The project involved installing air-conditioning and security measures within the constraints of a grade II*- listed building, while ensuring there was no disruption to construction. The solution also had to be capable of achieving BREEAM Very Good.
WSP provided structural, mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as specialist advice in a range of fields. We had to completely clear out the light wells and extend one of them into the basement, which meant knocking out an extra hole in the basement slab.”
The five-storey light wells were covered to make them weatherproof, but there was an additional challenge for the roof, as heating and cooling equipment removed from the light wells had to be placed in the inner pitched roof.
One of the greatest challenges was reinstalling the building services to achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating. WSP had to reroute the services through the existing voids using any available space. Now there is a full specification building control management system and all areas are air-conditioned.
One of the most distinctive external features of the building is the turreted tower that rises from the centre of the facade. With its high church windows and detailed stonework, it has been perfectly restored, but it actually contains the state-of- the-art air conditioning equipment.
The refurbished building features much improved public areas, three new hearing rooms, together with Justices’ chambers and, at its centre, an airy triple-height Justices Law Library and bright exhibition spaces.
