Client: Barnwood Limited

Location: Gloucester

Mechanical Contractor: Gloucester Plumbing & Heating Ltd

Scope: Renewable Heating, Temporary & Permanent Backup Boiler, Domestic Plumbing, MVHR & Smart Controls

Services delivered: Renewable heating, temporary and permanent boiler provision, domestic plumbing, MVHR, commercial kitchen services and building services coordination

Project focus: Heritage-sensitive mechanical installation for office conversion

Hillfield House is a Grade II listed commercial office conversion in Gloucester, where Gloucester Plumbing & Heating delivered a full mechanical installation package under main contractor direction. The project required careful coordination across heritage-sensitive areas while integrating renewable heating, boiler backup, domestic plumbing, commercial kitchen services, WC facilities and MVHR ventilation throughout the building.

Project overview

Hillfield House required a full mechanical installation package as part of a high-spec office conversion within a listed building. Gloucester Plumbing & Heating was appointed to deliver the mechanical scope in a way that protected the character of the building while providing efficient, compliant and modern services for long-term commercial use.

The project combined low-carbon heating, domestic water services, ventilation, commercial kitchen provisions and accessible washroom facilities, all within the constraints of a heritage property. Careful planning and coordination were essential throughout the installation.

Heritage and coordination constraints

Working within a Grade II listed building introduced clear constraints around access, routing and finish. Original features, decorative masonry and stained glass windows required protection, while service runs had to be planned sensitively to reduce visual impact and preserve the building’s character.

Installation works were coordinated closely with the wider construction programme to ensure new mechanical systems could be integrated without compromising the structure or heritage value of the property.

Mechanical scope of works

The mechanical installation package at Hillfield House included:

• Renewable heating solution with low-carbon system integration

• Temporary and permanent boiler provision

• Domestic hot and cold water services

• Commercial kitchen plumbing services

• Accessible WC and washroom installations

• MVHR ventilation systems

• Heating distribution and emitter installation

• Plant room installation and associated pipework

• Mechanical coordination within a listed building environment

Renewable heating and plant installation

A renewable-led heating strategy was delivered to support the building’s long-term performance and reduce reliance on conventional fossil fuel systems. The installation included key plant, circulation components and system controls to support efficient day-to-day operation.

The mechanical design had to work around the physical limitations of the building while still delivering a practical heating solution suitable for commercial occupation.

Temporary and permanent boiler provision

To maintain resilience during the programme and support operational continuity, temporary and permanent boiler arrangements formed part of the overall heating strategy. This allowed the project team to manage staged installation requirements while ensuring the finished building had reliable backup and long-term heating capacity.

Domestic plumbing, kitchens and washrooms

The domestic plumbing scope covered hot and cold water services, kitchen connections and washroom facilities throughout the building. Commercial kitchen areas were fitted out to suit the final office use, while accessible WC provisions were completed in line with modern building requirements. This work had to be delivered to current standards while fitting within the limitations of the existing listed structure.

MVHR ventilation

MVHR ventilation was installed to support indoor air quality and create a more comfortable internal environment for office users. The system was integrated carefully within the building fabric, with routing and installation planned to suit both practical performance and heritage constraints.

Heating distribution and final integration

Heating distribution and emitter installation formed part of the wider mechanical package, with services coordinated across multiple floors and areas of the building. The final system was designed to provide reliable heating output while aligning with the project’s low-carbon direction and listed building requirements.

Project Outcome?

Hillfield House now benefits from a fully integrated mechanical services package that supports its new use as a commercial office space. Gloucester Plumbing & Heating delivered a solution that balanced modern building performance with the demands of a listed property, combining renewable heating, domestic plumbing, ventilation and plant installation within a heritage-sensitive refurbishment project.

This project demonstrates our ability to deliver complex mechanical installations in Gloucester and beyond, including listed buildings, commercial conversions and contractor-led refurbishment schemes.

Planning a commercial refurbishment or listed building mechanical project?

Gloucester Plumbing & Heating delivers mechanical installation packages for commercial buildings, office conversions and complex refurbishment projects in Gloucester and across the UK. Visit our Mechanical Services page or contact our team today to discuss your project.