Education

Tavistock Place, London

Tavistock Place, London

The original building dates from the late 19^th Century, with an additional floor and the left side wing added in the 1960s. The building comprises 3432m² of accommodation, which was retained, and a rear three-storey extension constructed to accommodate a new lift and to improve internal circulation.

The strategy for the Building Services was based on good engineering practices, energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, low cost in use and above all, ideal for end user requirements. Passive design was of particular relevance in reducing the need for dependence on energy sources derived from fossil fuels.

The existing building structure was thermally insulated to the levels of the current Building Regulations and the single glazed timber windows replaced with identical double glazed units with improved weather sealing to reduce the infiltration effect.

It was not possible to naturally ventilate the building throughout, therefore all mechanical fresh air was provided by heat recovery systems, transferring energy from the extracted air to the incoming fresh air.

VRV cooling has been incorporated to achieve the internal temperature requirements at a maximum level commensurate with Building Regulations Part 2B.

High efficiency condensing boilers were installed in conjunction with inverter driven pumps, controlled by a central BMS system. Hot water was provided via solar panels located on the roof.

High efficiency lighting equipment & lamp sources were installed throughout with automatic daylight and presence control.

Energy monitoring and metering of local energy use was provided throughout and the scheme achieved a BREEAM 'Very Good' rating.

Client: The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Contract Period: 3 years

Value: £2 million

Services: Mechanical & Electrical Engineering services