Primark Chaussee D'Ixelles

Challenges

The challenges we faced in this building was to ensure that the developer shell restoration works were maintained for the Primark fit-out works. The building was originally built circa 1920s, with the majority of the internal delicate trusses within the main atrium (level 2) being returned to its original state. The building was brought into the 21st century, ready for the Primark fit-out, with a new energy efficient HVAC plant and equipment installed within close proximity of neighbouring residential and hotel boundaries. Another major challenge is that the second floor had low floor to ceiling heights, and the services could not detract from the restored delicate trusses. The building also had to achieve BREEAM Good Rating, as part of the planning condition.

Successes

The building achieved a BREEAM ‘Good’ rating, which was in part due to the efficiency of the Primark Plant and equipment. The second floor was coordinated in full using BIM, which minimised abortive works onsite, and we could agree a notional ceiling height with the architect. Fan Coil Units (FCUs) were selected to distribute heated/cooled air throughout the second floor and located outside of the atrium to ensure the original features are highlighted by the illumination of natural light. Low noise plant was selected with the neighbouring properties in mind, using low-noise/high-efficient equipment such as Dry Air Coolers and fan wall technology.

Metec Solution

• Assisted with coordination to ensure the original features were highlighted by removing large HVAC services from second the floor atrium.
• Selected low noise plant (plug fans and dry air coolers) to ensure low noise levels were achieved, even during the night.
• Opted for a 4-pipe fan coil units (FCUs) on the 2nd floor due to low floor to ceiling heights and to ensure the atrium was kept clear of services.

Design

• Natural Gas Fired heating system
• Highly efficient water cooled chiller and dry air coolers to provide cooling to the store
• Efficient LED Lighting installed throughout Sprinkler system designed to a ordinary
• Hazard 3 (OH3) classification in accordance with EN12845Store equipped with an energy metering and monitoring system
• Back-up generator provided to ensure the store can continue to trade in the event of a power outage
• Fire smoke dampers installed throughout to assist with the natural smoke ventilation strategy
• BREEAM ‘Good’ Rating
• Existing Heritage Steel work conserved