Created: 30th September, 2026
Adam has over 12 years of experience working as a consultant in the construction industry, delivering building services design solutions for new and existing buildings, across all sectors.
He has extensive knowledge on working both, client side with developers on large residential and industrial schemes but has also delivered retrofit building services projects in education estates, collaborating with stakeholders throughout the design stages.
Adam’s key focus is leading the building services design team to deliver innovative solutions to Barker’s client base across the education, residential and commercial sectors.
Barker is proud to announce our involvement in a significant redevelopment project that will help address the growing need for affordable accommodation for key workers in Somerset.
Our MEP team has delivered RIBA Stage 4 technical design services for the transformation of Block C at County Hall in Taunton, supporting Principal Contractor BSN Group as part of a wider multidisciplinary team that includes developer Prime Plc, operator Hyve, and architects AHR.
The project will convert a redundant office building into modern apartments dedicated to NHS employees and other essential key workers.
The redevelopment represents a sustainable approach to meeting local housing needs by repurposing existing building stock rather than constructing entirely new accommodation.
Located at County Hall, close to Vivary Park and less than a mile from Musgrove Park Hospital, the scheme has been designed to provide high-quality homes in a convenient location for healthcare professionals and other frontline workers. The completed development will deliver 111 residences across approximately 4,600 square metres of space, including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom homes.
The project responds to a challenge faced by many communities across the UK: attracting and retaining key workers in areas where housing affordability can be a significant barrier. By creating dedicated accommodation close to major employers and public services, the scheme will help support the people who play a vital role in keeping local communities functioning.
Barker’s MEP team was appointed to deliver RIBA Stage 4 technical design services on behalf of BSN Group.
Working closely with the contractor, developer and wider consultant team, our specialists developed the detailed MEP designs required to support the building’s conversion from office space into modern residential accommodation. This included coordinating building services solutions within the constraints of an existing structure while ensuring the development can provide comfortable, efficient and compliant living spaces for future residents.
The project demonstrates the value of strong multidisciplinary collaboration in delivering successful retrofit and adaptive reuse schemes, particularly where existing buildings are being transformed to meet entirely different requirements.
Once complete, the accommodation will be operated by the not-for-profit provider Hyve. The development will provide an important resource for NHS staff and other frontline professionals working across the region.
The scheme is expected to make a meaningful contribution to addressing workforce recruitment and retention challenges. For many key workers, access to affordable housing can be a deciding factor when choosing where to live and work – and developments like this help create stronger, more resilient communities by supporting the people who deliver essential public services every day.
Beyond the housing benefits, the project also demonstrates how existing public sector assets can be reimagined and repurposed to create lasting social value.
By transforming an underutilised office building into much-needed homes, the redevelopment avoids the environmental impacts associated with demolition and new-build construction while extending the useful life of an existing asset.
Planning approval has been secured, with construction expected to commence later in 2026 and the first residents anticipated to move in during spring 2028.
We are delighted to have supported this important project and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on key workers, local services and the wider Taunton community.
