Working with an NHS Trust, we transformed a historic 1900s TB ward into modern office spaces while preserving its architectural heritage. The partially funded project demanded innovative solutions to integrate modern building services with historic architectural features. By implementing sustainable heating systems and carefully designed exposed services, we delivered comfortable, energy-efficient workspace that honours the building’s character for the Estates & Facilities team.
CLIENT: Aintree Hospital
VALUE: £1.2m
LOCATION: Liverpool, Merseyside
SERVICES: Mechanical & Electrical Design
CLIENT OBJECTIVES
The client needed a new space for their combined Estates, Capital and facilities teams and identified the building as a potential option. After securing a partial fund from the Public Sector Low Carbon Skills Fund, the hospital approached us to help modernise a 1900s former TB ward building completing designs from RIBA Stages 2 to 6. The original layout featured self-contained rooms designed to prevent patient interaction – a legacy of its medical past. The Trust’s vision was to repurpose this space into contemporary offices for their Estates and Facilities teams while maintaining the building’s distinctive architectural elements, including original stonework and archways.
OUR SOLUTION
Our mechanical and electrical design worked in harmony with the building’s protected features. Given the sensitive nature of the original brickwork, we developed a surface-mounted services strategy that complemented rather than compromised the historic fabric. The building’s energy needs are met through a sustainable two-stage heat pump system for heating and electrical water heating, funded by sustainability grants. We upgraded the electrical infrastructure to accommodate the increased power requirements for the heat pump and modern office equipment. Throughout the project, we provided both design expertise and on-site supervision to ensure proper installation.
Our design services included:
- Incoming electrical supply and load assessment
- Fire and data infrastructure
- Design and coordination of below ground services
- Feeder pillar distribution for heating network
- Fire alarm, security, CCTV, access control
- Two-stage air source heat pump for heating
THE OUTCOME
The finished space successfully balances modern functionality with historic character. Our exposed services design complements the original architecture, while delivering comfortable, energy-efficient workspace for the Trust’s teams. The project demonstrates how contemporary building services can enhance rather than detract from period properties.
