Working with Bidwells and DLA Architecture for Lawes Agricultural Trust, we produced detailed designs for the M&E systems in a complete refurbishment of The Russell Building.

Originally built in 1919, this impressive local landmark has been remodelled as an enterprise centre to contain a hot desk hub, 22 offices, an open-plan innovation space, breakout and refreshment areas. Tenants will also have access to world-class laboratory facilities on the campus.

The four-storey building with basement plant rooms features a central reception area with columns, ornate cornices and decorative finishes. 16,768 sq ft of office space is accommodated across the ground and first floor. Many of the rooms have original ceilings with limited space and no voids for the installation of new pipes, cables, ducting and building services equipment. Careful engineering design and communication with the architect and project managers was therefore essential to produce a design that will provide comfortable working environments, whilst minimising impact on window apertures and room layouts.

Key Features:

- Full design for comfortable working environment with minimal intrusion
- VRF heating and cooling system to ground and first floors
- Mechanical ventilation to the ground and first floors
- Internal and external LED lighting
- Electrical mains and distribution
- New fire alarms, access control, CCTV

Rothamsted Research in Harpenden was founded in 1843 and is the longest-running research centre for agriculture in the world. The refurbishment project was partially funded by Hertfordshire Innovation Quarter and Hertfordshire LEP.

For more information about M&E systems for refurbishment projects, please call us on 01992 552111.