Skelly & Couch is contributing robust environmental engineering to all 16 buildings of a new and pioneering creative hub on the Greenwich Peninsula. The Peninsula is London's largest single regeneration project. 

This long-running project with the Bush Theatre has achieved gradual improvements to the building over 6 years, and Phase 2 continues the integration of new with existing services.

Preston Bus Station, designed originally by BDP and completed in 1969, is a renowned, Grade II-listed Brutalist building, which Skelly & Couch has helped to return to its former glory through modern technologies and sensitive refurbishment techniques.

The competition to refurbish and extend the Vajrasana Buddhist Retreat Centre transformed the original retreat – a makeshift collection of farm sheds in the heart of the Suffolk countryside – into a modern haven of spirituality.

The historic Richmond Adult Community College, which has its roots in the late 19th century (1895), has been given a new and sustainable lease of life by an impressive refurbishment and new-build development, meeting the highest standards of energy efficiency.

Building on the resounding success of UP Projects’ pilot Floating Cinema 2011 project, Morris + Company won the Open Architecture Competition to design the next phase of the acclaimed venture, conceived to offer a permanent lifespan on the water.

The project formed part of the Horniman’s wider ambition to create a better link between the museum and its gardens. The aim of the proposed new community and education building was to create an inspirational learning environment, bringing the learning experience to the outside and therefore maximising the full potential of the existing garden site.

Conversion into a Versatile Creative Hub

RIBA Award winning conversion of a 19th-century warehouse in the Covent Garden Conservation Area into rehearsal, education, and support spaces, including a rooftop dwelling for visiting artists. The design improved energy performance by 23% and is future-proofed for district heating.

The Donmar Warehouse, a leading theatre in Covent Garden, London, acquired a robust Victorian warehouse nearby Dryden Street. The building was converted into rehearsal, education, and support facilities, blending its original character with modern upgrades, including a rooftop extension for visiting artists, a new stair core, and a double-height rehearsal space.The Donmar Warehouse, a leading theatre in Covent Garden, London, acquired a robust Victorian warehouse nearby Dryden Street. The building was converted into rehearsal, education, and support facilities, blending its original character with modern upgrades, including a rooftop extension for visiting artists, a new stair core, and a double-height rehearsal space.

The project aimed to reduce energy use by at least 20% while creating a professional work environment within a limited budget and compact site. Dynamic thermal simulation modeling predicted a 23% improvement in energy efficiency and a 19% reduction in CO2 emissions, with provisions for future connection to a district heating network. Skelly & Couch provided full M&E design, monitoring, and support during construction. Following its success, they were appointed for the full refurbishment of M&E services at the Theatre.

Due to impracticality of insulating the existing external facade, roof insulation was enhanced for better thermal performance. Daylight modelling ensured natural light in rehearsal spaces and offices. Enhanced natural ventilation was incorporated throughout offices, green rooms, meeting rooms, the library, reception areas, and residential flats. High-occupancy areas, like the main rehearsal space, are mechanically ventilated with air supplied from a rooftop plant room.

A highly efficient heating plant, advanced lighting systems, and sophisticated BEMS reduce energy consumption. Additionally, sub-metering and targeted controls provide detailed insights into energy consumption patterns, enabling informed adjustments and savings, and a solar thermal array supplies energy to partially meet the building's domestic hot water needs, reducing dependence on non-renewable power sources.

Domar Warehouse creates an energy-efficient, creative and professional environment within a constrained urban space. It preserves the historical essence of the building while minimising its environmental impact.

Awards

2015 RIBA London Regional Award winner

Award-winning new-build for the Jerwood Foundation

A new gallery and restaurant, built in a challenging site on the seafront in Hastings. It incorporates an innovative ground-source heating and cooling system, enabling the building to achieve impressively low emissions for a structure of its kind.

Jerwood Gallery, located in Hastings, East Sussex, is dedicated to contemporary British art and operated by the Jerwood Foundation, a privately funded charity. The new build gallery is part of a wider masterplan to transform a former coach and lorry park on a key seafront site in Hastings Old Town.
Sustainability was central to the design, influencing orientation, layout, materials, and servicing. The galleries maximise natural daylight and ventilation, creating a pleasant and well-lit environment for visitors whilst minimising energy consumption.
Below-ground ducts ensure a seamless design, maintaining floor-to-ceiling levels and concealing services. Solar panels provide most hot water, and rainwater is recycled to further lessen the environmental impact. A comprehensive analysis of renewable energy options, which included evaluating life cycle costs and ongoing maintenance was also undertaken.
To meet stringent temperature and humidity control standards, Skelly & Couch developed an innovative approach to preserve artifacts. The collection galleries utilise air conditioning powered by ground source cooling, with eleven 120-meter-deep probes handling all cooling and 60% of the heating, integrating geothermal energy for effective temperature regulation. This approach resulted in 60% less CO2 emissions compared to an average museum of similar size.
The Jerwood Gallery sets a new benchmark for environmental performance in museum design. It combines energy efficiency with precise climate control, while creating a welcoming space that enhances the overall visitor experience. The project achieved an ‘Exemplar’ rating at design stage using an industry standard Sustainability rating tool. 

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in north London is the only permanent outdoor theatre in the UK. During summer it opens its doors to an audience of 1,240 every evening.