Waterfront House

ORC are delivering Building Services and Environmental Design for the transformation of a 19th-century dockside grain warehouse into a contemporary museum, opening Spring 2028. The scheme balances heritage conservation with a low-carbon environmental strategy.

A water source heat pump harnesses the stable temperature of the adjacent dock via a repurposed condenser water system. Sized at approximately 60% of peak load, it is expected to meet over 90% of annual heating demand, with upgraded gas boilers providing resilience and peak support. The approach significantly reduces operational carbon, with abstraction and discharge carefully developed in collaboration with the Environment Agency.

Passive measures are central to the design. New thermal mass complements the retained structure, while a central atrium acts as a thermal chimney, enabling natural cross-ventilation through exhibition spaces.

The result is a resilient, low-energy building that celebrates its industrial heritage while embracing a sustainable future.