised Infrastructure: By combining outlets and minimising the size and number of downpipes, we delivered an optimised drainage system that met the architectural and functional goals of the project.
The completed design, supply, and installation of the siphonic drainage system for the high-performance centre, ensuring the facility is equipped with a reliable, high-capacity rainwater management solution.
Phase 2: 7,000-Seat North Stand
The second phase of the Dexcom Stadium redevelopment involves the construction of a purpose-built 7,000-seat North Stand. Designed by AFL Architects, the stand features an expansive roof that presented similar challenges to those encountered on the RDS Anglesea Stand project.
Early in the design process, it became clear that a gravity drainage solution would require numerous large-diameter downpipes, which would impact both the aesthetics and functionality of the stand. Siphonic drainage was therefore chosen to address the following challenges:
- Reduced Pipework and Optimised Placement: The siphonic system allowed for the combination of multiple outlets, enabling us to strategically position downpipes at concealed locations, preserving the internal space required for other services and ensuring an uncluttered aesthetic.
- High-Capacity Drainage: The system was designed to handle the significant volume of water generated by the roof during peak rainfall, ensuring reliable performance while maintaining efficiency.
- Integration with Structural and Architectural Design: Working closely with AFL Architects and Connacht as the main contractor, we developed a solution that harmonised with the structural framework and architectural intent of the stand.
The design phase for the North Stand’s siphonic drainage system is now nearing completion, with installation scheduled to commence within the next two to three months.
Results and Impact
The siphonic drainage systems deployed across both phases of the Dexcom Stadium project have delivered significant advantages:
- Efficiency: By minimising the number and size of downpipes required, the systems maximise space utilisation and simplify service coordination.
- Improved Aesthetics: Concealed pipework ensures that the facility’s architectural vision remains uncompromised.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Siphonic drainage reduces the need for extensive infrastructure, offering a more economical solution compared to gravity-based systems.
Conclusion
The redevelopment of the Connacht Dexcom Stadium demonstrates the versatility and performance benefits of siphonic drainage systems in large-scale sports facilities. By partnering with Healy Partners and AFL Architects, Capcon has contributed to the creation of an efficient, future-ready stadium that meets the demands of modern rugby.
As installation begins on the North Stand, we look forward to further supporting Connacht Rugby in the completion of this landmark project.
