The Archway Centre, Bath
Refurbishment of Historic Victorian Spa Buildings in Central Bath.
This project transformed former Victorian spa buildings in the heart of Bath into a new World Heritage Centre and Learning Centre. Designed for school and community groups, the Learning Centre features three state-of-the-art classrooms and an interactive investigation zone set among authentic Roman remains. Visitors can also explore a reconstructed Roman gym and sauna, seamlessly connected to The Roman Baths via a vaulted undercroft at the original Roman ground level.
Environmental proposals make use of the existing hot spring water to help heat the building and uses an existing chimney from the building’s original use as a laundry, to provide natural ventilation into deep plan spaces. We worked closely with the architect to ensure the main spaces are naturally daylit so electric usage for lighting was minimised.
Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the project demanded meticulous attention to detail. The M&E design was carefully developed to be both functional and sympathetic to the historic character of the building, with services discreetly concealed to preserve its architectural integrity.
The project was awarded a Civic Trust Award in 2023.
“The many parties involved in conceiving, commissioning, delivering and operating the project deserve to be congratulated.”
