www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I June 2024 35
Project
HVAC CONSIDERATIONS WHEN TRANSFORMING A BUILDING INTO A MULTIPURPOSE VENUE
Compiled by Eamonn Ryan
This church renovation project is part one of a two-part article , wherein RACA Journal will revisit the technical details of the project upon completion .
In a bold move that blends business acumen with community spirit , GSB Development Trust Company Limited is spearheading the renovation of a longstanding exhibition centre into a versatile multipurpose venue in Sunnyrock , Ekurhuleni . Director Gregg McAlpine says : “ Historically , the property served as a permanent building exhibition centre , with a legacy spanning over 30 years . However , recognising the evolving needs of the community of Bedfordview and Edenvale , the decision was made to repurpose the space into two distinct uses .”
McAlpine , who also serves as a director of Alpine Property , sheds light on the transformative vision driving the renovations . At the core of the project is the concept of partnership between business and church leaders – a vision that emerged from the need for a state-of-the-art conference venue that could also facilitate as the venue for the Lighthouse to the Nations Church during certain days of the week and quieter business times over the weekend , thus maximising use of the facilities .
With the church experiencing growth and larger premises being unviable in the upmarket neighbourhood considering the specific hours of a church which leave premises vacant through most of business hours , the idea of repurposing the exhibition centre gained traction as a solution that could benefit both the church and the broader business community , as a conference facility .
He outlines the schedule of activities , including church services on Sundays , youth gatherings on Fridays , midweek Bible studies , and occasional events hosted by the church . Additionally , the venue will cater to the broader community as a conference facility , serving the Greater East Rand Area .
Acknowledging the demand for such conferencing facilities , he points to the importance of providing accessible spaces that meet commercial needs without exorbitant costs . By repurposing the exhibition centre , the venue aims to fill a gap in the market , offering state-of-the-art facilities at competitive rates .
With the auditorium / church hall designed to comfortably seat around 300 people , the venue is poised to host a multitude
All Images by © RACA Journal
A flowery entrance for a church .
Central to the HVAC upgrades is the installation of a centralised air-conditioning system .
of events , from church services to conferences and seminars . Consequently , versatility was central to the design with the layout allowing for seamless transitions between different activities , and for various seating arrangements and configurations to suit the needs of different gatherings .
Church activities , including worship services and Sunday school classes , are seamlessly integrated into the venue ’ s design . Breakaway meeting rooms double as classrooms , equipped
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I June 2024 35