Two on-going projects for which Robert Whetham Associates are providing building services consultancy and design, along with bespoke services required by each client.
Transport for Wales
The Project
RWA are appointed by Manchester based architects, Strzala Architects Ltd, to provide a design and consultancy service for the refurbishment of staff facilities at three railway stations within the Transport for Wales network:
- Holyhead
- Shrewsbury
- Crewe
The designs are at the landlords consent / approval stage.
It is planned that the works will be carried out while the stations are fully operational so the safety and management of members of the public and staff needed to be taken into consideration within the directives of the building services designs.
Our Solution
RWA have designed all the mechanical and electrical elements of the refurbishment works. The designs implement smart, energy efficient lighting systems that can be controlled to optimise natural light and emit artificial light only when and where it is needed. Power supply and distribution are designed to optimise productivity and practical use of the space. Cabling will be routed to provide maximum efficiency while being neatly and safely stowed away, yet easily accessible for maintenance.
Responsive heating and air conditioning systems have been designed to maximise the comfort of staff, while remaining energy efficient. Data, telecoms and communication systems have been designed and will be implemented to ensure full connectivity for the smooth running of the stations.
Solution Benefits
In such prominent public spaces with high footfall our designs will facilitate the refurbishments without major disruption to rail users or staff. This will mitigate loss of revenue and enable rail services to continue.
Each railway station will provide improved operation and an enhanced working experience for staff, and a more energy and cost efficient site for the railway operators.
Smith Street Rochdale
The Project
Rochdale Borough Council have appointed RWA to provide mechanical and electrical design and building services consultancy for the council’s new housing department offices.
We are working within a project design team that included Triangle Architects, DV8 Designs interior designers and Bradshaw Gass and Hope quantity surveyors and structural engineers.
The project brief is to transform an existing NISA mini supermarket in Rochdale town centre into the new housing department offices.
Our Solution
RWA have designed all mechanical and electrical engineering elements of the project. This includes new energy efficient, LED lighting systems operating through smart technology, that will provide a comfortable working environment to enhance the wellbeing of office staff. We have designed the layout of power supplies and data provision to ensure maximum productivity of staff using computer terminals and other technology resources, along with the design of data storage.
We have implemented energy efficient heating and air conditioning systems to enhance the comfort of staff and visitors, with smart but simple technology for easy, accessible control. For increased energy efficiency and cost control we have incorporated an air source heat pump system into the heating design.
Solution Benefits
Collaborating with a team of highly experienced professionals has enabled RWA to provide a building services M&E design based on a detailed understanding of the architect’s and interior designer’s vision for the project. The communication and teamwork of all companies was a significant factor in the smooth design production of this project.
Rochdale Borough Council are as ever keen to minimise the carbon footprint of the site throughout its lifespan. Elements such as user-controlled LED lighting and the air source heat pump will significantly contribute to achieving this important goal.
The project has just recently been tendered and will commence on site shortly. Once the works on site are complete, staff who work at Rochdale Borough Council’s housing department will have a modern workplace that has been designed with their wellbeing in mind. The new working environment, with secure data storage and responsive communication systems, will undoubtedly increase productivity which, in a demanding public department, is crucial for Rochdale Borough Council and those who live in the area.