Completed in 2000 this project had many considerations, such as dust control, humidity and access. Close supervision ensured high quality results.
HVAC Project Summary
The Gallery's original neoclassical building dating from 1913 has been extended on four separate occasions. In 1999-2000 a Centenary of Federation grant from the Commonwealth of Australia funded a comprehensive refurbishment of the Gallery and the installation of state-of-the-art infrastructure including the new HVAC system. The existing system was equipped with direct digital control and we were able to observe exactly how the plant was operating. Our task was to improve on existing system in terms of efficiency, reliability and controllability. We had to bring together a number of different types of equipment together to provide a climate suitable for storing and exhibiting valuable works of art.
Skills and Equipment Used
There was a huge range of existing equipment including GJ Walker fan cooler units and Daikin air conditioning units. Significant upgrades and improvements were made to the HVAC system including the addition of graphics to the DDC system.
This project, more than any other required careful supervision and project management. Of course we provided our own experienced plumbers, duct fitters and electricians, but we also added another layer of quality control and supervision to meet the exacting requirements.
Challenges of the HVAC Installation
As an existing gallery we had to accommodate the valuable contents and ensure that our work did not produce any dust. The control of humidity is extremely important and it has to be kept within a certain range. There is a strict design criteria; the gallery has to guarantee that the art in their care is kept in conditions that ensure the wellbeing of the pieces.
The construction of the building bought its own challenges; the roof is of a saw tooth design and provided little space for access and the duct work. Weather-proofing the duct work that was on the outside of the building was paramount.
HVAC Project Outcome
The project was completed successfully and we were asked to provide HVAC maintenance services to the entire building, taking over from a number of companies that had supplied services to different areas. We have been responsible for the maintenance of the HVAC systems at the Geelong Art Gallery for the last five years and are currently re-visiting the issues of efficiency. Equipment new on the market may allow us to save even more on energy and maintain the stringent climate requirements. |
