St James Street

Previously used as the headquarters of the Conservative Reform Club, this building occupies a prime site in St James, London. The building has principally six rooms totalling approximately 1,000 sq ft and is being converted into modern offices with a new build extension to the rear.

The original building is listed and has some unusual features including bombproof metal shutters to provide security for visiting MP's. The internal mosaic floors are also listed.

The client, Chelmor Properties, appointed SVM having been advised of SVM's work at the V&A Gallery and other listed buildings in London.

Working with Hutton and Rostrom SVM developed a range of passive solutions to overcome major solar cooling loads and maximise the inherent thermal capacity of the building to minimise the quantity of air conditioning plant required to cool the spaces. A range of small scale mixed mode ventilation solutions limits the impact of ventilation ductwork on the fabric of the building.

A specific challenge was moving the developers perception away from solutions more appropriate to modern buildings. SVM looked at passive means of cooling to avoid the need for modern engineering services in the historic parts of the building.

Conservative Reform Club, St James Street