It’s challenging enough to coordinate a commercial air conditioning project which includes supply and installation while working with other trades. But throw a global pandemic into the mix, and the challenge becomes next level.
Our team was faced with this unique situation during the construction of a bespoke three-block residential apartment complex on Lake Macquarie’s water’s edge.
Our input into the project began in May 2020, just as Australia was coming to terms with the global Coronavirus pandemic.
Being classified as ‘essential workers’ during the unprecedented time meant business as usual for our team. Albeit it, with the need to quickly understand and manage social distancing requirements, the guidelines around the wearing of masks, and the provision of hand sanitiser throughout the site.
The added challenge of installing ducted air conditioning units in each room of every apartment with a ceiling height of 2.7m also needed to be managed within the 12 month build timeline.
Finding the solution for the commercial air conditioning project
The project was not a run-of-the-mill apartment development. It was the ultimate in luxury waterfront living with each of its one, two, and three-bedroom residences featuring a unique floorplan and no two apartments the same.
The development also included the installation of an elevator, internal stairwell, basement storage and parking for 93 vehicles.
Each apartment was fitted with its own ducted air conditioning that could be adjusted for each room, allowing for precise temperature control through the different rooms.
The high ceilings were a deliberate feature designed to create a sense of space and light and a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors. A key lifestyle feature and major selling point were four-metre-wide balconies and external terraces.
Generally, apartments that feature ducted air conditioning have systems installed on balconies. This project required a high-end finish that would appeal to discerning buyers wanting to take full advantage of the uninterrupted views across Lake Macquarie.
The commercial air conditioning team delivers the goods with Mitsubishi ducted air conditioning system
We supplied and installed 167 Mitsubishi Electric VRF units on the roof of the apartment block as opposed to the individual apartment balconies. The result was no loss of total floorspace the house the unit and a clean, uncluttered balcony space.
In addition to the apartment units, we were responsible for the supply and installation of the basement car parking exhaust, the monitoring system, and switchboards.
For such a challenging build during such an unprecedented time, our commercial installation team, under the guidance of site foreman Nathan Dains and electrical lead Ryan Bull completed the job on time and with little hassle. Nothing phased us.
We welcome enquiries from commercial developers about large scale ducted air conditioning projects.