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Securing Part L2 Compliance and an EPC A Rating for Royalty Studios in Notting Hill
For the comprehensive refurbishment and 454sqm timber extension of Royalty Studios in Notting Hill, Energy Report Limited delivered expert Part L2 compliance and dynamic thermal modelling. We achieved an outstanding EPC A rating across all units by replacing legacy gas heating with modern VRV air conditioning, improving the thermal envelope, and integrating an 18kW solar PV system, fully satisfying Building Regulations Approved Document L2.
Project Overview
- Project Name: Royalty Studios
- Location: 105-109 Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, London W11
- Client: Universal Consolidated Group
- Service: Part L2 Compliance, EPC A Certification, Thermal Modelling, Consequential Improvements
- Project Scope: Full building refurbishment and 454sqm 4th-floor extension
- Key Features: Sustainable structural timber extension, VRV AC with heat recovery, 18kW Solar PV array
Project Overview: Revitalising an Art Deco Landmark in Notting Hill
Situated in Notting Hill, Royalty Studios an Art Deco commercial building, underwent a remarkable transformation. Universal Consolidated Group’s ambitious project involved a complete refurbishment of the existing four-storey office space and a new, highly sustainable 4th-floor extension (approx. 450sqm) constructed from structural timber, delivering up to 23,000 sq ft of premium, Grade A office space.
Balancing aesthetic preservation with modern energy efficiency in historic London properties is challenging. Energy Report Limited provided technical expertise to navigate Building Regulations Approved Document Part L2. Our experienced team led the technical strategy and compliance modelling, meticulously addressing every regulatory detail.
The Challenge: Navigating Part L2 in a Historic Refurbishment
Universal Consolidated Group’s demanding brief, required an EPC A rating for the entire building, including the new extension and all existing units, necessitating a holistic, fossil-fuel-free energy approach.
Key Part L2 regulatory hurdles included:
- Section 10 (New Elements in Existing Buildings): The 454sqm 4th-floor extension required rigorous compliance specifically Section 10.7 criteria for extensions over 100sqm but under 25% of the existing floor area.
- Section 12 (Consequential Improvements): The project triggered mandatory consequential improvements to the existing structure to enhance overall energy efficiency.
- Decarbonisation: The inefficient gas-fired heating system was replaced with a low-carbon alternative for heating and cooling.
The Solution: A Comprehensive Compliance Strategy
Energy Report Limited provided end-to-end support, delivering actionable, data-driven solutions aligned with the client’s commercial and environmental goals.
1. Advanced Thermal Modelling & Fabric Upgrades
Achieving an EPC A rating and Part L2 compliance necessitated significant thermal envelope improvements. We specified high-performance insulation for the existing structure, seamlessly integrating it with the new 4th-floor’s highly efficient, sustainable structural timber, which alone reduced embodied CO2 emissions by over 85%.
2. Decarbonisation: VRV Technology
Removing the legacy gas heating system was pivotal. We modelled and validated a modern, highly efficient VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) air conditioning system with heat recovery. This system provides responsive, zoned comfort cooling and heating, significantly reducing operational energy consumption and carbon emissions.
3. Renewable Energy: 18kW Solar PV Array
To offset energy demand and ensure Part L2 (Section 10 & 12) compliance, we integrated a substantial 18kW Solar PV system on the new roof. Our dynamic modelling confirmed this array’s contribution to achieving the EPC A rating.
4. Full Part L Compliance & Ongoing Support
Beyond calculations, Energy Report Limited acted as a dedicated compliance partner. We produced a comprehensive Part L compliance pack for both the extension and consequential improvements, providing ongoing technical support to ensure correct installation and project adherence to ambitious energy goals.
Technical Expertise That Delivers Results
The successful refurbishment and extension of Royalty Studios highlight Energy Report Limited’s deep technical knowledge and solution-oriented approach. Navigating Part L2 complexities for existing buildings, we helped Universal Consolidated Group transform an ageing asset into a highly desirable, sustainable commercial space.
Conclusion: Setting a New Standard in Notting Hill
Royalty Studios exemplifies how intelligent design, sustainable materials, and expert thermal modelling revitalise historic buildings. Energy Report Limited provided the technical foundation for this project to achieve an EPC A rating, ensuring efficient, sustainable operation for decades.
FAQs
Q1: What are "Consequential Improvements" under Part L2?
Part L2 (Section 12) mandates “consequential improvements” when extending large existing buildings (>1,000m² useful floor area) or increasing heating/cooling capacity. This requires additional energy efficiency upgrades to the existing building, typically up to 10% of the principal works cost. At Royalty Studios, these were strategically planned to contribute to the EPC A target.
Q2: Why was replacing gas heating with a VRV system crucial for an EPC A rating?
Modern EPC calculations penalise fossil fuels. Replacing the legacy gas system with an electric VRV system with heat recovery provides a highly efficient, low-carbon heat source. Combined with the decarbonising UK electricity grid and on-site Solar PV, this is the most effective route to top-tier EPC ratings in commercial refurbishments.
Q3: How do Part L2 requirements differ for an extension vs. a new build?
Extension rules depend on size relative to the existing building. For Royalty Studios, the extension (>100m², <25% of total area) fell under Section 10 of Part L2. This required demonstrating high standards for the extension’s fabric and services, often necessitating compensatory measures (e.g. Solar PV) due to existing structural constraints.
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