Project Overview
GPJ were appointed to provide mechanical and electrical building services design for the redevelopment and extension of an existing building to create new studios and managed workspaces for the creative industries.
The project involved the partial demolition and refurbishment of an existing former education building, together with the development of new studio, workshop and communal spaces.
Our Involvement
GPJ developed the coordinated mechanical and electrical design for the project, including domestic water, drainage, ventilation, solar thermal, solar PV, lighting, power, fire alarm, security, communications, EV charging and lift services.
Our involvement included the production of design drawings, schedules and a detailed M&E specification, together with ongoing design development and coordination through the pre-construction and construction stages.
GPJ also worked closely with the client and wider design team to develop lighting and building services solutions that complemented the industrial character of the building and the creative use of the spaces.
Key Project Considerations
A key consideration was integrating the building services into the architectural design and maintaining the industrial character of the development.
Sections of pipework and ventilation ductwork were intentionally exposed, meaning the quality, routing and appearance of the services formed part of the finished building rather than being concealed. The specification specifically required exposed ductwork to be neatly installed in keeping with the industrial theme, while exposed hot water pipework was developed as a visual feature within communal areas.
Lighting was also developed around the character and use of the building, with feature lighting and suspended luminaires considered for communal, circulation and workshop spaces.
The project required the building services design to balance technical performance, energy efficiency and the visual character of a creative working environment.