Liverpool Central Library - Modernising for Energy Efficiency

Maggie’s work on the Liverpool Central Library, a Grade II* listed building, involved integrating modern energy efficiency measures while restoring its historic features.

The project, which included redeveloping the Picton Reading Room, Oak Room, and Hornby Library, followed PAS 2038’s “fabric-first” approach to ensure that energy retrofitting was appropriate to the building’s heritage.

The installation of modern mechanical systems to improve heating and ventilation minimised disruption to the historic fabric. This included the introduction of state-of-the-art insulation and environmental controls in non-visible areas like the newly built library and archive spaces.

To comply with PAS 2038, Maggie conducted thorough assessments of the building’s thermal performance and worked with conservation officers to ensure that interventions would improve energy efficiency without damaging the original structure. The result was a modern, accessible public library that maintained its historic integrity while significantly reducing energy consumption.

Key stats:

• Costs: £50 million
• Duration: 12 years (2001–2013)
• Modern heating and ventilation
• Grade II listing
• Size: 13600m2

AWARDS:

• 2014 LANDSCAPE INSTITUTE AWARDS – HIGHLY COMMENDED DESIGN FOR SMALL SCALE PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT
• 2014 RICS AWARDS NW COMMUNITY BENEFIT AWARD
• 2014 RICS AWARDS NW TRAVEL & TOURISM AWARD
• 2014 RICS AWARDS NW PROJECT OF THE YEAR
• 2014 RIBA NW CONSERVATION AWARD
• 2014 RIBA NW REGIONAL AWARD
• 2013 BUILDING AWARD, BEST TECHNICAL INNOVATION
• 2013 NW REGIONAL CONSTRUCTION AWARDS, REGIONAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR
• 2013 LABC NW BUILDING EXCELLENCE AWARDS, REGIONAL WINNER

Retrofit