Specified and procured by Surrey-based project consultancy, PSM Project Services & Management, AET's system covers over 1,500m2, on four floors of the Cavendish Place building. The Flexible Space System uses the plenum under the building's raised access floor as a duct in itself, with the building divided into a number of zones depending on the potential use and occupancy density of the area. This approach ensured that air-conditioning could be successfully provided on the project with minimum impact on the available floor to ceiling height.

Each zone is supplied with chilled or warmed air by conditioned air module (CAM). The underfloor void is divided into supply and return air channels using easily relocatable, airtight baffles. Supply air is drawn up into the occupied space by fan assisted terminal units (FTU450), which are recessed into the floor, plug into an underfloor power source and are connected by data cabling for intelligent control. These fan tile units feature individual controls to provide variable speed and temperature adjusted for maximum user comfort. Air travels back to the CAM via return grilles located over the return channel for re-conditioning and is mixed with fresh air at that point to achieve high standards of indoor air quality.

"Working with the Flexible Space System has bought enormous benefits on this project," adds Alison Allen. "In addition to the sense of space achieved, AET were able to source and supply distinctive oak panels for the raised access floor. The overall effect is visually stunning whilst its potential for flexibility will deliver significant cost advantages over the life of the building."

Since they are not restricted by duct or pipe connections, FTU's are easily interchangeable with floor panels, allowing easy reconfiguration of the system to accommodate any changes future tenants wish to make to their office layout with minimum cost, disruption and downtime. Office IT and telecoms cabling as well as power points are also concealed beneath the raised access floor, minimising workspace congestion and making any subsequent reconfiguration a straightforward task.