RACA Journal I March 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 31
PROJECT
Background image © RACA Journal its construction includes outdated methods such as chicken-mesh ceiling slabs and embossed steel downpipes.
Such elements required specialist structural assessment before any HVAC plant could be mounted. Every anchor point was tested for pull-out strength using Hilti engineering tools, with structural engineers verifying substrate strength and signing off approvals.
“ You can’ t take anything for granted with a 115-year-old building. Every anchor point needed to be tested, which meant working closely with Hilti and submitting full engineering reports,” Govender emphasises.
COMBATTING CORROSION Durban’ s proximity to the sea posed another major challenge: corrosive salt-laden air and strong coastal winds demanded robust materials. Key equipment, especially those mounted on the roof of the original court building, had to be custom-fabricated in stainless steel.
Mitigation measures Included:
• Stainless-steel bases and panels for exposed equipment
• Factory-treated LG condensers
• Protective coil coatings on AHUs to resist degradation from high fresh-air volumes
• Strategic placement of rooftop units to minimise direct salt exposure
Govender acknowledges that while stainless steel significantly increased upfront costs, it was a long-term investment in durability – preventing early degradation in one of the country’ s harshest urban environments.
LSG handled the mechanical, electrical, wet services pumps and fire design aspects. The Durban-based firm provided engineering guidance from feasibility to commissioning. Contractor Airetronic worked closely with them to ensure that every HVAC component met structural, performance and regulatory requirements.
LG VRF condensers, AHUs and FCUs offer flexible zoning and versatile performance.
TROX AHUs provide full-building climate control by delivering conditioned air to judges’ chambers, administrative offices, and circulation spaces.
Serving the New Court and Admin Buildings, the rooftop accomodates of two Daikin air-cooled chillers that form the beating heart of the system.
CHOOSING SMARTER, GREENER SOLUTIONS Although the project was not registered as a green building, Govender explains that sustainability guided many design choices. The original chilled water system – reliant on cooling towers and prone to water wastage – was replaced with aircooled chillers, reducing water resource consumption.
“ If this had been a green building, we would have achieved maximum points for the decisions we made,” he notes.
Equipment selection was carefully guided by coastal considerations.“ Being right next to the harbour, corrosion was a serious issue. We had to upgrade exposed rooftop equipment with stainless steel bases and treated coils, especially for units handling large volumes of fresh air,” Govender notes.
Image supplied by Airetronic Image supplied by Airetronic Image supplied by Airetronic project
RACA Journal I March 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 31