30 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I March 2026
PROJECT project
The need for reliable air conditioning, fresh air integration and CO₂ monitoring was critical. The previous system was plagued by years of underperformance, marked by poor air quality, inadequate ventilation and failing equipment. According to Govender, the design now introduces " backup systems, smart ventilation based on CO₂ levels and true climate control throughout ".
As with many large-scale public projects, funding proved a hurdle. Originally envisioned as a five-year project, the contractor ENZA Construction tried to fast track completion into finishing in four years, however annual budget allocations from government slowed momentum.
“ That delayed things, but now we’ re back on full steam,” Govender says. Completion is set for May 2026.
A DUAL HVAC STRATEGY To reconcile the structural disparity between old and new buildings, LSG implemented a hybrid approach:
• Chilled-water system: Serving the New Court and Admin Buildings, the rooftop comprises of two Daikin air-cooled chillers that form the beating heart of the system. Daikin was selected due to their superior energy efficiency. These chillers feed a network of insulated pipework that supplies plant rooms on different levels. From here, TROX AHUs provide full-building climate control by delivering conditioned air to judges’ chambers, administrative offices and circulation spaces. This system was chosen for its efficiency, modularity and ability to support high-occupancy spaces.
• Hybrid VRF system: For the original 1910 building, large-diameter piping was impossible. Instead, LG VRF condensers, AHUs and FCUs offer flexible zoning and versatile performance. The old building could not accommodate the heavy infrastructure of a chilled-water plant. Independent package units offered a lightweight and less intrusive alternative.
“ The old building simply couldn’ t support the infrastructure required for a full water plant. With the roof top package and VRF system, we maintained performance while working within tight spatial and load limitations,” explains Govender.
WORKING WITH A 115-YEAR-OLD STRUCTURE The High Court sits on reclaimed land, originally Durban’ s bay and mangroves. Its plaque tells the story: erected in 1861 as the Natal Government Hospital, repurposed as Durban High School until 1910, then converted into the courthouse. Unsurprisingly,
30 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I March 2026