Complex HVAC installation at retail centre

Eastgate Shopping Centre in Gauteng is undergoing a major upgrade of the centre’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) facilities.

The project is being undertaken by black-owned contractor Concor and includes strengthening the roof top base to carry heavy new chiller units, while ensuring that trading can continue uninterrupted.

The HVAC system is located on top of a building on the centre’s roof parking area. The new structure will include a transformer room, and a perimeter louvre closure around the HVAC area. At about 3.5 m high, the louvre is intended to improve the roof top aesthetics by concealing the installation from view. Concor says that its team and subcontractors work according to strict safety protocols – especially since the HVAC rooms are 8.5 m above ground on one side of the structure and 20 m high on the other. Completing the project will be a steel roof, louvres to allow fresh air to cool the installation, access doors and a steel staircase.

“The construction work includes the demolition of an existing roof, walls and slab above tenants,” explains Concor contract manager Martin Muller. “The structure will then be strengthened to ensure it can safely carry the seven 10 t HVAC chillers which are to be installed on the roof top building.”

An important aspect of the construction is for the considerable load of the new installation to be effectively transferred into the centre’s existing concrete columns under the roof parking – and down into the foundations. This is being done through the construction of interlinking stub columns to create a grid to support the chillers. These columns are being cast systematically, working in a direction of priority for the HVAC specialists, so they can start their installations on the network of support steelwork and grating that Concor will provide.