Michael Baker Boat House

Project team: John Christophers at Associated Architects;  LEDA MEP engineering.

LEDA worked closely with the King’s School Worcester and Associated Architects to produce a holistic design for the Boat House. This award-winning iconic building sits on the bank of the River Severn. It provides a large ground floor area for rowing boats that is allowed to flood when the river is high, while upstairs there are changing rooms, a kitchen and a spectacular fitness and reception room with 270-degree views of the river and Worcester Cathedral from the glazed prow that overhangs the riverside walk. We advised on day-lighting, heat loss and insulation, providing analysis to inform the development of the architectural design.

Passive House principles and low carbon heat

The Boat House has triple glazing, super-insulation and air-tightness. Our design used bespoke low-energy LED lighting, with networked lighting controls, a domestic-sized wood pellet boiler, heat recovery ventilation, pump-less rainwater harvesting, solar thermal and solar PV. LEDA was involved as an integral part of the design team throughout the whole traditionally tendered and procured construction process, from concept to completion.

Technical Data

Client:	Kings School Worcester
Services Provided:	MEP design
Dates:	September 2009 – September 2012
Contract Value:	£2.5m
Technologies and Unique Features:	Lean Design, Passive House, Solar Thermal, Solar PV, Biomass, Detailed Design, M+E Coordination, Thermal Mass, Heat Recovery Ventilation, BMS.