www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I May 2025 35
Project landmark 25-storey former bank building located in Luanda, Angola.
Wallett describes how an American-based company approached RPM, after evaluating three leading consulting firms in South Africa. After conducting rigorous site visits and reviewing extensive portfolios, the decision-makers opted to entrust RPM with the task.
Managing a project of this magnitude comes with its challenges, notably logistical complexities and cost considerations. Luanda, known for its high cost of living driven by its oil-centric economy, posed significant hurdles. The client emphasised its preference for managing the project entirely from South Africa, ensuring efficient control over costs and operations amid local economic fluctuations. This strategic decision aligns with its desire for a structured, cost-effective approach overseen by seasoned South African professionals.
BUILDING THE EXPERT TEAM Critical to the project ' s success was the first component of the project: assembling a skilled and diverse team. RPM strategically partnered with both local and international entities to ensure comprehensive coverage of technical and logistical requirements. Key
Newly wired control panel. collaborators include Portuguese-speaking consultants and contractors, essential for effective communication and cultural liaison in Angola. This approach not only facilitates seamless project execution but also enhances client satisfaction through clear and effective communication channels.
The project involves a multifaceted scope, including the installation of state-of-the-art equipment such as Schneider ' s building management system( BMS) and repairs to Emicon chillers, managed in collaboration with Bitzer and suppliers with extensive regional and international experience. RPM ' s thorough preliminary surveys identified critical issues, including multiple compressor failures, necessitating proactive solutions to ensure minimal disruption to the fully occupied building.
Wallett anticipates a project duration of 12-18 months, derived from planning and ongoing site assessments, primarily because the original system had been hugely over-designed, says Wallett.
Originally constructed for the financial industry, the building has since transitioned ownership. The handover necessitated
“ The client emphasised its preference for managing the project entirely from South Africa, ensuring efficient control over costs and operations amid local economic fluctuations.”
a shift in occupancy, a process which revealed a history of inadequate maintenance exacerbated by design limitations. RPM ' s assessment highlighted deficiencies such as poorly accessible piping and inefficient maintenance pathways, contributing to widespread operational failures across the building ' s extensive HVAC infrastructure.
The scale of the project is staggering: encompassing 18 chillers, 16 air handling units, over 500 fan coil units, and a sophisticated Schneider-based BMS. The design, originally commissioned from European consultants, proved challenging to decipher due to incomplete documentation and missing
www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I May 2025 35