Castle Gym Refurbishment

Overview

Castle Gym is a state-of-the-art fitness facility commissioned by Omni Group and designed by Dan Lacey Architects. Global Building Environments (GBE) was instructed to support the comprehensive refurbishment of the gym, which required meticulous coordination and robust technical delivery to meet the high design and performance expectations set by the client and architectural team. 

Brief – 

The scope of GBE’s involvement focused on delivering a Stage 3 Spatial Coordination Building Performance Specification, which encompassed all Mechanical, Electrical, and Public Health (MEP) design outputs, thermal performance calculations, and specification documentation. 

Situation

GBE was responsible for developing and delivering coordinated MEP design documentation aligned with RIBA Stage 3.  

This included: 

• Full MEP Drawings: Developed in alignment with architectural layouts and coordinated with structural and spatial constraints. 

• Thermal Performance Calculations: Including u-value assessments, overheating mitigation analysis, and energy compliance support. 

• Performance Specifications: Providing detailed requirements for future contractor procurement, system performance, and integration. 
  
  Systems Included: 
  
  HVAC and ventilation 
  Domestic hot and cold-water services 
  Electrical distribution and lighting strategy 
  Drainage and waste systems 
  BMS integration points 

Solution

GBE were able to overcome challenges throughout the project in order to meet the needs of the client.  

One of the challenges faced was low structural headroom, as the gym’s existing building featured limited structural depth. This presented a considerable constraint for routing mechanical services. To overcome this, the team were able to optimise ceiling zones and service distribution layouts and incorporate recessed and low-profile ductwork systems. As well as this, they ensured that the equipment placement did not impact the architectural vision or functional requirements. 

With a fast-track programme led by the client’s commercial goals, GBE maintained a responsive design process through rapid iteration cycles and weekly design coordination workshops. The team used streamlined decision-making with Omni Group via real-time visual MEP overlays to ensure that they met all Stage 3 deliverables on schedule, enabling the client to proceed to procurement without delays. 

Omni Group set a high benchmark for performance and design quality, which GBE responded to by providing detailed thermal modelling to optimise occupant comfort and energy efficiency. In addition, the team delivered a clean and uncluttered MEP aesthetic in collaboration with the architect and ensured system flexibility for futureproofing and adaptability to various user group to meet the high-quality client expectations.  

Results

The Castle Gym refurbishment now stands as a benchmark facility within the Omni Group portfolio, combining functionality, performance, and architectural quality. GBE’s technical and design leadership contributed directly to the successful planning and transition into RIBA Stage 4. 

“GBE’s understanding of our ambitions and the constraints of the site was invaluable. They delivered with technical precision and design sensitivity, enabling us to achieve an excellent result under pressure.”— Project Manager, Omni Group 

Results –  

• A fully coordinated MEP design package approved by all stakeholders. 

• Performance specification that met stringent sustainability and usability standards. 

• Clear documentation that enabled competitive tendering and ease of contractor interpretation. 

Summary

GBE delivered a Stage 3 Spatial Coordination Building Performance Specification to support the refurbishment of the gym. Therefore, the design and performance expectations set by the client were met by the team and were delivered with a high-quality service. GBE worked under a tight programme and navigated key structural constraints while upholding the ambition for a high-quality, energy-efficient design.  

• Client: Omni Group 

• Architect: Dan Lacey Architects 

• Building Services Engineer: Global Building Environments 

• Project Type: Gym Refurbishment 

• Stage: RIBA Stage 3 – Spatial Coordination