Guest Blog: How did Elta help to provide weatherproof ventilation units for Barn Elms sports centre?

A guest blog by Kevin Miller, Sales Manager at Mechanical Air Supplies

The challenge

The London sewerage network is undergoing a significant upgrade, with a substantial amount of infrastructure works taking place across London. The construction of the Thames Tideway Tunnel (TTT) is one such example, which requires access to the West Putney Storm Relief (CSO) and meant a worksite had to be located at the nearby Barn Elms Sports Centre.

As a result, the changing rooms had to be removed, but rather than see this as a negative, it was decided to use this as an opportunity to upgrade, ultimately making the facilities more sustainable and pleasant for occupants. When we (Mechanical Air Supplies) were tasked with providing a bespoke ventilation system, we knew that Elta’s Air Design range would be up to the task.

The solution

In response to the brief, Elta’s Air Design team supplied five bespoke PREMA air handling units (AHUs), which allowed the changing rooms to be more energy and cost-efficient, thanks to a number of distinct features. The PREMA unit has a heat/coolth recovery mode, operating as a heating system and as a cooling system while providing excellent air quality. This was crucial, as the changing rooms needed to be as comfortable as possible for the sports centre members, and temperature plays a big role in that.

The system is also cleverly automated and senses when the room is empty, allowing it to adjust itself to reduce its energy consumption with the KINARTICO Control System. This is sustainable, smart, and highly cost-effective, providing the ultimate balance between air quality and thermal comfort.

Size constraints posed a further challenge, and the decision was made to install the AHUs onto the roof of the changing rooms. This meant that Elta had to create a weatherproof version of the PREMA unit, which involved external changes such as the introduction of a new base frame. The design team also opted for a new material, changing from galvanised steel to water and corrosion resistant GreenCoat MICE BT.

The outcome

With a speedy and efficient turn-around time of just under eight weeks, the five bespoke AHUs were delivered to MAS, ready for external mounting. Weatherproofed and ready to provide optimal IAW and thermal comfort, the PREMA units were ideal for the Barn Elms Sports Centre changing rooms.

Challenge completed.