University of London | School of Oriental and African Studies

The University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies project involves relocating the school to a single-site campus at Senate House in the heart of Bloomsbury. Senate House, designed by the British architect Charles Holden (1875–1960), houses the unique resources of Senate House Library, one of the world’s largest humanities collections. The Grade II* listed building presents challenges for building services, including coordination issues, high efficient performance in an aging facility, and ensuring the aesthetics were not compromised.

The relocation will benefit staff and students, including new state-of-the-art research, teaching, and student facilities, all in one precinct. This exciting opportunity offers the potential for growth and development as they prepare to commemorate their centenary and plan for the next 100 years.

Elementa Consulting has undertaken mechanical, electrical, and public health consultancy services in conjunction with a peer review of design services for the project on behalf of Graham Construction. In addition, the team has undertaken the complete design of the energy center located in the adjacent Brunei Gallery building. This energy center will be used to provide heating from the central gas-fired boiler plant to both the Brunei Gallery building and the SOAS accommodation in Senate House. The Brunei Gallery Energy Centre incorporates provisions for its future connection to the local Grosvenor District Heating System to provide further energy savings once it has been upgraded and extended.