Advanced Ergonomic Technologies (AET) hold the exclusive distributorship of the Hiross Flexible Space System in the UK. Managing Director Glan Blake Thomas believes that the system can have a significant input towards all stages of the construction process. "Our customers are regularly reporting savings in cost and time in many stages of the construction process whilst minimising environmental impacts".

To create a truly intelligent building that exists at the forefront of modern building design, it is imperative that the installation of building services are considered at the beginning of the design phase. This allows maximum flexibility and manageability throughout the construction process providing benefits to all parties in terms of reducing costs, avoiding wastage of materials, and creating maximum profitability for building services and the building itself.

The Flexible Space System (FSS) should not be considered as just an alternative to traditional HVAC systems, but as a whole concept in building design. Although seemingly more expensive initially, cost analysis of the system has revealed remarkable savings both in initial construction and in life cycle costing where FSS is utilised.

Expanding this concept, AET also acts as a supplier of Nesite Raised Access Flooring. Originally designed by Hiross to complement the Flexible Space System, Nesite have continued to develop this product in close association with Hiross to provide a high quality access floor system that can assist with the integration of building services, thereby facilitating maintenance and operability.

Responsible for assisting FSS distributors world-wide with marketing and technical support, AET's knowledge of Flexible office design has increased through consultancy on a wide variety of prestigious projects. The application of FSS to different buildings and building requirements continues to expand. To date, FSS has a sound reputation from its performance in call centres, car manufacturers, supermarkets, refurbishment projects, airport developments and modern office environments. This includes a range of projects where FSS was chosen for its combination of flexibility, energy efficiency, and cost effective design.

The combination of these essential aspects to today's modern buildings as well as an established reputation for providing clean and healthy indoor environments make the underfloor system a strong contender when examining recent government legislation and direction towards greener, more efficient construction.

One of AET's latest projects clearly demonstrates how the whole FSS concept can be incorporated into the design of a new building. Network House, Hampton Hill has chosen to incorporate the Flexible Space System with Nesite Raised Access Flooring to create a flexible office environment capable of adapting to any situation that arises. FSS has the ability to quickly, and efficiently adapt to unforeseen changes in the workplace due to advanced information technology and office procedures. It also performs well with respect to current legislation and thinking on lean construction issues. FSS can satisfy present and future tenants requirements without the need for major reconfiguration works making it more cost effective, and utilising installed resources to their maximum potential.

A further advantage of the system is the maximisation of lettable space. BAA Lynton have now installed FSS in two out of three identical office developments. BAA undertook a comparison of FSS and a standard ceiling void system and determined three whole life savings. Initially the construction period was shorter, minimising lettable space and profit. Secondly, the total saving of materials (2 metres) over four floors was estimated as £3-4 per square foot. For a 75,000 square foot building this immediately represents savings of £200,000 in capital costs. Finally the running costs during the building life, in particular, the reconfiguration of office space, is an estimated 10-25% cheaper than for a ceiling based fan coil system. This figure has been recorded as up to 30% reduction in facilities-related operating costs at Digital in Nice.

AET believes the FSS can offer benefits to all parties involved in a construction project by reducing programme time and costs, minimising environmental impacts and maximising energy efficiency to provide a fully flexible healthy environment.

 
For further information contact:
Glan Blake Thomas at AET on
Tel: 01883 744860 Fax: 01883 741 866
Web Site: www.FlexibleSpace.com
Email: AET@FlexibleSpace.com