The Dorchester Hotel, London

The Dorchester is one of London’s most prestigious five-star luxury hotels, located in the heart of Mayfair and renowned for its world-class service and high-end accommodation. Any upgrade or refurbishment within such an environment demands exceptional levels of planning, discretion, and technical precision to ensure guest experience is never compromised.

Hensall was appointed to deliver a complex mechanical services package as part of a wider coordinated project team, with responsibility spanning design development through to commissioning and handover. A key challenge was working within an operational luxury hotel environment, where works had to be carefully phased to minimise disruption to guests and maintain the hotel’s exacting standards.

The design phase required close collaboration with the project team, including the production of detailed working drawings, site setup planning, procurement coordination, and full documentation including O&M manuals and staff training requirements. Ensuring all systems were fully integrated and maintainable within a live hotel environment added further complexity to the design process.

The mechanical scope involved significant upgrades to existing infrastructure, including the installation of LTHW and chilled water fan coil units serving guest rooms and corridors. New domestic water services were installed to bathrooms and powder rooms, fed from existing risers, alongside the installation of new sanitary ware and showers throughout.

Additional challenges included modifications to above-ground drainage systems and the installation of new ventilation systems to all bedrooms, including MFDS arrangements, as well as dedicated bathroom extract ventilation. New LTHW and CHW risers were also installed throughout the building, requiring careful coordination within constrained riser spaces.

Integration with building systems added further complexity, particularly the interface between the BMS and Lutron lighting system, which required precise coordination to ensure seamless operation. Additional works included system flushing, chlorination, and full thermal insulation to ensure compliance, performance, and long-term efficiency.