- Project Name: CHESTER ZOO THE STABLES BLOCK
- Client: READ CONSTRUCTION
- Location : CAUGHALL ROAD, CHESTER, CH2 1LH
- Start Date: OCTOBER 2022
- End Date: APRIL 2023
Chester Zoo the stables (Mechanical)
OVERVIEW
The project at Chester Zoo The Stables, the new prestigious wedding venue and conferencing center was an extension of the current Grade II listed building. The new venue is situated in the original stable block that was initially built in the 1930s.
Athertons undertook the in house mechanical design and build which comprised of Ground and First Floor above ground drainage, domestic water services, heating, ventilation, and plantroom services. The project was carried out for our client, Read Construction, and took place between October 2022 to April 2023, spanning 7 months of intensive labor.
All work was carried out in accordance with standard specification and regulations.
TECHNICAL DELIVERY
As part of the overall plan, our team of skilled engineers installed Ecodan air source heat pumps by Mitsubishi to feed the central heating, domestic water and radiator circuit systems. The fully designed heating system composed of high specification heritage column style radiators manufactured by Stelrad and an ECOT 3FT electric heater manufactured by Dimplex. Additionally, we installed underfloor heating on two separate circuit.
The domestic water services were located through the commercial kitchen, bar, and all toilets and cleaning facilities. Services such as Air conditioning, domestic hot water, and heating were controlled by the BMS system present in the main venue space produced by EPC controls. MVHR units were installed for the main venue space along with supply and extract fans which were installed in the commercial kitchen.
CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS
We were faced with numerous obstacles, one of which included working around a tight program and several changes to client requirements. We were informed that there would be a wedding ceremony of a member of the zoo taking place soon, so we had to deliver all the services three weeks prior to the opening wedding day. Working in such a time constraining environment was thoroughly demanding, however, through collaboration within the team and our sub-contractors, we were still able to achieve our goal.
Furthermore, one of our challenges was restricted space for the type and size of ductwork and crossovers, within the ceiling void present in the main venue area. As a result, we consulted with the main contractor and Paul Cooper improvised and designed an alternative route by using rectangular ductwork instead of circular.
The heating pipework runs were causing an issue due to the open plan layout of the main conferencing room. So, we carefully constructed a plan with Chester Zoo to utilize false wood beam structures to conceal the pipework. This innovative idea, showcased Athertons capability to problem solve in every instance.
All the above challenges were overcome by our team working extra hours and weekends, until completion, which demonstrates Athertons commitment to fulfilling the contractual agreements to our client base.
SUMMARY
Chester Zoo has a stunning new wedding and events venue, The Square, which launched in 2023.
The luxury 200-capacity destination in Chester Zoo, is an extension of an existing Grade II listed stable block that has stood at the heart of the 128-acre conservation zoo since it opened in 1931. The original structures were once home to some of the zoo’s first animals such as lions, bears and chimpanzees.
For the first time, following a three-year restoration project, weddings can take place surrounded by 27,000 animals. The venue will also host corporate events and offer unique meeting spaces, while the zoo hopes it will go on to stage important global summits and political conferences centred on wildlife conservation, as part of the zoo’s efforts to protect highly threatened species and the natural world.
Featuring an impressive gated entrance and a host of preserved original features which tell the story of the original building, the unique space will have its own large private courtyard, exposed brick walls, vaulted rafters and large windows overlooking the zoo’s botanical gardens. As a not for profit, all income generated by The Square, and indeed the zoo, goes towards our charitable mission to prevent extinction.
“There really is nothing else quite like The Square anywhere in the UK. What other places of work are there where you can explore 128 acres of beautiful gardens surrounded by 27,000 amazing animals every day?”
Another prestigious project completed on time and within budget to the highest standard. Our clients were pleased with the results that were achieved, indicating that their expectations were met or even exceeded.
With our hard work and dedication, we demonstrated the team’s ability to overcome obstacles and find solutions to ensure the project’s successful completion.