Client: MJS
Services: Full MEP Design | Sustainability Integration
Overview
Guild House is a major regeneration project in the heart of Peterborough, transforming a dated office block into 138 high-quality apartments, alongside the erection of four new residential buildings including apartments and townhouses.
Project vision
The scheme required the sensitive integration of modern building services within an existing structure, while accommodating new-build elements across the wider site. A fully electric energy strategy was implemented throughout, aligning the development with current sustainability standards and supporting long-term operational efficiency.
Key features
Integrating Services Within a Complex Existing Structure:
The existing reinforced concrete frame posed significant challenges for vertical services, with limited riser space and structural beams restricting routes. QODA worked collaboratively with structural engineers to coordinate viable service paths without compromising buildability.
Addition of Rooftop Penthouses:
New penthouse units introduced further structural and service integration complexity. Through detailed modelling and coordinated MEP layouts, we ensured seamless connection with the existing building and roof structure.
Delivering a Fully Electric Energy Strategy:
With no gas on site, QODA designed a high-efficiency, fully electric heating and hot water solution. This approach supports long-term decarbonisation and aligns with current and future regulatory requirements.
QODA’s role
QODA was appointed to provide a full suite of MEP and sustainability services to support the successful delivery of the scheme. Our multidisciplinary scope included:
Existing MEP Services & Plant Condition Survey: A detailed review of all legacy systems to establish condition, compliance, and potential reuse, informing the wider design approach.
Full MEP Design (RIBA Stages 0–4): Comprehensive mechanical, electrical and public health design, with a focus on energy efficiency, buildability, and resident comfort across both the converted building and the new apartment blocks.
SAP Assessment: Supporting Part L compliance and helping the client achieve strong energy performance ratings across all 138 homes.
Dynamic Thermal Modelling: Assessing thermal comfort and building behaviour under multiple climate and occupancy scenarios.
Part O & TM52 Overheating Assessments: Providing detailed analysis and mitigation strategies to ensure compliance with emerging overheating regulations.
Thermal Bridging Assessment: Specialist modelling and detailing to reduce heat loss at key junctions, providing accurate data for SAP and enhancing whole-building performance.
Impact
Guild House demonstrates how complex office-to-residential conversion can unlock high-quality homes in town-centre locations. Through careful coordination of building services within an existing structure, combined with efficient new-build design, the project successfully delivered 138 modern apartments and additional residential buildings while future-proofing performance. The adoption of a fully electric energy strategy supports long-term decarbonisation, improves operational efficiency, and provides comfortable, compliant homes that contribute to Peterborough’s wider regeneration ambitions.
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