The Scale: 12-Month Major Infrastructure Overhaul
Throughout 2024, MCR Cooling & Refrigeration Ltd undertook one of our most significant projects to date—the massive renovation of an existing university building. Spanning five floors and nearly a full 12 months of technical execution, this project showcased our ability to manage high-volume, 80+ unit installations while maintaining the precision of a recovery specialist.
Phase 1: High-Capacity System Design & Architecture
Managing a project of this magnitude required advanced structural planning to ensure all five floors received balanced climate control.
- 80+ Unit Multi-Zone Configuration: We designed a comprehensive VRF/VRV network to support over 80 indoor units, ensuring seamless performance across high-traffic lecture halls and faculty offices.
- Industrial Rooftop Infrastructure: To serve the expansive building, we installed a series of high-capacity Mitsubishi Electric and systemair outdoor condensers on a reinforced rooftop gantry.
- Open-Plan Load Balancing: Every floorplate was meticulously mapped to ensure the heating and cooling loads remained consistent, even in large, open-plan learning environments.
Phase 2: Exposed Service Integration & First-Fix
A defining feature of this renovation was the architectural requirement for exposed services. With the building’s internal infrastructure visible, our technical standards had to be exceptionally high to meet the aesthetic demands of the project.
- Architectural Tray Work: All refrigerant pipework and electrical services were housed in professional-grade tray work, following perfectly parallel lines to complement the industrial-chic interior.
- Precision Ceiling Suspensions: Indoor cassette units were secured using reinforced threaded rod suspensions, ensuring every unit sat perfectly level within the exposed brick and concrete ceiling voids.
- Technical Containment: To avoid the “hashed” look, every service run was meticulously organised, ensuring that the visible technical infrastructure added to the building’s aesthetic value.
Phase 3: Final Commissioning & Handover
The project concluded with a rigorous commissioning phase to guarantee that all 80+ units operated at peak design efficiency.
- Digital Manifold Verification: Our senior engineers utilised digital manifolds to monitor and calibrate the system pressures across all five floors, ensuring 100% operational continuity.
- Aesthetic Refinishing: From sleek ceiling cassettes integrated into modern light arrays to discreet wall-mounted units, every finish was inspected to ensure it met our “stunning” results standard.
- Total Building Climate Control: The 12-month build resulted in a fully climate-controlled academic environment, providing the university with a reliable, high-efficiency system built for longevity.
