Shell, hurleypalmerflatt

The largest refurbishment in London is underway

Project:

The Shell Renewal

Value:

£80 million

Shell has embarked on an £80 million refurbishment of 260,000 sq ft in the 26-storey tower of the Shell Centre, a major London landmark, to modernise the space and provide a better quality working environment for its staff.

hurleypalmerflatt has taken on a multi-disciplinary role, acting as the mechanical & electrical engineer, structural engineer, building surveyor and energy consultant, for replacing major plant, equipment and building services alongside a complete fit-out, while in occupation, of all office areas, restaurants, catering facilities, executive suites and a new reception area incorporating glass lifts.

Sustainability is central to the solutions that we have developed for Shell. We are minimising energy consumption, harnessing natural resources and managing waste throughout and beyond the project cycle. The resilience of the river tunnel, which connects the Shell campus with the River Thames and provides cooling for the buildings, is also being enhanced.

Our designs, which embrace prefabrication, improve the fresh air allowance per occupant, increase daylight provision by raising the ceiling height and improve acoustics. A fully automated, interactive Building Management System and Lighting Control System will make the building more intelligent and responsive, saving energy. The resilience of the building's IT systems will be enhanced to N+1 so, in the effect of a failure, the campus will remain fully operational.

The project is being undertaken while in occupation. Meeting rooms have been removed and restacking has provided temporary work space. To maintain live services, the project team is working from the top down, then the bottom up and finally the middle section will be completed. The project duration is 20 months from June 2006.