Brunel Engine Shed

The details

Location: High Wycombe
Value: £1,850,000
Size: 12,500 sqft
Duration: 22 weeks

ODGroup was appointed by Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) to deliver the CAT A refurbishment of the Grade II listed Brunel Engine Shed – a historically significant structure that once served the Great Western Railway.

The project involved transforming the building into a flexible, sustainable, and sympathetic space, capable of adapting to a variety of future uses including exhibitions, university events, and community engagement.

The team

Client: Buckinghamshire New University
Project Manager: Zero Carbon QS
Cost Consultant: Worksseven
Photographer: ©James French

List of works:

Alterations to the building.
Installation of a passive ventilation system.
Installation of solar PV’s and improved thermal performance.
Sub-division of interior spaces for exhibition use.
Resin flooring.
A SKA Gold accredited project.
Extensive social value initiatives resulting in 45/45 CCS score.

It can be challenging finding the right contractor to work on listed buildings whilst achieving the highest modern sustainability standards, but The Brunel Engine Shed in High Wycombe, as part of Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) has achieved this with ODGroup at the helm.

By minimising waste, using recycled materials including low-carbon concrete, designing and installed an automated natural ventilation system, plus an all-electric heating system, as well as utilising PV panels and air source heat pumps, the project easily achieved: SKA Gold Rating, EPC A, and produced stunning finishes to this grade II listed building.

It has been a pleasure working with ODGroup on this incredible retrofit project. Seeing how well they integrated the project with BNU's high level of social value by incorporating student visits, university support, and volunteer days has been a pleasure to be a part of, and it's been inspiring to have such a positive impact on the local community.

Colin Nicholson - Client Representative, Buckinghamshire New University at Carbon Zero QS

ODInteriors, CAT A Refurbishment - Higher Education Grade II Listed Heritage Brunel Engine Shed for Buckinghamshire New University Red Brick Large Glazing ODGroup, London

Heritage considerations

Our delivery approach centred around flexibility and futureproofing, while remaining respectful to the site’s original character and historical features.

A key design feature was the resin floor, subtly embedded with pale track lines – a nod to the building’s original purpose as an engine shed. This subtle detailing

respects the building’s heritage while providing a clean, modern finish suitable for a variety of uses.

We retained and refurbished structural elements including steel beams and roof trusses, maintaining their authentic industrial appearance while ensuring compliance with modern safety and usability standards.

Challenges

A key challenge was drying the screed for the resin floor during the cold winter months. Heating the space risked cracking the surface, so we carefully balanced warmth and ventilation to allow a controlled and gradual cure — a complex process requiring constant on-site monitoring and adjustments.

Sustainability and innovation

At ODGroup, we pride ourselves on delivering projects where quality and innovation go hand in hand, and our fit-out of the Brunel Engine Shed is a standout example.

Originally designed in 1854 by the legendary Isambard Kingdom Brunel for the Great Western Railway, this Grade II listed building now stands as a revitalised and sustainable landmark next to High Wycombe Station.

We’re proud to share that the project comfortably achieved SKA Gold, proving that with thoughtful planning and responsible construction, even heritage buildings can hit the top tier of environmental and social performance.

Achieving SKA Gold requires meeting a broad set of sustainability benchmarks. Some of the project’s standout innovations included: low-carbon M&E systems, gyvlon liquid flowing screed, circular materials, biophilic design and adaptive reuse of materials.

Read our full sustainability case study here. →

Social value and community engagement

Generating meaningful social value was a key driver for Buckinghamshire New University, and ODGroup worked closely with the university’s community engagement team to ensure outcomes aligned with local needs and opportunities.

A comprehensive plan was developed and delivered, focused on education, employability, and community resilience including: onsite apprentices, university site visits for BNU students interested in construction careers, ‘A Day in the Life’ with organisation Build the Way ad volunteering days organised with Chiltern Rangers to name a few.

Thanks to the strength and delivery of these initiatives, the project earned a 45/45 score under the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS)—full marks across the categories of workforce care, environmental protection, and community engagement.

Read our full social value case study here. →

Result

This project was only possible thanks to a collaborative effort between our in-house delivery team, Buckinghamshire New University, and the lead client representative Zero Carbon QS.

The completed Brunel Engine Shed is a flexible, characterful space that celebrates its industrial past while supporting the evolving needs of BNU. It is currently used for exhibitions and will support future academic and public events in the years to come — a carefully restored landmark, ready for its next chapter.