Engineering Heritage and Innovation: Alba's Full Design and Build Solution

We were proud to deliver a comprehensive design and build solution for Alba, set within a stunning listed property in Market Square, St. Peter Port – now one of the island’s most exciting new dining destinations.

From the outset, we recognised that this would be a project requiring both technical precision and sensitivity to heritage. The building retains original features, including the very old and listed butchery wall tiles, which could not be altered. The challenge was to deliver a complete air conditioning, ventilation, and kitchen extract system that would serve two kitchens – one in the basement and one open-plan at ground level – all while preserving the building’s protected fabric.

Having previously worked with Dave, the owner of Alba, we were brought in early to help shape a solution that would respect both the building and the brief. Close collaboration with StudiO, the architects, was key – particularly when they developed the concept of a freestanding steel framework in the open kitchen. This structure became the backbone for all our services, allowing them to be suspended without fixings into any listed walls or surfaces.

C8 designed the entire mechanical services system to work seamlessly within this framework, integrating ventilation, extraction, and air conditioning, while making use of existing ductwork where possible. Everything was carefully cleaned, surveyed, and reused by Greg Zimmerman’s team, and a new roof-mounted fan was installed, precisely matched to the updated demand.

This project brought together the best of what we do: smart design, heritage sensitivity, and close partnership with an exceptional architectural team. We’re proud to have played a role in bringing Dave’s vision for Alba to life.