St. Hugh’s School Auditorium

This scheme consists of the retrofit of a school auditorium within an existing Grade II listed barn conversion to improve space capacity and storage space. Features for the project include new tiered seating and the provision of a mezzanine. Elementa Consulting’s work consisted of all mechanical and electrical design consultancy and CFD modeling.

The project has presented many challenges to overcome, including the relocation of a partition, which resulted in a significantly reduced plant area to accommodate the extensive ventilation plant required to cater to the proposed 160 occupants. In addition, the grade II listed status meant the team had to design the system around the existing external louver penetrations and extensive oak roof timbers. These challenges needed to be addressed while maintaining a noise rating of NR25. We were able to address these challenges through bespoke plant selections and extensive detailed coordination.

The team displayed innovation by undertaking extensive thermal modeling (CFD analysis) to demonstrate the implications of internal space temperature, based on providing a fresh air-only ventilation system and a comfort-cooled ventilation system. This enabled St. Hugh’s School to make an informed decision on whether or not the additional costs of comfort cooling would add justifiable value.

A key design feature includes the displacement ventilation system proposed to provide conditioned supply air below tiered seating, with extract located at a high level. In addition, extensive electrical modifications have been required to facilitate the partition alterations, as most existing electrical equipment (e.g., dashboard, AV system lighting control panel, etc.) are mounted on the current partition.

The results will mean a comfortable cooled ventilation system that will significantly improve the internal space temperature, improve air distribution, and reduce associated noise levels within the auditorium or an increased number of occupants—provision of a more flexible and useable space will add significant value to this private school.