We have a longstanding history with The National Gallery in London, being its service consultant for over 30 years. 2021 has seen the completion of its largest project to date, the One Gallery Accommodation Hub, which will house 250 members of existing staff relocated from St Vincent House and the Gallery’s Wilkins Building.

Fusing the New With the Old

The northeast part of the original 1876 Grade I-listed National Gallery building was remodelled, in the form of a six-floor internal courtyard infill extension. The development of the space was achieved by constructing a new seven storey tower block in one of the building’s last existing lightwells, converting the ground floor accommodation which is currently tiered and a wholesale remodelling of the historic E M Barry north building.

Robust Design for COVID Compliance

We undertook the surveying and redesign of all mechanical/electrical/plumbing services through to completion. Part of the project work required our team to assess the impact of the new Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers COVID-19 ventilation guidance, ensuring a safe working environment. Our design put forward in 2017 proved so robust it allowed us to keep all the installed ventilation, with no need to suspend the use of any item of the plant or its components.

Our review of the world-famous gallery also looked at fresh air improvements. As the atrium spaces are fresh air ventilated, it enables surrounding offices to have additional fresh air movement, making the new building light, airy and fully COVID-19 compliant.

The new, modern office space has provided improved facilities that offer flexible working and collaboration areas, proving to be a great benefit to the gallery’s existing workforce.

Photos: © The National Gallery, London; Views of the One Gallery Hub at the National Gallery.