Case Study
Imperial War Museum – London
Level 4 Plantroom AHU Replacement & Ventilation Upgrade
Project Overview
LDN Project Services was appointed as Principal Contractor to deliver the replacement and upgrade of air handling infrastructure within the Level 4 plantroom at the Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, London.
The project formed part of a wider programme of works to support the new AFP gallery spaces, requiring the removal of redundant plant and installation of new ventilation systems designed to maintain strict environmental conditions within the museum.
The building is Grade II listed, requiring all works to be undertaken with sensitivity to the building fabric and operational requirements.
LDN coordinated the mechanical, electrical and logistical works required to remove legacy plant and deliver new air handling infrastructure integrated into the museum’s existing building management systems.
Project Team
Client
Imperial War Museum London
Project Manager
Fraser Randall
Principal Designer
Ayer Associates
Principal Contractor
LDN Project Services Ltd
The project was delivered under the Construction (Design and Management)
Regulations 2015, with LDN responsible for site safety management, coordination of trades and delivery of the works.
Scope of Works
The project involved the strip-out of redundant ventilation plant and installation of a new energy efficient air handling system serving the AFP gallery spaces.
Mechanical Plant Replacement
Works included:
• Removal of redundant AHU plant and associated services
• Removal of legacy ductwork systems within the Level 4 plantroom
• Installation of a 5 x Air Handling Units
• Integration of the AHU’s into the existing ventilation infrastructure
The replacement AHU’s were designed to deliver ventilation to the new gallery spaces while maintaining strict environmental conditions required within museum environments.
Ductwork Installation
LDN installed and modified ductwork infrastructure including:
• New supply and extract ductwork serving the AFP gallery
• Extensions of intake and exhaust ductwork to roof level
• Installation of new attenuators and filters
• Fire-rated duct penetrations through building compartments
All ductwork installations were completed in accordance with BESA DW144 ductwork standards and associated HVAC best practice guidance.
Chilled Water & Mechanical Services
To support the new AHU cooling coil, works included:
• Installation of new chilled water pipework connections
• Isolation valves, strainers and commissioning points
• Pressure testing and flushing of pipework systems
• Thermal insulation and vapour barrier protection
Pipework installation followed industry guidance including BSRIA BG29 commissioning standards.
Controls & BMS Integration
The ventilation system was integrated with the museum’s building management system.
This included:
• Integration of the new AHU controller into the BMS platform
• Installation of temperature, humidity and CO₂ sensors within gallery spaces
• Environmental control strategies to maintain internal conditions
The system enables the ventilation plant to respond dynamically to gallery occupancy and environmental conditions.
Temporary Works & Logistics
Due to the location of the plantroom and the size of the mechanical equipment, significant temporary works and logistics planning were required.
Plant Removal & Installation Logistics
Due to the location of the Level 4 plantroom and the size of the mechanical equipment, the removal and installation of the air handling units required carefully planned lifting and access arrangements.
LDN designed and coordinated a temporary scaffold gantry and goods hoist system to safely facilitate the removal and installation of the plant.
The temporary works arrangement allowed the team to safely remove five existing air handling units and install replacement equipment within the plantroom environment.
The system comprised:
• Scaffold gantry structure installed at the rear service yard
• Goods hoist system for lifting and lowering plant equipment
• Controlled lifting operations coordinated with site management
• Segregated working zones to protect museum staff and visitors
The gantry and hoist arrangement enabled plant to be safely transferred between ground level and the plantroom, allowing large mechanical equipment to be removed and installed without disruption to the surrounding building.
The temporary works were designed and implemented in accordance with relevant scaffolding and lifting safety standards.
Health & Safety Management
LDN implemented a full Construction Phase Plan to manage site operations and risks.
This included:
- Site inductions and competency checks for all operatives
• Permit systems for electrical isolations and hot works
• Controlled access routes within the museum building
• Daily coordination meetings with subcontractors - Daily action briefs
- Tool Box talks
The works were delivered while maintaining safe access and operational continuity within the museum.
Key Project Challenges
Heritage Environment
The Imperial War Museum is a listed building, requiring works to be undertaken carefully to avoid damage to the building fabric and ensure compatibility with the existing structure.
Operational Building
The project required careful planning to avoid disruption to museum operations and staff.
Environmental Control
Museum galleries require precise temperature and humidity control to protect artefacts and ensure visitor comfort.
The ventilation system was therefore designed and commissioned to maintain stable environmental conditions.
Outcome
The completed installation delivered a modern ventilation system serving the AFP gallery spaces, improving the reliability and efficiency of the museum’s building services infrastructure.
Project Highlights
Client: Imperial War Museum London
Location: Lambeth Road, London SE1
Project Type: Mechanical Plant Replacement
Project Duration: 13 weeks
Considerate Contractor score 45 out of 50
Disciplines Delivered
• Principal Contractor Delivery
• Mechanical Plant Replacement
• AHU Installation
• Ductwork Installation
• Chilled Water Pipework
• BMS Integration
• Temporary Works & Logistics
