Project Overview
This project involved the transformation of a former five-storey department store into a modern educational facility for the University’s healthcare and general teaching departments, along with a separate fit-out for a public library operated by the local authority. The existing structure, with elements dating from the 1870’s to 1950’s, presented unique challenges in integrating modern building services.
Scope of Works
Dodd Group provided full mechanical, electrical, and public health (MEP) design and installation services. Our involvement spanned RIBA Stage 2 to Stage 5, collaborating with ARUP during early design development and taking lead design responsibility post-novation from Stage 4 onwards to deliver a complete CDP package.
Key MEP features included:
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Heating & Cooling: Roof-mounted 2MW ASHP system with four-pipe fan coil units.
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Ventilation: MVHR systems with central ducted risers.
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Domestic Hot Water: Mitsubishi Q-Ton ASHP for all areas, supporting Salix-funded sustainability targets.
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Electrical Systems: New HV substation and rising LV bus bar infrastructure, LED lighting with daylight dimming and occupancy sensors.
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Data & Power: Underfloor bus bar systems and floor boxes for future flexibility.
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Security: Integrated fire alarm, access control, and CCTV systems aligned with the University’s network.
All systems were designed to accommodate future fit-outs on the 2nd and 3rd floors.
The existing building’s mixed-era construction required bespoke solutions for service routing and structural load distribution. Floor slab capacity limitations meant heavy plant installations required spreader frameworks and independent support systems through risers and plant rooms to ensure safe, effective integration.
Value Engineering & Innovation
Dodd Group played a key role in value engineering during early design stages, aligning the MEP design with both the client’s budget and Salix energy efficiency funding requirements. This included careful plant selection, system optimisation, and energy modelling to meet performance and cost targets.
