St James I

Design Brief

Precise temperature and humidity control to protect high-value artworks. Climate control to be undetectable to preserve the high-end viewing experience.

Solution

To ensure optimal conditions for the artwork and as a condition of Gallery insurance, a huge amount of air had to be continually conditioned and supplied to the gallery space, without visual, audible or sensory impact on the environment. A close-control water-cooled system was selected, having the best control of temperature and humidity for this application.

Disused basement vaults were repurposed as housings for external equipment, with indoor close-control units mounted on acoustic spring mountings and incorporating heating and humidification. Supply and return air paths constructed from acoustic foam were carefully installed in a complex plenum arrangement to prevent direct sound transfer. Discrete grilles are inset flush with the wall at high level, and jet-black vertical grilles concealed within the door openings provide return air.