Compact AHU solution delivered at speed for central London project

In an accelerated timescale, Air Vent Technology provided a bespoke solution to overcome space and access challenges.

Challenge

As part of an extensive repurposing project, a public sector building in central London needed new ventilation rates throughout.

Those demands could only be met with a new air handling unit (AHU), but several difficulties were blocking a straightforward supply and installation.

First, the unit was located on an external flat roof. Crane access wasn’t possible, so any unit had to be transported in sections, manually carried onto the roof, and rebuilt in situ.

The AHU also had to be compact, with only a very limited footprint available on the roof. Despite those space restrictions, effective heat recovery, airflow performance, and low breakout noise levels all had to be achieved.

Solution

An experienced Air Vent Technology engineer offered insight and knowledge to the project’s consultant, helping to evaluate each of the potential heat recovery options in detail.

After reviewing the available space and performance requirements, a thermal wheel was selected as the most compact and efficient solution.

The unit was designed and manufactured so it could be flat-packed to its final destination, before our on-site AVT Site Engineering Services team completed the installation and control wiring directly on the external roof. Despite the logistical challenges, the installation was completed in just two days.

Crucially, the entire unit was designed, manufactured and delivered in an accelerated four-week period from approved drawings. This helped the project recover from earlier delays.

Results

Thanks to Air Vent Technology’s rapid manufacturing, flexible design, and expert on-site support, our client was able to bring its upgraded facility into operation with confidence.

The completed AHU now provides efficient, reliable ventilation for the repurposed building, supporting its new operational requirements. The thermal wheel ensures strong heat recovery performance within a compact footprint, maximising efficiency without exceeding the available space.

Our combination of technical expertise and practical problem-solving continues to deliver bespoke solutions, even in challenging urban environments.

Contact us today to find out more about what we could do for your working environment.