Our ability to deliver a custom HVAC solution has helped us play a pivotal role in Kurt Geiger’s latest store concept at Bicester Village.
The high-end footwear and accessories brand is known for its bold use of colour, with the rainbow firmly embedded in its identity. As part of a new interior concept designed to reflect that brand story, its flagship outlet at Bicester Village has been reimagined, right down to the ventilation.
Working with Apple Technical Solutions, our high-capacity linear slot diffusers proved to be the only viable answer to a number of design and installation challenges.
Apple needed to ensure a draught-free, comfortable internal environment suitable for a luxury retail space, while overcoming ducting routed through a mezzanine and bulkhead that restricted both the number and positioning of diffusers. To achieve the required airflow and air change rates, while reflecting Kurt Geiger’s design ethos, a unique, bespoke high-capacity diffuser was required.
Aesthetics were a critical element of the HVAC design. The design team wanted a linear diffuser with a single slot to keep the system as unobtrusive as possible. It also needed to be custom colour-matched to Kurt Geiger’s corporate pale pink.
On site, Apple tailor-made the framing and ductwork to ensure a precise, accurate fit. The installation was completed with 12 metre runs of linear slot diffuser fitted into the sidewalls of the main shop area, using our standard concealed bracket.
As Andrew Searle, Director at Apple Technical Solutions, explains:
“Gilberts is, to our knowledge, the only company that offers a single slot high-capacity linear slot diffuser. It was an added bonus that Gilberts has the capability in-house to provide a bespoke solution, colour-matching to the designated RAL.”
Delivering airflow of up to 150 l/s/m, our high-capacity linear slot diffuser (HSL) achieves its performance through a wider slot gap. A discreet control vane allows the airflow to be directed left, right, horizontally or vertically.
As the UK’s leading independent HVAC manufacturer, we have designed the diffuser to balance architectural requirements with air movement performance. Its modern styling includes a concealed alignment clip, enabling long runs with a clean, unbroken appearance, whether installed in straight lines or curves.
The unique design of the diffuser also allows it to be shaped into an arc without detriment to performance or the need for blanking or dummy sections, while still providing full horizontal airflow adjustment.
Kurt Geiger is just one retail brand to benefit from our air distribution expertise. Our solutions are also specified within Louis Vuitton outlets and Land Rover’s Mayfair showroom in London.
Specsavers has also taken advantage of our bespoke capability. For one of its training centres, we designed a personalised face plate inspired by an optician’s eye chart for the swirl diffusers.
We are able to deliver this level of bespoke solution because, throughout our 60-plus years of experience, we have continued to invest in advanced manufacturing and R&D facilities at our 140,000 sq ft head office. Our computer-controlled powder coating line enables precise matching of any BS or RAL colour, with full powder recycling integrated into the process as part of our commitment to sustainability.
Our philosophy of nurturing talent and supporting our people to be their best means our team consistently goes the extra mile to help customers find the right solution within their specification criteria, confident in our technical and manufacturing capability to deliver both standard and bespoke options.
Today, we are recognised as the UK’s leading independent provider of air distribution solutions that work with design aesthetics across industry sectors, from high-end retail through commercial environments to hospitality and waste management.
Our team is always available to help with your next project. Reach out today to discuss more.
