Kensington VI

Design Brief

A clean feeling, modernist open-plan style living aesthetic directed the mechanical design in this property, using architectural features and joinery to integrate equipment without detracting from the interior design scheme.

Solution

Two fan coil units, positioned in the ceiling void above the utility room and staff bedroom respectively, serve the basement spaces. Discreet twin slot diffusers in the bulkhead and ceiling serve the gym, aligned with the glass panels overlooking the swimming pool. The supply and return air paths for the poolside games room are provided through three slot diffusers framing the ceiling, invisible from the lower lounge due to the split-level ceiling.

On the ground floor, a large open plan living area comprising the reception, lounge area, dining room and kitchen required a coordinated design approach to facilitate a discreet solution. Working with the architect and interior designer, fan coils were designed into the ceiling voids and air terminals selected for low aesthetic impact.

Black joinery in the reception area houses a fan coil which serves the space through a series of slots at high level and in the plinth. These recede into the joinery to be almost invisible. A twin slot diffuser in the living room ceiling cools the living and dining space while complementing the geometry of the crittall doors.

On the first floor, a fan coil concealed in a free-standing full-height closet and storage unit serves the master bedroom through a discreet linear bar grille aligned with a statement artwork piece. Slots above and below the wardrobe joinery in the second bedroom provide a discreet supply and return path from a fan coil unit concealed in the ensuite ceiling.

The two second floor bedrooms are cooled by two sets of twin slot diffusers on either side of the room, symmetrically framing the spaces.

Condenser location on this project required a highly innovative and detailed design solution to meet the local planning requirements for the Edwardes Square conservation area. Through our unique consulting process, noise and environmental requirements were met by positioning the condenser inside the plantroom facing onto the lightwell, a floor below street level, behind a louvred acoustic screen.

Access provision throughout the property for ongoing system aftercare is provided through a series of discreet plaster-in ceiling hatches and removable joinery panels.