"Working with AET has bought enormous benefits on this project," explains Mike Pile, Director at project building services consultant Foremans Ltd. "The Flexible Space System is an effective air-conditioning solution which ensures we can realise the development potential of the new build site without impacting on the overall height or its historical surroundings. Concealing the air-conditioning beneath the raised access floor also achieves the clean interior look which was integral to the architect's design."

AET has provided 450 sq. metres of its Flexible Space technology for the Bedford Square project. The system utilises the plenum under a new raised access floor as a duct in itself with the area divided into four distinct zones determined by use and occupancy density. Each zone is supplied with chilled or warmed air by a conditioned air module (CAM). The underfloor void is divided into supply and return air plena 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, plugged 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 plenum for re-conditioning and is mixed with fresh air at that point to achieve high standards of indoor air quality.

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 eventual occupants wish to make to their office layout with minimum cost and disruption. Office IT and telecoms cabling as well as power supply cables are also concealed beneath the raised access floor, minimising workspace congestion and making any subsequent reconfiguration a straightforward task.

The project building services consultant for Bedford Square was Foremans Ltd, the architects were DLG Architects and the client was Bedford Estates. The project was completed in August 2003.