ARCHITECT-FRIENDLY INTEGRATED SERVICE MODULES
15/01/2009
Integrated service modules which combine lighting and air distribution at the Faraday Building
As part of a major refurbishment contract, leading air distribution system provider TROX UK has supplied integrated service modules (ISM) worth more than £400,000 for a prominent office development in Reading with ImtechMeica.
The FaradayBuilding – a three-storey office block occupied by BG Group Plc – incorporates a range of TROX air distribution equipment including the company’s high-performance integrated service modules (ISMs). These comprise around 1,100 SDW swirl diffusers that feature special face plates and internal bracketry to house lights and control gear and to integrate seamlessly into the ceiling.
The principle of the ISM is to integrate all the services into a single ceiling panel according to the ceiling layout. Generally it is possible to integrate the air diffusers and lighting, and other ceiling mounted components can be added where this is practical.
The perimeter of the FaradayBuilding also contains a range of TROX UK’s high-capacity, high induction VSD linear slot diffusers with individually adjustable air control cylinders to ensure maximum induction. There are 300 linear metres of these high efficiency units on each of the three floors of the building.
TROX UK with ImtechMeica developed its ISMs – which include high induction swirl diffusers with an adjustable blade – in accordance with consultants’ and architects aesthetic and performance requirements. These factory-built units offer a range of significant benefits. For example,
The integrated service modules were installed in a mock-up at TROX Technical Centre within the actual ceiling being utilised on the FaradayBuilding project. This enabled the team to check the aesthetics, ceiling coordination and the aerodynamic performance of the ISM against the project design criteria. The tests – which were witnessed by the professional team including representatives from consultant hurleypalmerflatt, contractor ImtechMeica and construction manager Mace – included air distribution and lighting assessments.
The TROX ISM delivers unrivalled flexibility in terms of performance, style and integration options. Building services that can be integrated into the unit include lighting, fire and smoke alarms, sprinklers, CCTV and PA systems.
ISMs can be combined in different configurations to suit the layout of any commercial space and the architect can have a significant say in the design of the ISM system.
