ABOUT THE PROJECT

Dynamic Design Consultants Ltd were commissioned as Mechanical and Electrical Consultants to inspect the condition of the Mechanical and Electrical Services at what was previously named ‘Stokes House’ 17-24 College Square East, Belfast. As part of the planning process and modernisation the building’s name was changed to ‘The Kelvin’ as William Thompson (Lord Kelvin) was born on the site where there remains a Blue Plaque to commemorate Lord Kelvin’s association with the location.

This Belfast city centre office building extended from ground level to 5 above ground floors and roof level. The ground floor was separated with two entrances off the public footpath. The upper floors were offices. The construction of the property was completed in 1982 and there was no evidence that the Mechanical and Electrical Services Installations had been modernised, replaced, or upgraded since.

We as Mechanical and Electrical Design Engineers had a structured approach to the briefing and design process. We carried out an initial inspection in 2018 and produced a Mechanical and Electrical Condition Report with recommendations. Mechanical services encompassed Heating System, Water Supplies Mains Water, Cold Water Storage Tanks, Hot Water Systems, Mechanical Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Cooling, Soils, Wastes & Sanitaryware and Firefighting Equipment. Electrical services included Mains Incoming Supply & Main Switchboard, Sub Mains Cabling & Distribution System, Standby Generator, Final Circuit Wiring, Lighting Systems, Emergency Lighting, External Lighting, General/Small Power Installation, Fire Alarm Installation, Intruder Alarm System, CCTV, Telephone/Data Cabling System Installation, Lightning Protection System, Disabled Refuge Alarm and Lift.

The building underwent demolition and removal of the full-height corner detail of the building and reconstructed in a steel frame. Removal and replacement of all the brickwork façade to bring it up to modern office standards for thermal performance, comfort, and light. Existing M&E Services inclusive of the heating medium was oil fired boilers served by a large oil tank located in the rear courtyard carpark. The entire system was decommissioned and safely removed to provide additional car parking and additional plant space. The existing lift was removed, and the existing shaft surveyed and altered to accommodate a new lift required to meet current standards and regulations.

We were aware of the importance of cost control from scheme design stage through to final account and whole lifecycle costing, ensuring that our client received value for money without comprising the Mechanical and Electrical Services Design/Installation. All our designs were assessed to ensure Low Carbon principles are adopted. Phase 2

The Kelvin, Belfast
Contract Value £3,000,000.00
Our Client J&E Properties Ltd

This Belfast city-centre project involved the re-development of the former part 5/part 6-storey Stokes House building into a modern 37,000sq ft Grade A office accommodation and now known as The Kelvin, with infrastructure storage facilities The scheme involves the transformation of the former Stokes House to include a full refurbishment of office spaces on the five existing floors with additional car parking in the rear yard. The conversion works involves upgrading the building envelope and improvements to bring it up to modern office standards for thermal performance, comfort, light, and services. The facades along College Square

East and Wellington Street were replaced with light masonry while retaining the characteristic features of the existing building such as the tall column plinths along the principal facade. All windows within the building were also replaced with floor to ceiling glazing on the ground and first floors to better connect the building activities to the street.

Dynamic Design Consultants Ltd was involved with the redevelopment of Stokes House from initial planning in 2018. We as Mechanical and Electrical Design Engineers had a structured approach to the briefing and design process. We met with the Client at a preliminary stage to establish a brief for the project. Close co-operation and coordination were developed with the Architect and other design team members to ensure an agreed design approach. Our design for the M&E services adopted energy efficient, zero/ low emission design.

When the project moved to the detailed design phase, we had further formal meetings with the Client to ensure information on the proposed services was tailored to suit their requirements. When agreement was reached on this information, we produced preliminary drawings, schedules of equipment, budgets, and builders work schedules for approval. The ongoing design process involved working with the Client and other design team members to develop and co-ordinate the services design from tender stage through to completion.