Building and refurbishment specialist Conamar has completed a £1.8 million refurbishment at the Energy Institute (EI) on New Cavendish Street, London W1, transforming the 1,264 sq m (13,606 sq ft), five storey, Grade II* listed building with a 1950s extension into modern headquarters for the organisation.
After a 999-year lease was signed during the late 1950s, the building was left largely untouched for six decades until the EI embarked upon its comprehensive refurbishment programme. Improving the energy efficiency performance of the premises was a major project objective of the project; the building now rates a high C, which is impressive for this type of property.
Conamar’s role helping to achieve this rating involved installing a number of energy saving features within the constraints of the Grade II* listed building. The measures included: double glazing to the newer building; insulation; solar PV panels; a new energy efficient lighting scheme; more efficient heating and cooling systems; a building energy management system; and a green roof.
Louise Kingham OBE FEI, Chief Executive, Energy Institute, said: “Our goal with the refurbishment was to provide our members and visitors with a modern environment in which to develop their skills and knowledge, and to apply good energy management and sustainability practice in doing so. We want to lead by example and will work to continue improving our efficiency performance. We’re only just short of a B rating and hope that additional measures will enable us to reach that target in the near future.”
Neil Dower, Managing Director at Conamar, said: “As a well-respected industry body that offers professional advice on energy in all its forms and applications, the EI deserves a headquarters building that reflects its role as an authority on retrofitting older stock to increase energy efficiency.
“Managing the building’s interior upgrade given its listed status was a challenge, but this work has transformed the EI into an exciting place to learn and research.”
The EI refurbishment is the fifth project undertaken by Conamar in the London W1 area; others in close proximity include the London Claremont Eye Clinic, Les 110 de Taillevent restaurant and John Lewis Oxford Street.