Royal Veterinary College

The Royal Veterinary College wanted to undertake significant improvements to their teaching and learning spaces on the Camden campus, to provide first class facilities for current and future students.

This project involved extensive reconfiguration and refurbishment of research teaching spaces, offices, learning centres, laboratories, meeting and social spaces (including the Haxby bar) and corridors throughout the Hobday building. A key challenge for the project was to design and deliver the scheme within a live working environment.

Scotch Partners were appointed to develop the mechanical, electrical and public health strategic design for the building infrastructure and the proposed new space arrangement. Once the proposals were agreed and signed off by the RVC stakeholders, we were commissioned to produce the RIBA Stage 4 Technical Design and continue as client-side monitor for the construction stage.

The principle of minimising energy and simplifying the services, whilst providing a suitable internal environment, was adopted for the new design. Heat recovery ventilation was provided to areas that were insufficiently ventilated, and cooling provided to areas that would be prone to overheating. Natural daylight has been used to its full potential with daylight controls applied where suitable. As part of the project, the College wished to take the opportunity to future proof the IT system and upgrade as necessary. Scotch Partners co-ordinated design to support the IT requirements.