BFF shortlisted for AJ Retrofit Award

We are pleased to announce that our refurbishment and remodeling of 3-4 Carlton House Terrace, London to form the New Forum for the Royal Academy of Engineering has been shortlisted for an AJ Retrofit Award in the Listed Building / Structures category.  The awards, run by the Architects Journal, are now in their third year and champion the best in the creative re-use of buildings and construction.  Paul Finch, editorial director of The Architects' Journal, said: "It was encouraging to see more entries again this year.  This huge market is one where architects should be taking a strong design and technical lead.'

The Academy set high sustainability standards for the refurbishment.  These are not always easy to achieve when working with a Listed building, although opting for refurbishment, rather than new build, has a much lower carbon impact.  Energy efficient features include: rooms designed to allow for natural ventilation when external conditions are appropriate, with heat recovery provided on the mechanical ventilation system, sash window beads brush sealed to reduce heat loss where possible, the use of a mix of LED and CFL low energy lighting, and a BMS which allows flexible room control to match daily building usage and minimise energy demand.  In order to minimise cooling loads the Academy accepted a wider range of internal temperatures than standard, which reduces reliance on terminal cooling units.  Each of the principle rooms is controlled based on occupancy, temperature and CO2 levels, which balances the drive for reduced energy consumption with the importance of indoor air quality and occupant wellbeing.  In addition provision has been made to allow for future improvements, including planning permission for a roof mounted solar thermal system to be implemented when existing boilers are replaced.

Philip Greenish, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering commented: "Our severely damaged and poorly configured Grade 1 listed building has been brought back to life in a spectacularly effective refurbishment.  Its modern but sympathetic style is perfect for us as a forward-looking national academy and the configuration of light, airy and flexible spaces is stunningly effective.  A brilliant stainless steel bridge provides an elegant, step free, new entry through a small garden for visitors. With a finish of high quality in a project delivered on time and within budget, this client is truly delighted!"