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Project
Image by © RACA Journal
Elevated mentis grid HVAC plant area platform with multiple store dedicated LG VRF condensers.
As the project progressed, shop sizes, tenant layouts and specific HVAC requirements fluctuated. Some tenants, like grocery, pharmacy and butchery operators, had specialised air conditioning and refrigeration needs. Some also had separate refrigeration contractors.
To accommodate these changes, the project adopted a flexible and standardised HVAC system. An LG Variable Refrigerant Flow( VRF) adaptive hideaway system was selected, ensuring ease of procurement, installation, scalability and on-site amendments. This approach allowed the contractor to efficiently execute installations while maintaining a consistent specification across all stores. The system also ensured that tenants adhered to predefined HVAC parameters, minimising disruptions caused by individual preferences.
This structured approach enabled the project to meet cost targets while ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with industry standards.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND COMPLIANCE WITH SANS 10400-XA Energy efficiency was a core design parameter, aligning with the 2021 SANS 10400-XA standards. These regulations define energy performance metrics, including kilowatt-hours per square metre per year and maximum demand in VA( volt-amperes) per square metre. Given that HVAC systems typically account for 50 – 80 % of a commercial building’ s energy consumption, optimising the system was critical.
The project team focused on minimising cooling loads by enhancing the building envelope, particularly through roof insulation. Extensive coordination with structural engineers
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RACA Journal I July 2025 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za