Victoria House

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Project at a glance

Reimagining heritage for high-performance research

SES is at the forefront of delivering innovative and sustainable MEP solutions for the life sciences sector, and our collaboration with Oxford Properties and Wates Construction at Victoria House is a prime example of this commitment.

As a Grade II listed building, Victoria House represents an important part of London’s architectural heritage. Our approach was to seamlessly integrate modern life sciences facilities within this historical structure, preserving its character while equipping it with cutting-edge research capabilities. This balance of heritage and innovation underscores our commitment to both sustainability and the preservation of London’s rich history.  

By adopting a one-team approach, we successfully integrated our expertise in MEP engineering with our partners’ construction and design capabilities. A key element of this partnership was the development and manufacture of offsite prefabricated M&E modules, created at our award-winning facility in Coventry. This approach significantly reduced on-site construction time, improved quality control, and minimised environmental impact. 

Victoria House, originally constructed in the 1920s, has continuously operated as an office space – including during its refurbishment. Our team delivered significant upgrades to the building’s infrastructure and MEP systems while it remained fully occupied. Through careful planning and coordinated works, we ensured zero disruption to tenants and uninterrupted building services. This project is a testament to our ability to work efficiently in live environments, balancing the needs of current occupants with the demands of modern construction. 

The project successfully achieved Practical Completion in December 2025, marking the culmination of a complex refurbishment delivered on time and to the highest standards. 

Sustainability  

Sustainability played a key role in the refurbishment of Victoria House, with several strategic measures implemented to minimise environmental impact and enhance long-term efficiency. The project prioritised the re-use of existing infrastructure where possible, including the retention and integration of original pipework and fan coil units. This approach significantly reduced material waste and embodied carbon. 

In line with decarbonisation goals, the traditional gas boilers were replaced with energy-efficient air source heat pumps, contributing to a lower-carbon heating solution. Additionally, future-proofing measures were embedded in the design with provisions for full electric boiler systems, ensuring the building is adaptable to evolving energy technologies and sustainability standards. 

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