The new Theatr Clwyd- Wales’ largest producing theatre- will deliver “ultimate comfort and entertainment” through a substantial eco-friendly redevelopment. Gilberts Blackpool is playing a ‘behind-the-scenes’ role in achieving that objective.

Originally built in 1976 and Grade II listed, the structure was in urgent need of reconfiguration and upgrading to be fit for purpose as a home to showcase Welsh talent. To fulfil architect Haworth Tompkins’ sustainable design- the project is targeted with BREEAM very good and potentially carbon positive- main contractor Gilbert Ash assigned Vaughan Engineering Services to deliver the atmosphere.

The new building predominantly uses natural ventilation, supplemented with low energy mechanical systems to ensure all areas of the building remain fresh, all modelled in advance by Vaughan Engineering Services to validate performance.

To optimise air intake and exhaust into the building, Gilberts’ high-performance louvres have been fitted around the façade, into brickwork and ductwork terminals. Air is delivered into the new internal spaces via approx. 250 of Gilberts’ patented high induction linear diffusers. In the auditoria, the diffusers have been strategically concealed in the vertical risers of the tiered seating.

Using unique crossflow air distribution, the GZL linear diffuser units can deliver high volumes of air- up to 25 air changes/hour. The incoming air mixes rapidly within the zone yet discharge velocity quickly falls off thereby maintaining normal comfort conditions without causing distracting draughts for the audience, enabling their full enjoyment.

Geoff Houston, Project Manager for Vaughan Engineering Services, commented, “Gilberts supported us with a lot of validation work on airflow and pressure drop to ensure the natural ventilation strategy would work- that the louvres would help deliver and exhaust the high volumes of air involved.

“Inside the building, with so many diverse spaces, we have used literally thousands of grilles and diffusers. The auditoria were a concern: to maintain a fresh, comfortable environment in a large space that is empty much of the time and then subjected to significant load when occupied. It is difficult to achieve the balance of high air change without draughts using conventional diffuser designs. Gilberts’ GZL specialist diffuser meant the conditions we required could be accommodated within normal comfort conditions.”

All Gilberts’ products- standard lines and bespoke solutions- are designed and developed in accordance with BS EN ISO 9001:2015 quality standard in the company’s state of the art 140,000 ft² facility in Blackpool. The company has its own state-of-the-art test facility, including an air movement laboratory and specialist CFD and BIM software suites, giving customers unrivalled technical support and specification validation.