Regional Winner Refurbished/Recycled Workplace The Midlands and East Anglia
Baskerville House, Birmingham, won the Refurbished/Recycled Workplace category for The Midlands and East Anglia. Hoare Lea provided specialist mechanical, electrical, lift, public health, fire, lighting and acoustic design services.
This was described by the regional judging panel as an immensely challenging but successful project. A 1930s public building was purchased for conversion into a hotel but the developer had subsequently to change tack. The finished product won its regional award because it does substantially overcome many challenges and provides an exceptional quality of accommodation both within the work areas and the facilities.
The choice of a mixed-mode ventilation system, including chilled beam and chilled ceilings coupled with displacement ventilation, led to a very good BREEAM rating and excellent ventilation effectiveness. This was both refreshing and welcome as a solution which could very easily have been disregarded for a more conventional route.
Restoration of the building has been carried out very sympathetically. The attention to detail on lift fronts and the extended handrail to the new office floor were felt to be exemplary. The overall conclusion of the regional judges was that, given the constraints, Baskerville House has been a very fine achievement and an excellent example of how refurbishment can add enormous value to both a building and its setting.
