Clever choices have helped balance interior design and worker comfort in the refurbishment of a 1970s office block.
To optimise a feeling of light and space for 4,500 staff, the ceilings have been exposed across the five storeys of the building. The design predetermined the choice of swirl diffusers to provide ventilation within but threw up the issue of ensuring compliant airflow and air distribution in relation to occupancy levels.
Our solution, which addressed the core issues and further helped realise the objective of the refurbished building achieving net zero carbon, was to supply our ThermAstute® adjustable swirl diffusers (GSJA-T) alongside its conventional fixed swirls (GSF).
GSJA-T ThermAstute® diffusers sense variations in the internal air supply temperature from the preset. Without any electrical input they intelligently adjust the airflow direction vertically or horizontally to maintain the predetermined comfort level. The process happens within seconds, before employees have felt any change in temperature. ThermAstute® speed of reaction pre-empts firing of the heating/cooling system and therefore saving energy.
To further ensure indoor air quality and comfort for the staff, a perforated face plate has been fitted to the swirl diffusers. The effect on the swirls’ airflow balances the air change requirements for the internal spaces whilst dissipating the air throw to avoid conflicting airstreams, buffeting and draughts.
Explained Mark Davis, “To deliver the number of air changes required to ensure compliance with occupancy levels, we needed a high concentration of diffusers. Occupant comfort should always be a priority, so we came up with the idea of using our new ThermAstute® variation and fitting a perforated face plate to optimise consistency of the internal temperature and regulate the air stream. As a result, we’ve achieved a draught-free yet fresh and comfortable working environment.”
This was another wonderful and rewarding project to be a part of and a fantastic example of how our innovation continues to improve air distribution throughout the country. Click here to learn more about our ThermAstute® range.
