International. An innovative underfloor air conditioning system has made it possible to preserve the key features of the period in the renovation of the Grade 2 building, 24 St James Square. The British company AET Flexible Space provided an underfloor air conditioning system that adapts to the existing space under an elevated access floor, thus eliminating the need for any ceiling-based ductwork and the need for a lower ceiling.
One of the main challenges presented by the renovation of 24 St James Square was the need to simultaneously preserve the building's key architectural features, such as the original roofs and windows, while providing flexible, modern and premium office space that meets the requirements of incoming tenants. This is a challenge that simply could not have been met with a superior air conditioning system. The remodeling of office interiors on all levels was driven by the quest to maximize floor space and make the most of views from the dual-aspect interior.
The system was perfectly suited to this complex project because it eliminates the need for roof-based services and associated ducts and pipes, while maximizing floor-to-ceiling heights. The underfloor heating system also creates a brighter, airier office environment, and also means that amenities can be maintained at an easily accessible level.
Installing a ducted top air conditioning system would have taken up valuable space on each floor, as well as covering the building's original ceilings and creating uncomfortable joints where the heads of the windows would meet the suspended ceiling grilles.
M&E consultant for the project, Vic Holloway, of Edward Pearce LLP, commented: "At the beginning of the design process, it was clear that the renovation presented significant challenges in delivering fully serviced accommodation and maintaining respectable floor-to-ceiling heights. AET's downstream units quickly stood out as the obvious candidate for several reasons, including the absolute minimum requirement for floor vacuum height and offering excellent cooling, heating and ventilation distribution evenly across the floor while reducing energy consumption."
A key goal for the renovation was to design and build a flexible workspace that could adapt to changing needs in the future. AET's UfAC systems provide much greater flexibility than ceiling-based air conditioning systems. Once a ceiling air conditioning system is installed, it is not possible to easily reposition the fans.
The installed system is inherently flexible, modular in design and installed at floor level, facilitating installation, maintenance and reorganization to adapt to the changing needs of the workspace. AET FantilesTM can be easily relocated, offering great savings when reconfiguring and adapting the workspace.
