Multi-services chilled beams modernise 1930s art deco building
Passive multi-service chilled beams have been installed as part of the refurbishment of a 1930s art deco building in London. The 1720 m of beams were supplied by Trox in a contract worth about £1 million and designed specifically for the building. The beams combine air conditioning, lighting, lighting control and public address.
157 to 197 Buckingham Palace Road is the London headquarters of the National Audit Office. The building reflects the art deco style of the time, with its clock tower and winged statue.
The age of the building presented a number of challenges to adapt it to provide a modern and flexible working environment. Several services were required in a building not originally designed for this purpose, while remaining true to the architect’s ambitions for the space. The low floor-to-ceiling height of 2.6 m meant the design team had to look for an exposed-beam solution to maximise the low-height space and deliver high levels of cooling and thermal comfort.
The design committee for the beams included the architect throughout the process.
During development, a full laboratory test of the chilled beam at Trox’s site in Thetford, enabling the design committee to experience its aesthetic impact and receive reports on its thermal, audio and lighting performance.
Incorporating a range of services helped streamline this refurbishment project.
