Hammersmith Hospital – A Block Infrastructure

Quinn London is proud to have delivered Phase 2 of the Infrastructure Resilience Project at Hammersmith Hospital. This major upgrade is helping Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust move forwards its Net Zero goals by replacing outdated air conditioning with state-of-the-art air source heat pumps (ASHPs). The new system provides efficient heating, cooling and hot water, while reducing carbon emissions, improving insulation and future-proofing the hospital’s infrastructure.

Our works involved a complete upgrade of energy systems in A Block. On the roof, we removed the legacy chiller system and constructed two new plant decks to house three new transformers, a low-voltage switch room and ASHPs. At ground level, we installed a new generator in a dedicated enclosure, along with a new substation and high-voltage switch room. Together, these installations deliver over 6,000 kW of low-carbon heating and cooling, backed by a reliable standby power supply.

Delivering this project in a live hospital environment required careful planning and innovation. Each ASHP unit weighed up to eleven tonnes, demanding a specially designed steel grid to reinforce the roof and a complex dual-crane operation to lift the equipment into place. To maintain both patient and hospital staff comfort, temporary chillers ensured uninterrupted cooling during the transition phase of the works. Operating in sensitive areas such as operating theatres and imaging suites meant strict controls on noise, vibration, and dust. Our team worked closely with the Trust to adapt our permit-to-work procedures, safeguarding patients and staff while completing the works safely and efficiently.

Sustainability has been central to this scheme. The six Daikin ASHPs now installed will cut carbon emissions significantly while providing reliable energy for the hospital. All construction waste was recycled through Powerday, with surplus timber donated to Community Wood Recycling for direct reuse by community groups. Quinn London also went beyond contract requirements by delivering student learning and training days, opening up opportunities for young people to learn about low-carbon technologies and careers in construction.

The new system has been commissioned in phases to ensure seamless integration with the hospital’s Building Management System. Once phasing was completed, the system is fully remote-operable, energy-efficient, and backed by a dedicated generator to safeguard vital hospital services. This project showcases Quinn London’s expertise in delivering complex infrastructure upgrades in sensitive healthcare environments.