The complex task of obtaining statutory approvals from English Heritage, Westminster City Council and landlords, The Grosvenor Estate, has been dealt with effectively and efficiently to enable the Embassy to concentrate on their official operational tasks in the UK.

Restoration took place of all of the facades decorative features

Following the successful renovation of the external facade at 18 Belgrave Square, the Austrian Embassy, NBA were commissioned to continue the work on the internal elements of the Grade I listed building.

The refurbished facade shines in daylight

In conjunction with M&E, Engineers Environmental Engineering Partnership, NBA were able to develop the principles of providing a sustainable solution to working on a Grade I listed building.

Specific design solutions were aimed at replacing the overall heating system, both water and air based, in line with current best practice guidelines within the fabric of the 200 year old building. Particular attention was paid to the sympthetic insertion of heating and ventilation elements within the existing interior furnishings.

New radiator grilles and wall panels had to be inserted to match existing features and colour schemes.

The overall air filtration rate was improved by three times the original rate leading to significant energy bill savings to the whole Residence.

Careful insertion of new ventilation heating grills was important to complete in the energy saving measures

By adding double glazing, secondary glazing, insulation and draught stripping it has been possible to significantly reduce the heat loss from this traditional building and the subsequent annual maintenance and energy costs.

Permission was granted to install the revolutionary ‘spacia’ glazing panels with a 0.5mm vacuum air gap to achieve U values of 0.8 W/m2K.

Additional items such as photovoltaic panels and solar thermal hot water heating have been added to provide alternative energy sources to a fully overhauled services project for the building.

Section of the building along with the extrnal elevation to Belgrave Square

Internal rooms were also refurbished to display the original splendor of this Grade I Listed Building

Whilst double glazed units were accepted in some areas the key facades were only permitted to include secondary glazing elements. careful specification helped to reduce not only the heat loss from these areas but also improve significantly the acoustic performance of the windows.

Bedrooms were the greatest benefactor of these improvements along with the Ambassador's study!