The concept of underfloor air conditioning is relatively unexplored. The most effective use of the system results from when Flexible Space is considered as a concept rather than another HVAC alternative. By analysing the concept of Flexible Space whilst still in the design phase of a project, the system can provide a number of benefits for all involved on the project, including reduced program time and costs, minimising environmental impacts and maximising energy efficiency to provide a fully flexible healthy environment.

Flexibility is the key to efficient and intelligent office design. Although now traditionally considered to be a flexible aspect of the building, by using the floor plenum as a duct, this eliminates the need for ductwork in the ceiling and makes reconfiguration and maintenance work a viable cost effective option. Nesite Raised Access Floor was originally designed by Hiross to complement the Flexible Space System due to the lack of availability of a high performance, airtight access floor. Nesite have continued to develop this product in close association with Hiross to provide a high quality access floor system, facilitating maintenance and operability, thus enhancing the Flexible Space concept.

The Flexible Space System has a sound reputation from its performance in a wide variety of commercial applications including; call centres, car manufacturers, supermarkets, refurbishment projects, airport developments and modern office environments.

Key Advantages

* Cost savings:
BAA have recorded initial cost savings on the total building construction of up to £200,000 at First Point at Gatwick, equating to £33/m2 and attributed these savings directly to the use of the Flexible Space System.

* Height Savings:
Although the depth of the floor void must be increased by 100-150mm, eliminating the need for a false ceiling altogether offers a net saving in the order of 300-400mm. Consequently, reduced building height equates to substantial cost savings in materials, time and labour, in particular, curtain walling and structural costs.

* Tax Advantages:
As the floor void is used as an air duct, the raised access floor is deemed to be plant and equipment rather than fixture, permitting capital allowances to be applied to this element. Anything mounted on top of the floor also attracts this equipment status offering further tax benefits.

* Configuration:
On completion of construction and prior to occupancy, re-adjustments of the air conditioning layout to suit tenant requirements can be achieved in around 1 week, compared to 12 weeks of a traditional fit-out.

* User Satisfaction:
A further attraction is the individual control of the units, in addition to the provision of clean and healthy indoor environments, leading to a much higher percentage of satisfied users. Rover report findings of over 90% satisfaction compared with only 60-70% in other buildings.

* Flexibility:
Today's offices continually change to suit requirements and expansion. Flexible Space requires the minimum amount of time and money to adjust to these changes. Previous case studies include Panasonic, who estimated a saving of £150/sq m/yr, and Digital who calculated a saving of 30% in facilities related operating costs.

* Adaptability:
The removal of the need for a false ceiling makes FSS the ideal solution for refurbishment projects where older buildings do not have the required floor to ceiling height to facilitate ductwork. Original floor covering materials can also be re-used on access floor panels to preserve traditional features, including ceramic, terracotta, granite, marble and parquet.

Performance

The system has been designed to accommodate 200W/sq m cooling load without noticeable draught. Increased cooling demands from IT and communications equipment are now bypassing the ability of traditional ceiling and floor displacement systems to provide staff with a comfortable working environment. The Flexible Space System is ideal for offices with changing demands due to the ease of reconfiguration.

This advanced technology provides modern and healthy work environments, which can be upgraded or re-configured at any time. Principal advantages of the system for the construction team include:

For the Developer:
* Lower construction costs by approximately 5-7%
* Lower capital investment
* Tax advantages
* Reduced time on site

For the Designer:
* Greater freedom of expression in design
* Freedom for change and revision of the design in progress
* Simplification of services design and installation
* Reduced testing and commissioning

For the Occupier
* Personalisation of the office layout
* Personal control of the local room temperature and air movement
* Minimal disruption for maintenance and reconfiguration
* Healthy environment

For Facilities Managers * Simplicity of change with minimal disruption
* Significant reductions in the cost of change, sometimes equating to the cost of rent
* Simplified logistics
* Reduced Maintenance costs

Users include: BBC, Rover, Panasonic, Digital, Vodafone, Sainsburys, Marks and Spencer, BAA, British Midland, KLM, Prudential, Bloomberg, University of North London, IBM, Federal Express, Regus...

Advanced Ergonomic Technologies Ltd are the exclusive distributor of these systems in the UK and assist agents worldwide with sales and technical support on a variety of prestigious projects.

 
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