Each of the projects done by Arce Clima is a new challenge for the team who works hard in each of the project phases to provide an optimal outcome as well as meeting the deadline. This installation in the UK is probably one of the most complex projects done so far, in terms of building structure and its morphology.

The team had to deal with the project with extreme precautions trying to maximise relevance of the planning phase in order to provide the best potential outcome adapting the project needs to the peculiarities of the building structure.

 

A detailed planning phase is key to addressing potential difficulties

In order to meet all the technical demands this project had, it was necessary to incorporate several types of installations: different climate control systems, air changes, smoke ways… When the project started, the need of planning every single detail for the project was instantly detected due to complexity of the installation.

On one hand, the premises themselves were already so challenging due to the lack of height. This issue along with some space constraints made the work so much harder.

This installation required 17 outdoor units and 30 indoor units as well as a heat recovery system. For the placement of the outdoor units, a crane was needed. This work, a priori, should not bring any issue other that the work itself. However, the lack of space to place the crane plus the heaviness of the outdoor units made the task quite challenging. An iron walkway had to be built along the terrace so that the required materials could be carried around effectively to the final location.

 

Exhaustive Fire Protection in the UK

The British government is very demanding when it comes to any Fire Protection procedure, thus we had to be even more scrupulous and meticulous in this subject.

First of all, the installation was tackled with a very detailed planning, which included exhaustive calculations, duct dimensions, size and location of the air extractor… The complexity of the works, design and legalisation became so important that many companies were involved in the project considering the extra difficulty of coordinating so many different people.

The severity of the legalisation phase became an extra difficulty turn to the planning one. Once the calculations have been done, the Fire Brigade Chief, the building’s owner and the consulting have to authorise them. These organisms are responsible for making periodic and exhaustive checks ups, which require an optimal coordination in order for the project to done according to the plan.

It should not go unnoticed the fact that all the tests were passed and approved by the Fire Brigade Chief so the installation of all smoke exhaust system was done as provided by the team.

 

Air renewal and control of installations

Specifications of the premises regarding air renewal required the installation of a VRV system with heat recovery. These effective systems condition the installation in terms of space thus its placement has to be carefully studied in order to not hinder the installation.

Incorporating this VRV system to the surface was quite demanding. It had to be disassembled and assembled again once it was already inside the premises. In order to maximise the control of the installation, a tactile screen system was incorporated in the electric room. Thanks to this system, the client is able to control the installation remotely from a computer from anywhere in the world as well as to check its temperature o receive diagnosis on a periodic basis about the state of the installation.

 

Teamwork to overcome architectonic barriers

Optimisation of installations in premises with space constraints is one the most critical points we have to deal with when it comes to start a complex project. Due to the low height of the premises, it was opted for installing the majority of units in vertical impulsion. After having so many meetings between the project team and the installers, it was decided to place them behind the walls to leverage space utilisation.

This placement of the installations allowed for a height gain in the premises as well as all the units can have an optimal access and a decent space for its installation and handling.

Complexity of the height issue was extended to the ducts due to position of the pillars made even harder to reach certain areas of the premises. Again, teamwork was key to overcome these issues. Coordination between employees allowed for a better adaption to the environment so that certain areas that seemingly were unattainable in the beginning were finally reached.

The project was finally delivered on time and is working properly, which along with the added value it was provided taught us a new lesson regarding the British procedures.

 

Would you like to learn more about this project? Is there any specific point you would like us to tell you about? Stay tuned and feel free to leave a comment below!