| Project Type: | Traditional Mechanical, Public Health Services |
| Contractor: | Bouygues UK |
| Client: | Private Client |
| Value: | £2.1 Million |
Project Scope
This project involved the installation of mechanical & public health services to the basement of a 45,000 sq. ft, 13-bedroom, Grade 1 listed property which is part of the Crown Estates. As one of the most expensive streets in the World, Kensington Palace Gardens backs onto Kensington Palace, home to some of the Royal Family.
The basement area we worked on included a 25m indoor & outdoor swimming pool, a gym, a cinema, wine cellar and underground car park served by a car lift.
The works included:
| Heating by gas-fired boilers with associated gas supply, flues, and pumped LTHW distribution | Domestic cold-water storage and boosted supply to all demands | Integration of BMS controls onto AV system |
| Cooling by 3-pipe VRF air conditioning serving concealed chassis type fan coil units located in bespoke joinery | Hot water generation and storage and supply to all demands | Thermal and acoustic insulation |
| Ground source heat pumps serving water cooled condensers | Condensate drainage system | Flushing and chemical cleaning of pipework |
| Heating by underfloor heating, trench heaters and towel rails | Supply & installation of high end sanitaryware | Chlorination of water services |
| Heat recovery air handling units and ducted supply and extract ventilation to occupied areas | Soil and waste disposal systems to below-ground drainage | Acoustic noise and vibration treatment to the services |
| Dedicated supply and extract ventilation to the kitchen | Automatic controls, building management system and controls wiring |
The Priory Approach
The majority of main plant – air, water and electrical was to be located in the basement area with distribution to be carefully integrated into walls and floor make-ups. The design information made it clear that a standard approach of using 2D drawings with sectional views would not be a practical or workable solution. To work around this, we carried out detailed surveys of the building including floor ceiling and wall voids.
Our drawing and coordination department used Revit and Navis to view a number of options for installing the services. We implemented bespoke routing and fixing methods to ensure we kept disruption to the fabric of the building at a minimum and took account of the listed finishes that needed to be carefully removed and replaced once services had been installed.
The 3D technology allowed us to create an accurate planned preventative maintenance plan, plotting positions of vital valves and dampers. We also liaised with the design team to locate discreet access panels for future maintenance.
“SWP Ltd have worked with Priory now for over 10 years; initially on two projects in Kensington and Fitzroy Farm a particularly demanding project in Highgate. Both Listed and new build contemporary they have maintained the most professional and “let’s get it done” approach throughout the process.
From start to finish they engage with the correct attitude of collaborative working as part of the design and construction team making them the go to partner for co-ordinated complicated services installations and ongoing maintenance of these systems.”
“SWP Ltd have worked with Priory for many years , primarily prime residential projects but also commercial, retail and education work.
Priory are by far the principle mechanical contractor in the residential market, specialising in fully coordinated working details/installation in both Listed and New Build properties to the highest standard of workmanship.
In particular we would note two projects in Kensington Palace Gardens that involved extensive new basements and complex MEP services with floor areas up to 30,000 sq. ft. and contract sums into many millions, installed in Listed Crown Estate properties.
They have long term dedicated staff, highly skilled, that understand the buildability issues associated with such projects and freely share their knowledge and experience to assist the whole team achieve the highest level of finish and coordination.
They offer a comprehensive service through construction and beyond with inhouse maintenance facilities, maintaining the highest level of continued service to their Clients. Their inhouse training and promotion from within maintains their impeccable standards and family feel that is a pleasure to work with and a relationship we know will continue indefinitely.”