The Warburg Institute Slade School Of Arts
Brief: ADL Mechanical & Electrical Contractors Ltd have been contracted to provide the Design Development; Supply; Installation & Commissioning of the mechanical Services at the Warburg Institute for Slade School of Art London.
Situated in Bloomsbury, London, The Warburg Institute building is a striking example of post-war British modernist architecture with a remarkable academic heritage. Originally established in Hamburg and relocated to England in 1933 to escape the Nazi regime, the institute's esteemed cultural history collection was later incorporated into the University of London. The current purpose-built, red-brick facility on Woburn Square was completed in 1958, designed in the modernist style of renowned architect Charles Holden as part of the university's original 1920s masterplan. Notably, the building's top floor has long housed the esteemed studios of the Slade School of Fine Art, which are accessed via a separate entrance. The structure recently underwent a major £14.5 million ‘Warburg Renaissance’ redevelopment to revitalise and modernise its layout and complex facilities, ensuring this historic crucible of art and humanities research remains well-equipped for the future.
The scope of the mechanical works consists of:-
o LTHW Heating
o Hot & Cold Water Services
o Above Ground Drainage
o Ventilation
o BMS & Automatic Controls
o Plantroom Installation
Programme: 24 weeks total
Mechanical Project Value: £460K
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Project Overview: Slade School of Fine Art, UCL
Project Scope: Mechanical & Plumbing Design and Installation
Location: The Warburg Institute, UCL Campus, London
We were appointed to deliver the comprehensive design development, supply, installation, and commissioning of the mechanical and plumbing systems for the newly refurbished art teaching facilities at the Slade School of Fine Art. Situated on the 5th floor of The Warburg Institute on the UCL campus, the project required a complete strip-out and modernisation of the existing studio spaces.
Advanced Ventilation & DX Heat Pump Air Handling
A focal point of this mechanical refurbishment was the installation of a high-performance, central ventilation system dedicated to Level 05.
In-Built DX Heat Pump Technology:
The primary Air Handling Unit (AHU) is equipped with an integrated direct expansion (DX) refrigerant heat pump. This advanced DX configuration allows the AHU to operate with exceptional energy efficiency, seamlessly providing both heated and cooled air to the teaching spaces depending on the seasonal requirement.
Precision Air Distribution:
The conditioned air is channelled through galvanised steel ductwork and distributed into the studios via sleek, ceiling-mounted linear grilles.
Zoned Climate Control:
To ensure optimal environmental control within individual studios, the supply and return ducts are actively managed using motorised volume control dampers and flexible attenuators.
Heating & Thermal Comfort
Our team engineered a highly efficient Low Temperature Hot Water (LTHW) heating system that smartly integrates with the university's existing infrastructure.
District Heating Integration:
We extended the existing district heating riser, installing a new plate heat exchanger within the plantroom to provide safe hydraulic separation while transferring heat to the new LTHW network.
*Studio Fan Coil Units: The new studios are heated by individual wall-mounted fan coil units (FCUs).
De-stratification Systems:
To maximise thermal comfort and energy efficiency, we installed ceiling-mounted de-stratification fans in every studio, which actively push rising warm air back down into the occupied spaces.
Radiator Systems:
Complementary wall-mounted radiators equipped with thermostatic valves were installed throughout the stair core, ground floor reception, and basement workshop.
Water Services & Smart Building Controls
Upgraded Water Services:
We extended the existing cold water infrastructure and installed dedicated 15-litre and 80-litre electric water heaters to supply the lower ground toilets and the 5th-floor studio sinks. Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) were fitted at the basins to guarantee safe water temperatures and prevent scalding.
Intelligent BMS Integration:
To ensure all mechanical plant operates as economically as possible, the entire HVAC system is managed by a new Trend digital Building Management System (BMS). This includes a bespoke control panel with an interactive touchscreen, giving building operators complete visibility and control over the facility's environmental conditions.
