Converting a historic former fire station into an energy efficient school building

Value: £4.5m

Sector: Further Education

Summary: Restoration of Edwardian fire station with beyond compliance energy and carbon interventions

The challenge of making historic buildings fit for 21st century teaching whilst considering all current energy, compliance and economic constraints was brought to the forefront on the redevelopment of the Old Central Fire Station. This was a project carried out by Sewell Group on behalf of the Ron Dearing University Technical College in Hull.

Beginning before the SPEC21 DfE guidance, the project brief was to deliver the best possible efficiency and futureproofing of a 1900s dilapidated former fire station whilst meeting all current specifications for teaching standards.

Carrying out detailed energy and carbon modelling predictions on various scenarios, the team were able to develop a menu of interventions aimed at selecting the best possible short, medium and long term mix of benefits to the client and end user.

This resulted in a full fabric overhaul whilst maintaining the historic character and fitting out services with the next 25 years of adaptation and energy efficiency in mind.

Taking a holistic view to decarbonization, the project was developed by the team to review capital and operating costs, as well as carbon savings and benefits.

This resulted in:

• A full fabric thermal upgrade, taking consideration of historic England detailing
• Futureproofed heating system to facilitate air source heat pumps
• Connectability to local district heating network
• High performing conservation windows and glazing to meet modern thermal values
• Energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems