Underfloor air distribution boosts efficiency of London redevelopment
The winner of the category for the UK’s finest refurbished or recycled workplace of the inaugural BCO London and South East Awards ceremony includes AET’s Flexible Space underfloor air system as a key part of the building-services installation. Blyth + Blyth specified the underfloor system as part of a building-services contract worth £38 million.
The mixed-use redevelopment of 55 Baker Street, formerly the headquarters of Marks & Spencer, comprises 80 000 m2 of prime office space, alongside retain and residential areas.
To minimise environmental impact, half of the original fabric has been retained, and the project was designed with operational efficiency and flexibility in mind. The carefully considered building-services installation has helped the building achieve higher energy efficiency [BREEAM ‘Excellent’] than a comparable new build.
The Flexible Space system helped overcome height restriction in some of the office areas and also reduces the running costs of the air conditioning. Its energy consumption can be 20 to 30% lower (source BAA/DTZ) than conventional VAV and fan-coil systems. The system also provides flexibility for future reconfiguration of office space.
