London School of Economics, Great Portland Street

Delivering this project was a real challenge within an occupied building where the library needed to stay open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The entire project team pulled together to find innovative ways to limit the disruption to students and staff.

The real challenge was delivery and positioning of the new two-tonne sectional air handling units that would be required to provide the fresh air increase required for LSE to host high occupancy events.

The units were delivered during the night and inched down the central helical staircase using timber blocks and steel plates, effectively turning the distinctive Norman Foster-designed stairwell into a ramp and tracked into the new plant areas.

The LSE project achieved a silver rating under the new SKA for Higher Education environmental assessment scheme – an industry first.