b'Partner News Autumn 2022 33CorporateAECOMs MEP servicesA net internal area/gross internal area (NIA/ excellent score of 80% or above, and exceed AECOM provided structural and MEPGIA) comparison of before and after thethe 2013 Building Regulations sustainability engineering, ecology, acoustic consultancyredevelopment shows an overall efficiencyrequirements. AECOMs design team and BREEAM assessor services on this project,improvement of 30%. Exemplifying theembedded sustainability across the project creating a high quality new home for RCS inbuildings prestigious heritage and RCSsfrom feasibility to close out. the 21st century. cutting-edge research, members and the public will experience the InstitutionsSpecific measures the team implemented Our services centred around a focus onregeneration through visits to the Hunterianwere installing photovoltaics on 300m2 health, wellbeing, sustainability and RCSsMuseum and its impressive central atrium inof the roof, a reverse cycle air source desire to retain existing features, enhance theearly 2023.heat pump, CHP and thermal stores, high museum and create practical office space.efficiency lighting control systems, adding AECOM engineers had to comply with theDesign and approach internal insulation to external walls and planning applications outlined in the 2016RCS and architects, Hawkins Brown, sharedsecondary glazing on the windows, and London Plan, as well as embedding a majora vision to create a modern workplace thatCO2 controlled-variable ventilation systems refresh of the building services to meetpromoted wellbeing and married the originalto provide fresh air throughout the building. modern standards for the staff and publicGrade II* heritage of the building with its using the building.function as a contemporary headquarters.Many features in the retained building were This was achieved by designing activity- over 100 years old, presenting construction The listed front faade and associatedbased workspaces with a lot of collaborativecomplexities that dont arise with a typical rooms at the rear of the building werespace, as well as maximising daylightnew build. The team faced a late discovery retained, whilst approximately two thirds ofexposure where possible through theof structural problems, mainly existing down the building was demolished, and new gas,central atrium and open plan room layouts.stand beams not picked up in previous point water and electrical services where suppliedcloud surveys. This was overcome through into the building with new drainage tanksAn indoor air quality plan was created tothe rerouting of pipework and ductwork installed in the car park. The building isprovide appropriate ventilation levels insideservices and utilising existing service risers. mechanically ventilated throughout with fanthe building by sourcing air away from coil units meeting occupant thermal comfortareas of external pollution, with any internalIn the library, in particular, restrictions levels. Heating and cooling is met via CHP,pollution minimised by low VOC (volatilein available floor and ceiling voids to thermal stores, boilers, air source heat pumporganic compounds) fittings and finishes.route ductwork required an elegant and and chillers. The team were conscious of creating anarchitecturally integrated solution that inclusive design that catered to all buildingensured circulation was efficiently optimised The imposing entrance column area wasusers, enhancing the internal and externalfor year round comfort.retained, with secondary glazing addedpathways to facilitate easier access around to the listed windows across the front ofthe building. Ensuring quality deliverythe building. The redevelopment sustainsThe project was procured through a connections with its historic past byThe RCS redevelopment has shown thatdesign and build contract with a two installing panelling, light fittings andexemplary sustainability performance canstage competitive tender. Wates were fireplaces from parts of the old building thatbe achieved for historic buildings, and thatemployed under a pre-construction service were preserved after bombing during thethere are solutions for preserving heritageagreement, enabling RCS to gain a degree Second World War. RCSs brief outlined anand achieving high performance suited forof cost certainty on the project. During this open plan, inviting space adaptable for theircontemporary and future spaces. The RCSperiod, AECOMs design team undertook evolving practical and teaching purposes. has been designed to achieve a BREEAMextensive market testing on the Portugal Street faade and rooflight packages. This process enabled us to work with potential subcontractors to test buildability, achieve robust detailing and meet the design intent. Through our strong partnership with Wates and the subcontractors, we successfully managed and monitored specification and installation of the building services. A raised access floor throughout the open plan office areas now allows power and data provision to be relocated to suit any revised office or desk layout requirements, fan coil units can be relocated to suit revised floor layouts, and electrical and heating/cooling metering is provided throughout the building to allow each floors energy requirements to be monitored.'