On this occasion, Arce Clima engaged in a climate control and fire protection project in one of the biggest fashion stores in Oxford (Westgate Mall). The commercial premises to be acclimatised cover over 3668 square metres.
With consolidated experience in this type of commercial premises, each new project brings new challenges for us. That is why we take care of previous phases prior to project execution in order to provide the best solutions and increase facilities performance.
THE CHALLENGE: SPACE CONSTRAINTS
Arce Clima was responsible for the supply and installation of the full commercial premises and associated infrastructure.
The design itself became the first obstacle we had to face: lack of space for ventilated brackets made us find a bespoke solution to squeeze the raisers.
Lack of height in certain areas of the store was another issue Arce Clima had to overcome: this time, our Engineering managed to come up with a tailored solution with perfect coordination between steel ducts and smoke extraction fans.
In terms of legislation, rules about smoke extraction concerning work permits, air circulation…etc. are really strict in the UK. That became another critical point during the project which somehow limited the operation.
THE INSTALLATION IN DETAIL
Arce Clima commenced project works in February 2017 for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance. Works comprised of:
- 11 outdoor units
- 20 indoor units
- 1 heat recovery system
- 1 smoke extraction fan
Due to limited height in the premises, Arce Clima opted to install majorly underfloor units which were placed behind the walls. This allowed for a larger space within the store increasing height and letting our HVAC division have a better access to work area.
Duct works were not easy either, especially in areas where smoke extraction fans and climate control ducts coincided. We started the assembly fitting them into the existing beams and false ceiling. Finally, our Engineering team was perfectly coordinate with our HVAC division onsite thus we managed to adapt to the existing space and reach areas that seamed inaccessible at the beginning of the project.
The whole installation is currently controlled by a BMS system which allows for fully functional control from a tactile screen located in the electric room. Furthermore, this equipment allows the client to use remote control to verify premises temperature, equipment performance… etc
UK COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT
The legal framework for the installation services in the UK can be seen throughout this project. Not only the British regulation is really demanding for this type of projects but also project calculations must be approved by the Fire Brigade Chief, the Consulting and the Mall.
Once the project calculations have been approved, design of the installation must be also verified by the parties mentioned above. Development of works was tough and complex, since the British government is highly rigorous for Fire Protection installations. Inspections were exhaustive and persistent. However, they approved the first time without any objection by the Fire Marshall and Fire Brigade Chief.
Finally, the project was completed on time, on budget and with a high level of occupant comfort.