61 Whitehall is the long term home since 1895 of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) that needed a complete refurbishment and upgrade to suit its current day needs and operational requirements. The works to the Grade II* listed building included the addition of a new floor, fully refreshed library and function rooms, plus creation of a south facing dome that will be used for multiple different events using electrochromic glazing.
The MEP services were all replaced with a focus on energy efficiency using air source heat pumps, LED lighting and natural ventilation where possible. The services were designed to suit the bespoke fit out requirements of RUSI all integrated into the architectural features within the listed building.
Academy House was refurbished to provide 22,100ft² of high quality office accommodation. Watkins Payne supplied building services engineering which saw the 3rd to 6th floor including the ground floor reception of Academy House converted into open plan office areas and reception. This became the London headquarters for Sports Direct.
Watkins Payne reviewed a number of mechanical and electrical options with the team, focusing on retention of key central plant, overhaul and replacement of plant where required, and LED lighting to reduce energy and improve the office environment.
Quay Place in Birmingham is situated next to the Utilita Arena which is a sport, exhibition and a concert venue. The works consisted of a new structure to contain the main reception, meeting room, changing facilities and a café for the site.
The building has been meticulously refurbished to incorporate a range of sustainable features, targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings.
The building has been transformed to provide a 133 bedroom hotel including car and cycle parking on site.
The mixed use development comprises two office buildings totalling 530,000ft² of high quality office accommodation together with a 162 unit residential scheme consisting of a 26 storey private apartment tower and affordable housing building. The scheme also includes retail units and a community arts facility. 10 Brock Street is the larger of the office buildings and Watkins Payne supplied building services engineering, vertical transportation engineering, BREEAM duties and energy consultancy to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and an EPC B rating.