Albion Street stands as a remarkable example of how modern, sustainable mechanical and electrical systems can be woven into historic listed buildings.
This traditional townhouse in central London has been transformed into a sleek and functional home, where the technology is discreetly tucked away, preserving the building’s heritage while bringing the house up to modern standards.
Challenges of Retrofitting Heritage Buildings
Retrofitting any building presents unique challenges—but for a listed property like Albion Street, the stakes are higher. Beyond the structural complexities and constraints of heritage management, the project also required fire damage repairs. Despite these obstacles, our team was tasked with elevating the building to modern mechanical and electrical elements and sustainability standards without compromising its character.
One of the greatest challenges in retrofitting listed buildings is integrating a modern, low carbon heating system. At Albion Street, we met this challenge, achieving 100% electric heating using air source heat pumps, without compromising the property’s historic elements.
The problem lies with poor fabric performance in historical buildings, which requires extra consultation and coordination to reach the desired performance and avoid resorting to gas heating solutions.
While some existing building services systems were already in place from prior refurbishments, they lacked a design that considered the occupant’s needs. Our goal was to deliver a functional and aesthetically invisible solution—allowing residents to fully enjoy the space without intrusive equipment.
One standout example is the transformation of the rooftop terrace. Previously dominated by bulky cooling equipment, the area is now a rooftop terrace, thanks to collaboration between the architects and our spatially aware design that always keeps the architect’s vision and client’s needs at the forefront. By relocating the external plant discreetly behind the stairs and chimney stacks, we were able to reclaim valuable outdoor space.
Inside, the interiors reflect simplicity and elegance, with clean lines and minimalist finishes. Yet behind the scenes, a different story was coordinated. Using fully developed 3D Revit modelling, we meticulously coordinated the MEP systems to navigate both the existing and new structural elements, preserving the integrity of the listed building.
Another notable feature is the fan coil units which are seamlessly integrated behind wardrobes, maintaining the streamlined aesthetic and optimising thermal comfort and occupant satisfaction.
Paving the Way to a Zero-Carbon Future
Albion Street is more than a successful retrofit—it’s a testament to what’s possible when expertise, technology, and design converge. If we can achieve 100% electric heating in a complex listed property in central London, we are one step closer to making zero-carbon buildings a reality across the board. With the right expertise, a sustainable future for all buildings is within reach.
