Year
2023
Category
Featured Projects, Historic Buildings, Specialist Lighting Design
Client
The British Museum
Location
London
Project Value
£5M
The British Museum – White Wing
TGA were appointed to deliver core MEP and Specialist Lighting services for the refurbishment of the White Wing at the British Museum. Building on previous infrastructure projects, TGA developed sensitive service strategies to integrate modern building systems within the constraints of this Grade I Listed Museum environment.
Project Summary
The five-storey White Wing, originally opened in 1885, was refurbished through a phased programme while the British Museum remained operational. Collections, staff and essential services remained in use throughout the works, requiring careful planning and coordination.
TGA utilised existing plant provisions and riser strategies developed through previous museum projects, enabling new services to be integrated with minimal impact on the Grade I Listed fabric. Existing systems were progressively replaced and upgraded, with each phase carefully managed around museum operations, security requirements and collection protection measures.
TGA delivered integrated Mechanical, Electrical, Specialist Lighting and BIM services, with the White Wing fully modelled in Revit to support complex coordination within the historic building. Detailed service routes, including individual conduit coordination where required, assisted design approvals and reduced construction risk.
Sensitive mechanical solutions included discreet heating systems and concealed air distribution to maintain the character of the accommodation while providing suitable environmental conditions.
Lighting was designed to provide functional illumination, wayfinding and enhancement of architectural features throughout the Wing.
The project demonstrates TGA’s ability to deliver modern building services within a live Grade I Listed Museum, balancing operational requirements, conservation principles and protection of historic fabric.
