Meeting of Minds

NATURAL LIGHT, fresher air, pleasant temperatures all these factors contribute to a more agreeable retail experience.

At Sylvia Park, multi-disciplinary consulting firm Connell Wagner was responsible for designing mechanical and electrical systems that provide such an experience, while also delivering the best practice in environmentally sustainable design.

"Part of the challenge was maintaining an energy-efficient, high-quality design within the constraints of time, cost and layout changes. The systems we introduced also had to be flexible enough to cater for future operational changes," says Adrian Muir, Connell Wagner's project principal.

Using Integrated Environmental Solutions to model the thermal performance of the building and its systems, Connell Wagner was able to predict environmental conditions and present numerous energy-saving options.

"Using the computer modelling, the building fabric was optimised by balancing capital cost with energy use. For partially conditioned spaces, internal temperatures can be predicted more accurately than in the past. Enhanced modelling enabled KIPT to make informed investment decisions before committing to a solution."

For example, the level of air conditioning was reduced in public areas by relaxing temperature parameters inside the mall, and relying on spill air from the shop interiors.

Other sustainable initiatives include store air conditioning units with a full economy cycle, which add to shopper comfort by allowing 100% fresh air to circulate during milder months; daylighting controls to decrease power consumption; rainwater storage tanks that recycle stormwater for toilet use; an LV bus-bar distribution system improving flexibility while reducing the reliance on copper and PVC; and energy efficient carpark lighting with reduced glare and sky glow, which has the added benefit of improving customer safety.

For more details, contact Connell Wagner, phone (09) 520 6019. Email: cwakl@conwag.com, or visit the website: www.conwag.com.

Story by: Trendsideas