Energy-Efficient Climate Control at River Island, Uxbridge
In the Chimes Shopping Centre, Uxbridge the project’s primary goal was to ensure a comfortable shopping environment in a new and expanded space while meeting River Island’s high brand quality standards.
Project Overview
Carrier Solutions UK has partnered with River Island and contractor Bry-Kol Developments Ltd to enhance a climate control solution for River Island’s new, expanded two-floor retail space within The Chimes Shopping Centre, Uxbridge. The project’s primary goal was to ensure a comfortable shopping environment in a new and expanded space while meeting River Island’s high brand quality standards.
Challenges
The store previously relied on two internally located Air Handling Units (AHUs) with chilled water-cooling coils, which were drained prior to the shop fit to avoid disruption. With a unique site layout and the need to install new air conditioning systems across considerable pipe lengths, the installing contractors, Bry-Kol, were tasked with identifying a solution that balanced energy efficiency and reliable performance.
River Island was moving from a single-level space of 848 sqm to a two-floor retail space of 660sqm. They required a system that could provide precise climate control across the expanded space, ensuring consistent comfort for shoppers and staff, especially during peak hours and seasonal shifts. The need for long pipework runs added to the complexity of the installation, requiring equipment that could maintain performance across extended distances.
Solution
Bry-Kol worked with Carrier Solutions UK to design a tailored HVAC system of units chosen for their high energy efficiency, precise capacity control at all conditions and compatibility with long pipework runs. They included six Toshiba 14kW RAV Super Digital Inverter (SDI) units paired with the Toshiba 4-Way cassette giving a system efficiency SEER/ SCOP of 8.59/ 4.75, and one RAV 5kW High-Wall SDI split system with a SEER/ SCOP of 7.84/ 4.19 – A++/A+. The Super Digital Inverter’s twin rotary compressors and vector-controlled inverter ensure precise climate control while the SDI series incorporates a unique fan blade design and ultra-power heat exchanger for optimal operation.
The Toshiba units’ extended pipe length capacity was essential due to the extended route to the roof plant area. By working closely with Carrier Solutions UK, Bry-Kol was able to implement a solution that met River Island’s requirements while ensuring a seamless integration into the new store’s unique layout.
Bry-Kol has had an active relationship with Carrier Solutions UK (formerly Toshiba Carrier UK Ltd) since 2012, working together on complex projects across a variety of sectors, including retail. Their fully trained engineers are kept up to date on Carrier Solutions UK’s required training modules, which enables River Island to benefit from a 7-year warranty on the installed systems.
“We were, as always, happy with the service provided by Carrier Solutions UK and found the equipment straightforward to install with no post-completion issues”.
- Tim Gask, Project Engineer, Bry-Kol
Results
The newly installed HVAC system has significantly improved temperature regulation and provided River Island with greater control over its store’s climate. Unit zoning capabilities now allow for temperature adjustments in specific areas based on foot traffic and external climate variations. This approach ensures optimal comfort levels throughout the store at all times.
“We used the Toshiba Super Digital Inverter Split Systems to heat and cool the stores, providing straightforward installation and reliable performance. We have also developed a mini building management system with Carrier Solutions UK that offers us simple control over the various elements in store, which is especially beneficial for the new and unique, expanded space.”
- John Lowndes, Head of Shopfitting, River Island
This successful installation highlights Carrier Solutions UK’s expertise in delivering customised climate control solutions through its best-in-class Toshiba equipment. The long-standing collaboration with Bry-Kol and River Island further reinforces Carrier Solutions UK’s reputation for providing industry-leading service and support in the retail sector.
