Sector

A state-of-the-art HVAC refurbishment at Harrods, paving the way for a sustainable future while ensuring a seamless shopping experience.

The renowned luxury department store Harrods embarked on a comprehensive refurbishment of its HVAC infrastructure, culminating in a £6 million enhancement of its rooftop systems, executed by Merit.

Recognised as the ‘Project of the Year (over £5m)’ at the CIBSE Building Awards, this initiative aimed to modernise aging facilities while accommodating future growth.

Working within a live retail environment, the project prioritised energy efficiency, enhanced comfort and system resilience, all while maintaining uninterrupted shopping experiences for the public.

Key innovations included the strategic reduction of crane lifts through the prefabrication of pipework and steel components at Merit’s offsite facility and the utilisation of a ‘spider’ crane for initial lifts, which collectively led to significant cost savings, reduced project timelines and increased safety on-site.

Over seven years of collaborative effort, our project team successfully navigated the complexities of operating in a Grade II listed building. This project exemplifies the integration of innovative solutions in preserving the heritage of a historic landmark while enhancing operational efficiency.

Client: Harrods
Location: London
Sector: MEP Solutions
Project: HVAC Infrastructure Upgrade, M&E Installation

Key Features

Comprehensive refurbishment of Harrods' rooftop HVAC infrastructure.
Replacement of existing chillers, air-handling units, electrical infrastructure and control systems.
Focus on energy efficiency, comfort improvement and system resilience.
Seven major crane lifts for equipment installation with minimal disruption to retail operations.
Utilisation of prefabrication techniques to reduce lift numbers and enhance safety.
Collaborative project management spanning a decade without operational interruptions.

Key Outcomes

Awarded ‘Project of the Year (over £5m)’ at the CIBSE Building Awards, London.
£6m investment in K-section design and build refurbishment project.
Innovations led to cost savings, reduced contract duration, and improved site safety.
Ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality technical solutions.