One Aldwych Hotel
One Aldwych was designed in 1905 by the famed Anglo-French architects Mewes and Davis. Based in the affluent Covent Garden area, it soon became known for its blend of Edwardian grandeur and splendid Parisian elegance. Originally home to the Morning Post newspaper, it is now one of the few independent 5 star hotels in central London.
Elementa recently provided a full refurbishment of all hotel services for this elegant grade II listed building. We conducted a thorough asset and plant survey and implemented a phasing strategy for the works. This allowed for work to take place without disrupting the whole hotel and current guest’s experiences in the venue which was an important priority to our client.
In order for the client to gain a strong representation of our proposed work, models, 360 degree videos and graphical imagery were used to demonstrate our proposed plans for the hotel. These allowed our client to physically see the changes, challenges and solutions we were proposing on the project. Site visits and regular meetings established a strong working relationship with the client, and the multiple different contractors involved. Furthermore, our vast past experience in delivering MEP services within listed hotels allowed us to provide sensible yet creative advice in order to make their aspirations for the hotel possible
Much of the plant was over 20 years old, so we replaced almost all of it retaining only the key distribution runs. This included replacing chillers and gas boilers with new models that are modular with much better turn-down and control. We replaced the old constant speed drive water pumps with variable speed drive pumps, reducing the flow of water needed to match the building energy demand. Water heaters were replaced with more efficient modulating units, and we gave the air handling plant a refresh.
In other areas, all the rooms got new variable speed fan coil units with more efficient water side control as opposed to air side control. We upgraded the building management system throughout the building. Overhauled the reception and restaurant; reconfiguring grills, diffusers, ventilation strategies and a general upgrade of existing equipment. The main electrical panel was replaced to bring it up to modern day standards.
Overall, the most important innovation strategy implemented was to improve the control of the hotel, by using more modern, modulating equipment at every possible point. We expect that this will result in significant energy savings. For example, in the heating system, by replacing the boilers and changing the pumping system from constant to variable we expect 30-40% reduction in energy usage. Also, we expect that the electrical consumption of the chillers will be 10-20% more efficient.
Relationships are key to the success of jobs like this. We were lucky to be able to work with some great people and companies, especially the project managers Keytask.
