Portland Inn Project

Client: Portland Inn Project

The Portland Inn Project is a community-driven initiative in Stoke-on-Trent, transforming a former public house into a vibrant cultural hub. The project aims to create community cohesion and stimulate economic, social, and cultural development within the neighbourhood.

Our design process was collaborative, working closely with Studio Seventi Architecture and the project stakeholders to ensure that the MEP systems aligned with the community’s vision for the space. The building will provide a community arts hub with a large, dividable space allowing one large event or multiple smaller activities to run concurrently, in addition there will be a large kitchen for community cooking classes, a roof terrace for community gardening and some residential space for the building manager and visiting artists.

As the appointed MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Public Health) consultant, BSE3D were responsible for the comprehensive design and integration of the following systems:

· Lighting: We developed an energy-efficient lighting scheme that enhances the building’s architectural features and provides a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

· Small Power: Our design ensured the strategic placement of power outlets and infrastructure to support the diverse activities planned within the cultural hub. Additionally, we carried out the electrical load assessment and liaised with the local DNO to obtain an upgraded incoming supply to ensure the site has sufficient power for their planned equipment and activities.

· Security: Our security design included access control and CCTV to protect the facility and its users.

· Heating and Hot Water: We designed a heating and hot water system to provide comfort throughout the building, with generation from air source heat pumps to ensure both the community and residential areas benefitted from the energy efficient scheme design.

· Ventilation: The ventilation strategy ensures adequate fresh air circulation, maintaining indoor air quality for the health and comfort of all occupants.

· Photovoltaic (PV) Panels: To support the project’s sustainability goals, we integrated solar PV panels to generate on-site renewable energy, reducing the building’s carbon footprint.

This initiative goes beyond just renovating a building—it represents a commitment to revitalising the local area and empowering the community. By providing a welcoming space for arts, education, and social interaction, the project seeks to bridge divides, inspire innovation, and create lasting opportunities for engagement and growth. Its purpose is to create a lasting legacy of shared ownership, cultural enrichment, and social well-being.

Image credit: Studio Seventi Architecture Ltd.