Elta is all in

Guest blog: Ricardo Hudson, Senior Technical Project Manager at PCB Technical Services

In late 2019, adidas LDN flagship outlet in London opened its doors as the brand’s most technologically-advanced store worldwide. As a result, it required a ventilation system that would deliver a mammoth fresh air supply across the four-storey, 27,000 sq ft site.

What does the store feature?

Being one of the biggest and most well-known sports brands in the world meant that adidas wanted to create a shopping experience like no other. The store features some of the most digitally-savvy and ahead of the game innovations in retail, such as:

• Interactive mirrors in changing rooms that allow shoppers to order different sizes direct from the stockroom
• A ‘Bring It To Me’ feature using in-store geolocation tracking to allow customers to shop without queueing
• Over 100 digital touch points that are all powered by green energy
• A MakerLab where clothes can be customised with personalised designs.

What was needed?

While we knew incorporating these interactive elements would help to revolutionise the high street, it did mean we required a solution that was capable of managing the increased energy usage and additional heat loads.

The pressure was on us therefore, to deliver the size and volume of air necessary to keep the building and shoppers cool. We needed a ventilation system that would be able to meet a consistently high demand at all times. What’s more, we were set the task of working within a limited timeframe, gain the relevant planning permission and eliminate as many risks as possible to nearby occupants and shoppers within budget – and not to mention navigate a busy Oxford Street location! 

How could Elta deliver?

After an initial interview and factory review, I was confident that Elta was the right brand for the job. Not only did the company offer the enhanced technical support and understanding of the project that we needed, but also met the tight delivery date with its bespoke Air Design unit, the fully-configured PURA+ Air Handling Unit (AHU). The custom-made unit promised to effectively ventilate across all four floors, and crucially, could be mounted on the roof to maximise space on site.

In order to minimise road closure time and ultimately disruption, the Elta Air Design division was helpful enough to manufacture the unit offsite, so that it could be lifted into place by crane. This also improved ease of installation, as it was delivered in two parts and could be easily bolted together once in place.

What was the end result?

Now installed and operational, the AHU delivers a consistent fresh air supply into the building by removing polluted air and replacing it with clean air, at the most efficient temperature.

Through the Building Management System (BMS), the store manager is able to ensure the ventilation system is working effectively. The controls on the unit essentially determine how it runs, whether that’s scheduling airflow, linking to the BMS, permitting fault signals and alarms, or communicating that filters need changing. Ultimately, this allows the store manager to balance that all-important indoor air quality (IAQ) with energy efficiency, and also effectively manage operating costs.

We always knew this project was going to be a big ask and finding such a bespoke solution in short amount of time was no easy feat. However, we were very pleased with how well PCB Technical Services and Elta worked together. It just goes to highlight the importance of choosing a brand that offers thorough knowledge and support in all aspects of the job.

For more information on Air Design AHUs by Elta, click here