A synergy between contemporary and heritage achieved by Gilberts

Through refining state of the art technology, Gilberts has played a vital role in helping bring a Grade II listed building into the 21st century.

The 98,000 square ft Arkwright House has undergone a £16m upgrade by Catalyst Capital, whereby seven floors and a basement of premium quality open office space have been created.

One of the big issues faced at the Manchester city centre building of national interest was how to provide adequate provisions of fresh air throughout the building, with no draughts; bearing in mind the finished soffits are more than three metres high.

Gilberts, the UK’s leading air movement specialist, provided a solution to the issue, with over 700 of its patented GZL linear diffusers used.

Catalyst and its M&E consultant Crookes Walker Consulting worked with Gilberts to prove the design using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling, before specifying the diffusers. The collaborative approach was instrumental in winning the order.

Gilberts’ Sales Director Ian Rogers commented: “The aim at Arkwright House has been to deliver Grade A office space in the heart of Manchester.

“One of the main architectural features is the inclusion of a rafted ceiling system, to expose the original beams yet conceal the building services – including the ventilation ducting – and give a sense of space that a conventional suspended ceiling would not be able to match.

“The GZL could deliver the high air volumes required. With our technical expertise and in-house R&D and engineering capabilities, we were able to further refine our technologically-advanced design to ensure it could be seamlessly integrated into a non-standard ceiling system.”

Gilberts’ GZL high induction (Zipp Air) diffuser uses a unique cross-flow high induction jet to create semi-circular air distribution. This accelerates mixing with the room air, whilst causing rapid deceleration in air discharge.

Contact:

Gilberts of Blackpool,
Gilair Works,
Clifton Road,
Blackpool,
FY4 40T

Phone: 01253 766911
Fax: 01253 767941

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