The Grade II listed building on Castle Street, formerly a furniture showroom, was purchased by the university to increase capacity for its city campus site. The building was refurbished to provide a new Creative Arts and Design learning hub and exhibition space.

The ventilation and lighting services design needed to consider the demands of the existing structural constraints of the building, whilst considering the open plan lecture/ teaching spaces demands. Notwithstanding this, the building’s thermal performance required upgrading to achieve Building Regulation compliance.

Works included a replacement roof to improve the thermal performance of the building; however, the structure was to remain. Coordination with various project members ensured the main M&E services strategy did not impede the existing structural loadings.

Replacement mechanical and electrical systems including, heating, cooling, controls, above-ground drainage, small power, lighting and data were designed, in line with Building Regulation Consequential Improvements and the client’s scope.

The design was such that the ventilation services produced minimal air noise, draughts were mitigated with variable airflow, and multi-zone control provided for multiple teaching spaces within an open plan environment.