Case study Serpentine Galleries

Background

The Serpentine Galleries are two world renowned contemporary art galleries located in Kensington Gardens, central London. Comprising of the Serpentine Gallery and the Serpentine Sackler Gallery, they are linked by a bridge over the Serpentine Lake after which they are named. Their exhibitions, architecture, education and public programmes attract up to 1.2 million visitors each year.

Brief

To provide comprehensive planned and reactive, mechanical and electrical maintenance solutions, whilst meeting the demanding expectations of both client and artists showcasing their work, within the constraining parameters presented by the buildings’ Grade II listings.

Summary of works provided

Provision of M&E planned & reactive maintenance services within galleries and ancillary offices, including:

• Gas boilers & gas fired appliances
• AC & chiller units
• Pump sets
• AHUs & ventilation equipment
• Water hygiene & plumbing services
• HV/LV systems
• Fire alarm systems
• Standby generators
• Lightning protection systems
• Emergency lighting
• High mast lighting
• General display lighting

Both the Serpentine Gallery and the Serpentine Sackler Gallery are Grade II listed buildings, one being a former tea pavilion and the other a gunpowder store. The galleries hold charity status and our client is always looking for ways to further reduce the running costs of the buildings, whilst keeping the environments to strict tolerances to safeguard the works of art and museum artefacts on display.

Evotech rises to the challenge to meet the demanding expectations of both client and artists showcasing their work at the galleries. Our engineers have devised a robust maintenance regime to keep both galleries running to the specified conditions in-line with SFG20, and upgrade services to more energy efficient systems, as installed equipment reaches the end of its lifespan.

At the heart of our service provision lies building performance, and we are always looking at ways we can reduce building operation and running costs and lower harmful emissions. We recently upgraded the lighting within the Serpentine Gallery to LED lamps, significantly reducing running costs whilst improving display lighting within public areas.

Both galleries regularly update their exhibition spaces, and Evotech supports this work ensuring that HVAC, lighting and electrical supply meet the exacting requirements of the artists exhibiting their work, whilst making sure the Galleries remain safe and compliant.

With a dedicated mobile engineer for both galleries we ensure continuity of critical services, reducing the risk of downtime or disruption to the visitor experience.