Dorset County Museum – Dorchester

Dorset County Museum closed its doors at the end of 2018 and moved out all its exhibits in to storage. Main Contractor Acheson Construction Ltd carried out a multi-million pound redevelopment, complete with new galleries, a learning centre, storage for the collections, a library and visitor facilities. Watertite carried out the full mechanical upgrade of all new gallery close control systems, general and natural ventilation systems, boilers and heating systems and domestic water services. The new Museum will become a cultural destination at the heart of Dorset’s community.

Initially over-budget, Watertite collaborated with the main contractor and the client to provide value engineering solutions to reduce cost, whilst ensuring that all necessary design criteria was met. Watertite engaged the design consultancy services of Houghton Greenlees Associates to further develop and collaborate. The result was an affordable scheme, which utilised a Close Control Unit system for the main exhibition gallery.

Natural Ventilation was incorporated in the form of strategically positioned actuator-controlled louvres with LTHW heater batteries. New gas fired boilers were installed to supply UFH Heating laid in the reinforced concrete slab, on the 4 floors of the new build, and radiators in the existing areas.

A basic BMS Control system was installed, in line with the client’s request to keep things simple and user friendly.