The Requirement
A higher education client approached RCRProjects to address ongoing environmental control challenges within a 1960s academic building. An increasing student population had placed additional demand on the facility, exposing limitations within the existing heating, ventilation and cooling infrastructure.
The building relied on ageing air handling units, heating coils and tempered fresh air systems, supported by concrete risers serving six primary building cores. Combined with single-glazed windows and an evolving climate, the existing infrastructure was no longer capable of consistently meeting heating and cooling demands across occupied spaces.
As a result, the client required a practical and sustainable solution that would improve occupant comfort, support operational performance and provide a long-term approach to managing environmental conditions within the building.
Review
RCRProjects reviewed the building’s existing mechanical services infrastructure to understand the causes of poor environmental control and occupant discomfort.
The assessment identified ageing plant, building fabric limitations and increasing occupancy demands as key factors affecting performance. Consequently, the client gained clarity on the risks, performance limitations and investment priorities associated with the existing system.
Advise
Based on our findings, RCRProjects provided independent technical advice and recommended the design and installation of a modern VRF/VRV system.
As a result, the proposed solution would improve environmental control, enhance energy performance and reduce reliance on ageing infrastructure.. Our recommendations focused on improving occupant comfort, supporting long-term efficiency and providing a scalable solution capable of meeting future occupancy demands.
The design was developed to work within the constraints of the existing building while maximising the benefits of modern HVAC technology.
Support
Through our Review > Advise > Support approach, RCRProjects provided technical leadership from concept design through to implementation and commissioning.
Working closely with the client, contractors and stakeholders, we coordinated delivery across multiple workstreams. Additionally, we provided ongoing technical oversight throughout the project.
This ensured the project was delivered safely, effectively and with minimal disruption to building operations.
The Solution
The new VRF/VRV system provides reliable heating and cooling throughout the building, improving occupant comfort, operational performance and energy efficiency. Furthermore, the upgrade has reduced reliance on ageing infrastructure and created a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for the future.
As a result, the client now benefits from:
- Improved environmental control and occupant comfort.
- Enhanced operational performance and energy efficiency.
- Reduced risk associated with ageing building services.
- A safe, sustainable and affordable solution aligned with long-term estate objectives.
Ultimately, this project demonstrates how RCRProjects combines trusted technical advice, practical support and clear solutions to help clients establish control of risk, performance and cost across their Built Environment.
As a result, the client achieved a safe, sustainable and affordable outcome.
