This project comprised the phased remodelling of a 1,600m2 building to create a 10 car showroom and 12 ramp workshop, MOT Bay, additional mezzanine accommodation and an external Car Wash/Valet building along with car park lighting and security upgrade to the internationally established Audi GP3 corporate image.
The showroom and parts of the workshop had to remain operational throughout the contract to permit trading to continue on the site. The work was undertaken over 3 phases to facilitate this.
This was the second project undertaken for this client under the ACE Project Partnering PPC 2000 form of contract. Energy conservation was high on the client’s list of priorities for this scheme.
The client responded to our options appraisal for either high level DX type cooling units to be employed for the showroom or the higher capital cost but lower life-cycle cost alternative of natural ventilation to overcome summertime overheating. The south-west facing showroom’s environment is maintained within sensible limits of comfort using natural ventilation via bespoke Monodraught Windcatchers with LPHW radiant heating panels integrated into the suspended ceiling to maintain a clutter-free, fresh, environment. Underfloor heating was precluded because of cost and the disruption that would be caused by necessary alterations to the existing floor construction. The heating system uses Optimum start and stop controls and a dead-band is included to prevent simultaneous heating and activation of the natural ventilation system.
Spot-cooling is provided by VRV air to air heat pumps on the upper mezzanine open plan area. The heat pump system is also used for heating and cooling of cellular offices coupled to mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. Local control of temperatures to sensible limits is actively encouraged by management and the system has timeclock override controls to limit operation to normal occupancy periods. Simple extension run-off timers provide for out of normal hours use when launching new products takes place in the evenings. The workshops are heated using gas-fired radiant heaters.
Corporate Audi-style lighting is used in all front of house areas whilst the workshops use Low Bay lighting supplemented with linear fluorescent luminaires at lower level to assist when working under cars raised on ramps. Presence detection sensors control lighting in appropriate offices and changing rooms.
Car park and display lighting employ luminaires designed to minimise night-sky pollution and are timeclock and photocell controlled
A structured Cat 5e cabling system provides data and voice throughout and Bang and Olufsen high definition LCD screens and a comprehensive audio system are featured in the showroom to permit Audi Television and other terrestrial and satellite channels to be used. A 150kVA sub-station was provided as part of the contract. CCTV cameras and infrared lighting with speaker warning system is employed externally and internally to supplement an intruder alarm system to enhance security of the whole site. A fire alarm system is provided with both audible and visual alarms for compliance with accessibility legislation as are automatic doors, platform lift and hearing loops at customer desks.
