In 2019, our client expressed concern in the age and condition of the existing heating and cooling system to the department store. The arrangement consisted of two large AHUs with air conditioning condensing units being used to provide temperature control.

Our aim was to change the arrangement and optimise multiple air to air systems to ensure we were providing an efficient and resilient solution. Sapphire cooling covered all elements of the project including in-depth site surveys and design works, project programmes and drawings, de-commissioning of the existing plant, cranage and lifting for removal and installation of old and new equipment, installation and project management finalised with commissioning and demonstrations.

Plant was selected from the Daikin range and operated on the current industry air conditioning refrigerant, R32. All plant was linked back to a centralised controller located in the manager’s office to maximise efficiency and to provide ease of control and monitoring.

As term contractors, we were responsible for the entire HVAC package on this project, including refrigeration & controls, air conditioning, ventilation, and acoustics. From the outset, we began design works for all HVAC systems and produced a full proposal package.

Thanks to our in-house experience and relations with trusted and respected suppliers, we were able to offer a first-class package that was to the client’s specification. Fast track installation works began along with site supervision and project management to ensure that all works were signed off to the highest of standards, expected by the client.

All ventilation and air conditioning plant was selected from the Daikin range, along with locally manufactured bespoke refrigeration plant & international known display cases. Due to crucial noise requirements, a full acoustical enclosure was designed and installed to ensure that noise levels were achieved without any jeopardy to system operation and performance.

Sapphire were involved from the outset of this project, being responsible for the design element of the stage of the air conditioning and mechanical ventilation needs. The in-house design consisting of Daikin VRV, split, and ventilation systems was provided to the client and installed by our installation teams.

The VRV selection was based on ensuring resilience across all floors of the building and comfortable temperature solutions throughout the building. Upon completion of the project, we were then appointed directly by the client to carry out the annual routine maintenance visits and service works, a contract which is still in place.

Since being appointed to carry out the maintenance works at the head office, we have gone on to obtain further sites around the region that have been added to the existing maintenance agreement. We have provided a prompt and efficient service in all scenarios, from the routine servicing, to out of hours emergency call outs, all of which we believe have factored into securing renewal contracts year upon year.

We were approached by a domestic client in the winter of 2023 whose property consisted of an older and very in-efficient heating system. The Johnson and Starley hot-air ducted system had been condemned by the heating engineer, resulting in the property having no form of heating whatsoever.

Due to the time of year and size of the property, our customer required an extremely fast turnaround in terms of surveying, design, and proposals. We spent many hours on site with our client to find out their requirements and preferences regarding the replacement system. After several designs and proposals, our client opted with a total of three (3No) Daikin multi-split systems serving a variety of internal fan coil units right the way through the property.

This not only provided a direct heating replacement, but also offered the additional benefit of cooling throughout the warmer months. All fan coil units were provided with standard infrared controllers and were also connected to the customer mobile phone via the Daikin smartphone control application

As a result of Brexit trade agreements, various Ports around the Country were instructed to increase their inspection facilities. Sapphire were approached in 2021 to assist with the refrigeration and air conditioning designs at new facilities at several ports.

After having our designs approved, we were then awarded the contract for installing the full scope of works on both sites simultaneously. Both projects required an extremely fast turnaround and completion, and Sapphire provided all the necessary resources to achieve. Working close with local and national manufacturers and contractors, we provided the following:

• Chilled refrigeration coldrooms.
• Frozen refrigeration coldrooms.
• Dual temperature coldrooms.
• VRF and split Air Conditioning systems.
• AHU DX heating and cooling.
• Full Refrigeration and Air Conditioning central control and alarms systems.

Since completing the installations, we have also been awarded with the service and maintenance agreements to both sites, providing routine maintenance visits as well as reactive call outs.