CIAT Supplies AHUs for Sustainable Garsington Studios
CIAT has announced its successful completion of a project supplying three CLIMACIAT® AIRACCESS Air Handling Units (AHUs) for the new, state-of-the-art Garsington Studios. This project highlights CIAT's commitment to sustainability and expertise in delivering tailored HVAC solutions for complex construction projects. CIAT UK is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.
Garsington Studios, part of Garsington Opera, is nestled in the scenic Chiltern Hills and is a greenfield project committed to renewable energy sources, aiming to be a beacon of sustainable design. However, the project presented unique challenges. The greenfield site and unpredictable weather conditions made logistics and on-site work difficult, impacting material delivery and scheduling. To mitigate these challenges, CIAT's team proactively managed the project in phases to ensure the installation stayed on track despite the adverse conditions.
The Studios' acoustic and thermal requirements were stringent, demanding precise control over noise levels and temperatures across multiple rooms, including recording studios and the main auditorium. These concerns were addressed with acoustically lined plenums and ducting, meeting stringent noise ratings (NR) and minimising ventilation noise to create an optimal acoustic environment for performances and recordings.
"CIAT's AHUs were selected for their competitive pricing, fast lead times, and advanced features," said Chris Harrington, Project Manager at mechanical design and build contractors, Arcade UK. "Their built-in noise attenuation ensures minimal disruption during rehearsals by achieving a supply air noise level of 58 dBA and enabling a Noise Rating standard of 15 (NR15)."
Additionally, a thermal wheel used for heat recovery significantly reduces energy costs by capturing heat from extracted air and transferring it to incoming fresh air. Furthermore, a free cooling mode enhances energy efficiency by bypassing the energy-intensive cooling cycle during milder weather, using fresh, untreated outdoor air to cool the space.
"We are proud to have played a part in bringing Garsington Studios to life," said Dan Wood, Head of Sales for CIAT UK & Ireland. "This project is a testament to our ability to overcome unique challenges, deliver sustainable HVAC solutions, and meet the specific needs of diverse and demanding applications."
The AHUs, a critical component of the Studios' ventilation system, were delivered and installed before the building's walls were constructed. This is a testament to CIAT's commitment to strict timelines and close collaboration with the mechanical design and build contractors. This project, CIAT's first foray into opera house construction, marks a significant milestone for the brand, further showcasing its versatility and expertise.
The Garsington Studios project was completed at the end of May 2024, marking a significant achievement in sustainable construction and providing an outstanding venue for Garsington Opera to rehearse for their annual festival in an environmentally conscious setting.
