The refurbishment of the Christ Church Boat House – Completed 2019

Christ Church’s Boat House is located at the apex of the Cherwell and Thames. It is home the college’s famous Boat Club, first established in 1817.

This project by Montgomery Architects  and delivered by CBG Consultants and ourselves saw the complete renovation of the gym, modernisation of services within the boat store and workshops, and a new punt store extension created. The terrace and gym enjoy stunning views across the rivers, a nice respite from the tough training regimes for the rowing teams.

Electrical services were replaced, with new heating, ventilation , lighting, power, fire alarm and access control systems all installed. The project was completed over two phases, to reduce disruption to the rowers.

New Whitecroft, Pro and ASD LED lighting was selected and installed providing a brighter and more efficient lighting solution. New power outlets were provided for the users and the training equipment. Low energy heaters were also installed keeping users comfortable.

The fire alarm system was upgraded providing greater protection to life and the building, linked to the main site.

Links

Christ Church Boathouse

The refurbishment of the St Edmund Hall Old Dining Hall and fit out of rear servery – Completed 2020

This project involved the refurbishment of the colleges dining hall and servery. Working with Original Field of Architecture  and Richard Ward Oxford we delivered a new lighting solution replacing the old failing electrical wiring, including the general power and fire alarm system. The servery adjacent to the dining hall had a new fit out too.

The new lighting was fitted as specified and designed by Francesco Miniati Lighting Design. iGuzzini fittings were selected and installed at high level to illuminate art work within the dining hall,  The Sattler ‘Ring’ fitting provides a beautiful architectural and functional  aspect to the space.

The existing servery had a electrical panel board within it, supplying numerous parts of the college. As part of our works we were able to co-ordinate and programme a series of shutdowns to move the electrical supplies to a new panel board located just outside of the room. This allowed the room to be fitted out to its maximum potential.

Links –

https://www.seh.ox.ac.uk/news/old-dining-hall-refurbishment

Upgrades to the LV distribution and cabling  – Completed 2020

Project description: The supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the
upgrade and replacement mains low Voltage (LV) distribution system

Large parts of the existing LV Distribution system has been installed for nearly 40years and is due for
upgrading. Some elements have been upgraded in recent years and this project is proposed to continue
this.

There is existing loose switchgear which contains asbestos which is due to be replaced in order for the
college to safely maintain the system. The majority of the college is currently fed from this switchgear.
In 2015 SSE contracting installed a new switchboard with the intention for this to replace the existing
switchgear.

The purposed of this project is to upgrade existing submains and connect these to the new switchboard
whilst also diverting some existing supplies to the new switchboard. The ultimate aim is the strip out and
safely dispose of the existing redundant switchgear.

Works: New cable tray containment systems were installed to various locations, externally, internally and within an underground service area, enabling the installation of new XLPE/SWA  submain cables. The cables, including 2no 185mm2 4core’s were installed on agreed dates and times with the college. Programming and achieving these works on the agreed date/time was essential to allow the college to continue to operate smoothly.  Some of the cable runs were well over 100 metres long! We carried out all necessary cable and protection device calculations.

Some builders works were required, core-hole drilling, access panels and fire stopping was all provided by our sub-contractor, Richard Ward Oxford Ltd

Our next task was to install new isolators and a switch panel-board, replacing the existing equipment. All new LV switchgear and protective devices have been manufactured by Schneider to provide compatibility with the existing installation.

Having consulted, planned and agreed electrical shutdown dates with St Edmund Hall, we formulated a programme and set to work swapping the supplies from existing to new. Firstly, the asbestos containing material(ACM’s)  were removed, we were then able to disconnect and remove the electrical equipment and connect the new. Some new cabling was connected to the existing switch-gear. This switch-gear is to be replaced as part of future projects.

Existing final circuits(sockets, lighting etc) were incorporated into the upgrade to. We installed new distribution boards, consolidating the existing final circuits, ensuring ongoing maintenance works can be carried out by the college as efficiently as possible.

New emergency lighting was installed throughout the plantroom, labelled and the college logbook updated to reflect the changes. Certification was provided too, as standard. Thorn ‘Aquaforce’ self contained 3hour fittings were selected.

Metering was installed and commissioned as part of the new installation. Readings can be viewed on the display screen but they also have Modbus protocol compatibility, enabling connection to a remote monitoring system.

Updated drawings, technical information and Electrical Installation Certification was provided.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Acting as the main contractor on this phase of works, we have started on site having issued our Construction Phase Plan.

Site setup consisting of  protection to Cathedral artifacts, welfare facilities including hand sanitising stations and access equipment(scaffolding) has been carried out and works are underway.

We’re currently installing both FP200 and MICC (fire resistant) cable along the clerestory cable containment system, between the new LED light fittings final location’s in the Latin Chapel, North Aisle, Lady Chapel, South Transept, Central Tower and the power and control devices that are to be installed in a serviceable location.

Final designs of the Mike Stoane luminaires have been submitted  for approval to put into manufacture.

Principal Designer – Purcell

CDM Consultant – Andrew Alder Associates Ltd

Lighting Design – Sutton Vane Associates

Electrical Consultant – CBG

Clients Requirement –

Our client wanted two simple and discrete charging points in two locations. One near a workshop and kitchen. This charger would be used to charge the college electric van. The other was located in a car park used by members of staff. Neither charger was required to charge vehicles particularly fast, the electric van would be left to charge overnight.

Solution/Installation –

We recommended the 6.3Kw Wallpod:EV model based on the compact yet impact resistant design and mode 3 fast charging capability. As these units were in secure locations where access is granted to few individuals, no complicated charging permissions were required. Just simply roll up, plug in and start charging your electric vehicle.

Surge protection was absent in both locations so we improved the electrical distribution to include this, Protecting the colleges and staffs much valued vehicles and equipment.

Particular Challenges –

In one of the locations we carried out a ground survey as we had  evidence to suggest that some drainage pipes were located exactly where we intended to install the earth rod that is required as part of this particular install. (TT system). Using the survey results we were able to identify a suitable location remote to the charger to install the earth rod into the ground, ensuring no damage to any underground service.

Government Grant –

The Rolec charge points used are OLEV grant fundable under the work place charging scheme. Our client simply applied for the grant online, generating a voucher code. We then claim against the voucher provided  once our installation is complete, saving money for our client.

Technical –

Manufacturer – Rolec

Model – EVWP2016

1x 16amp (3.6kW) Type 2 Socket Outlet

OLEV Grant Fundable under the Workplace Charging Scheme

Built-in Overload and Fault Current Protection

Mode 3  Charging

IP65

Fire Retardant

Built-in LED Charging Status Indicator

MID Approved Kwh Meter

Client – Green Templeton College

Green Templeton College own many properties on Observatory street Oxford and carry out refurbishments to these properties keeping them to a high standard of accommodation.

Monard Electrical working with Richard Wards Builders and many other contractors carried out a full refurbishment of 6 Observatory street including a complete electrical rewire, Mechanical services and decoration throughout the property.

LED Lighting was installed complete with MK Logic accessories and Hager Distribution board which contained internal Surge protection.

A Fire Alarm system was installed and linked to the colleges Lodge with commissioning being carried out by Pyrotec Services.

Praise for the refurbishment works by all involved

“I would like to take a moment to relay my appreciation on what has been a fantastic transformation of a very sad old property. The finish speaks volumes for your expertise and attention to detail. You have been professional, obliging, and courteous at all times and it has been a true pleasure working with you all.”

Steve Williams, Clerk of Works, Green Templeton College

The Library at 10 Merton Street – Completed winter 2017

After a temporary let to the Blavatnik School of Government, University College took the Library at 10 Merton Street back into the fold.

Part of the works we undertook involved changing the of use of some of the rooms, so we updated the lighting in the ground floor corridors and offices. We also updated and installed architectural lighting in the entrance lobby and carried out an essential lighting and power upgrade to the main library, where we installed LED tape light, chandeliers and bespoke luminaires.

115 Banbury Road, Oxford – Completed summer 2018

When University College bought the building at 115 Banbury Road, part of the works we carried out for them involved installing essential safety systems. We handled the emergency lighting and fire alarms as well as upgrading the lighting throughout the premises.

After initially testing and proving the circuitry, we worked closely alongside Pyrotec to install the fire alarm system and make it visible from the main site lodge via a smartwatch system. We upgraded and altered all the lighting to take energy-efficient LED luminaires and, where required, fitted emergency lights. We also installed the wiring for CCTV and access control as part of the project.

Electrical testing – An ongoing project

We were appointed by University College Oxford to carry out electrical installation condition reports, also called periodic testing.

The University’s works department has a really good schedule which lays out exactly when their buildings are to be tested, and we work closely with them to carry out the tests.
Like all Colleges around the University the emphasis is on the students, so we have to co-ordinate our work so it doesn’t affect their studies. This means we have to be completely flexible as well as sensitive to the areas we need to test and the needs of University personnel.

Electrical rewire and new installation – Completed 2014

Christ Church is a unique institution, one of the largest colleges in the University of Oxford and the Cathedral Church for the Diocese of Oxford. It has a world famous Cathedral Choir, large scholarly collections of books and art, and is enjoyed by numerous visitors and guests at conferences and Summer Schools.

This was a unique installation covering every aspect of electrical and ancillary services. We upgraded the submains and fitted a new distribution, complete with remote monitored metering. We added a network system of inscreed ducting and conduits designed to maintain a discreet and rewire-able electrical installation. A complete new lighting system, with LED tape to all the internal stone work featured individual addresses for multi configuration and end user operation. The lighting was wired through an inverter and change over relays, creating a non-standard, far from straight forward lighting circuit. A complete new fire and security alarm installation was also carried out, monitored exclusively by the Christ Church lodge.

We worked closely with the main contractors, Knowles and Son Ltd, to ensure the client's needs were met to everyone's satisfaction before, during and after the project. And we maintained regular communication with the electrical consultants CBG throughout the project so every technical and practical outcomes was achieved in exactly the right way. The electrical engineers dedicated to this project were present from day one through to completion, a way of working designed to ensure regular personal contact between the
main and sub-contractors.

Praise for Monard’s work

Our work was praised by Mark Brewster, CBG Electrical Engineer, Tony Morris, Clerk of the Works and Adam Jagger, Knowles & Son Ltd Contracts Manager.