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 | | MONODRAUGHT HELPS TO TRANSFORM THE POOLE AUDI SHOWROOM INSIDE AND OUT! | | | Monodraught Limited | | 19/05/2008 | | | The environment inside an Audi Centre and the aesthetics outside, has both been transformed following the installation of Monodraught natural ventilation and specially designed Windcatcher units.
Since Poole Audi managing director David Kelly acquired the Ringwood Road business from the Page Group in 2000, he and his dedicated team have worked hard to build today’s highly-respected business. The phased remodelling of the 1,600sq.m building has created a state-of-the-art facility with a ten-car showroom, a modern 12-ramp workshop, a handover bay, MOT testing bay and diagnostics bay, all designed to offer the true Audi experience.
The south-west facing showroom, which features a fully glazed frontage to maximise the display potential of the building, suffered from high internal temperatures when low sun streamed into the building. The environment was uncomfortable for staff and visitors, so improved ventilation was one of the priorities addressed as part of the redevelopment, as David Kelly explains: “Energy conservation was high on our list of priorities for this scheme so we wanted to avoid the typical solution involving unsightly ceiling-mounted cassette units that are expensive to install, often noisy, and consume vast amounts of energy. We therefore asked our Building Services Consultancy, Worldwise, to find a responsible way to create a showroom temperature that was comfortable, without resorting to a mechanical system.”
Taking up the story, Paul Cantwell of Bournemouth-based Worldwise Limited says: “We suggested the Monodraught Windcatcher natural ventilation system as the environmentally-friendly alternative. It certainly met the Poole Audi brief to create a comfortable atmosphere for both staff and customers, and it consumes virtually no energy. We were asked to assess the system, and worked with Monodraught to come up with performance figures and a cost analysis. Whilst the capital cost of the Windcatcher installation was slightly higher than a split-unit air conditioning system, our estimates showed that it would pay for itself within two years due to the considerable savings on running costs, maintenance and other factors.
“The client agreed that for performance, cost and environmental reasons the Windcatcher was the best option and gave us the go-ahead – a decision both he and his staff continue to benefit from. Also, fortunately for us, the Windcatcher system proved to be an ideal solution to a potential problem we had with scheduling the work programme.”
The redevelopment of the Audi Centre was carried out in three separate phases to ensure that business wouldn’t be interrupted during the refurbishment programme. The showroom itself is located in the long, south-west facing elevation of the building and three of the Monodraught units were to be roof mounted evenly along the length. This enabled the contractor to partition the showroom internally, strip out half of it at a time and refurbish it, including fitting the Windcatcher systems. As each phase was finished the client moved in and the next phase was begun. This also meant that during each phase the staff and customers were able to benefit from natural ventilation while work was carried out.
As well as improving the internal environment, the Windcatchers for the Poole Audi redevelopment were specially designed to enhance the Audi Centre’s rather boxy exterior. David Kelly and Worldwise were concerned that the standard Windcatcher designs would add height to the single storey building and, for planning reasons; they asked Monodraught to come up with a low-profile design. Worldwise worked with Monodraught to create the scalloped design that was eventually selected and the units were finished in a special colour to match the Audi silver. Everyone agrees that the units help to disguise the shape of the building and have created an aesthetically pleasing result.
Paul Cantwell reports that the re-design of the Windcatcher units was typical of the cooperation received from Monodraught staff throughout the refurbishment programme and adds that, despite the special design, the units were delivered on schedule.
“We were impressed with how easy they were to install, and Monodraught came to site to commission the units and programme the Windcatcher control system. They have very good technical people who explained how the control systems work, and helped the client to understand the ‘boxes’ they were installing.
“In all, Monodraught and the Windcatcher systems certainly justified our recommendation to the client. Everyone is happy with the installation, the client is very proud of his building, and the Poole Audi staffs enjoy the freshness of the environment created by the Windcatchers.”
Worldwide has used the Windcatchers in conjunction with a low-pressure, hot water radiator heating system that is integrated into the ceiling. The systems work extremely well together, and the result is aesthetically pleasing. Instead of unsightly air conditioning units, the ceiling of the car showroom features neat grilles that sit underneath the Monodraught units. Everything is properly integrated and well thought out and, as Paul Cantwell explains, the Monodraught natural ventilation system is an exemplary way to create a comfortable environment without resorting to an energy-hungry mechanical system.
Summing up for Poole Audi, David Kelly says: “Typically in premium buildings company’s want to create an ideal temperature, so they specify air conditioning despite the prohibitive cost in terms of energy and the environment. Whilst that approach may achieve a cooler environment the Windcatcher solution doesn’t use any power, yet still achieves a showroom temperature that is perfectly comfortable. It does everything we expected: it works really well and was cost effective to install. It is incredibly efficient and incredibly cheap to run. I can’t help thinking this is the way all businesses will have to go in the future.” | |
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