Not a case study about equipment. A case study about trust.
The client initially entrusted the team with the building services for a new retail and office complex. Following the successful operation of the first building, the client returned with a much more challenging task: modernising the neighbouring building, which was already operating daily.
This was a situation in which the technical solution had to account for more than temperature, ventilation rates and controls. It also had to consider the business, tenants, visitors and the fact that the site could not close even for a few days.
The strongest endorsement of engineering quality is a client entrusting the team with a second, more challenging building after the first.
The first building
The new complex had two storeys, a basement level and a complex glazed architectural design. It was fitted with air conditioning, heat recovery ventilation and coordinated control logic.
The system had to operate without an engineer permanently on site. Staff were given an intuitive interface with zone temperatures, day and night modes, operating schedules and the ability to optimise consumption according to tariffs.
A system for people, not a dedicated operator
A retail and office complex does not always have an in-house technical specialist managing indoor conditions every day. The controls were therefore made as simple as possible: the building maintains the required operating modes without turning staff into a control room team.
The first complex operated reliably, kept tenants comfortable and required no complicated daily intervention. This experience formed the basis for the next project.
Second site: upgrading without business interruption
The neighbouring retail complex had an old chiller–fan coil system installed in 2007. Over time, it began to cause familiar problems for the owner: emergency repairs, repeated compressor failures, downtime, tenant complaints and unpredictable maintenance costs.
Replacing the system was technically necessary, but the building remained fully operational. Shops opened every day, tenants served customers, and closing the complex during installation was not an option.
Night-time work programme
We developed a phased programme in which the main installation work took place at night, after the retail premises had closed. Each area was opened up, the old equipment removed, the new equipment installed and the area restored to working order by morning.
After closing
Work began once the shops had closed and visitors had left.
Localised strip-out
Ceilings and services were opened up only in the areas scheduled for work that night.
Installation and connection
System components were installed, services connected and checks carried out.
Testing
Before opening, each area was checked for correct operation and readiness for daytime use.
Restoring the space
Ceilings, walkways and retail areas were cleaned before staff arrived.
No downtime
Tenants did not lose a single trading day as a result of the system upgrade.
Within a few weeks, the operational complex had switched to a new air conditioning and ventilation system without interrupting business operations.
A separate challenge: condensation on glazing
The building had large pyramidal rooflights. During cold weather, condensation formed on the glazed surfaces.
The issue was resolved without structural alterations: the new system provided additional airflow along the glazed surfaces, stabilising indoor conditions in the affected areas.
Unified control of two buildings
Following the upgrade, both complexes were integrated into an intuitive control system. It allows management of zones, schedules, night modes, equipment monitoring and energy optimisation.
For the owner, this means not just a new air conditioning system, but manageable building services infrastructure across two sites.
Result
The client gained stable indoor conditions, simple controls, predictable costs and the ability to operate the properties without the recurring emergencies associated with the old system.
The most important result goes beyond technical specifications. Both buildings have remained under service support for over 12 years, and the engineering solution has proved its quality through years of real-world operation.
The strongest endorsement was not a technical specification, but the client's renewed trust and over 12 years of service support.