University of London School of Oriental and African Studies

This project involves the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, relocation to a single site campus at Senate House in the heart of Bloomsbury. Senate House, designed by the British architect Charles Holden (1875–1960), houses the unique resources of Senate House Library, one of the world’s largest humanities collections. The grade II* listed building presents challenges for building services including co-ordination issues, high efficient performance in an ageing building and ensuring the aesthetics were not compromised.

The relocation will bring many benefits for staff and students, including new state-of-the-art research, teaching and student facilities, all in one precinct. This exciting opportunity offers the potential for growth and development as they prepare to commemorate their centenary and plan for the next 100 years.

Elementa have undertaken Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health consultancy services in conjunction with a peer review of the services design for the project on behalf of Graham Construction. In addition Elementa have undertaken the complete design of the energy centre located in the adjacent Brunei Gallery building. This energy centre will be used to provide heating from central gas fired boiler plant to both the Brunei Gallery building and the SOAS accommodation in Senate House. The Brunei Gallery Energy Centre incorporates provisions for its future connection to the local Grosvenor District Heating System to provide further energy savings once this system has been upgraded and extended.