Project scope:
Kauri Group engaged us to undertake a full survey & report on the HVAC systems at 139 Quay Street, the iconic building on Auckland’s busy waterfront. We identified that most of the plant was beyond its life expectancy and the risk of imminent failure was high. We then fulfilled two stages of work for our client. The first stage was converting level four from an air-based VAV system to a water-based FCU system. For this to happen, we arranged multiple meetings with individual tenants to determine how their tenancy would be affected by the partial removal of furniture to accommodate the new main pipework ring around the floor – there was lots of disruption to the common areas of the floor. Because of the number of occupants this affected, the work was staged and the enabling works were carried out over the Xmas break, when the offices were operating on skeleton staff. The lack of ceiling space added an additional layer of complexity so fan coil units on level four were custom-made to fit around the structure. The second stage involved replacing two roof-mounted and air-cooled chillers, main AHUs and fan coil units throughout the building where required. The chillers replacement was made particularly difficult by the fact they were enclosed by glass on top of a 10-storey building in central Auckland.
Jackson’s solution:
We decided to use a crane to lift the chillers in and out of the small gap in the glass façade – the alternative was to use a helicopter but the risk factor (particularly around gusts of wind) was too high. We devised a process and safety plan to ensure the process went as smoothly as possible and worked with the main contractor 1st Mechanical and Auckland Council to close two lanes of Quay Street for safety reasons. The old chillers were partially dismantled and the first chiller was then rolled under the small opening in the glass panels using load skates and steel pipe, supported by wooden chocks. When the wind conditions were perfect, the chiller was slowly lifted around all of the other equipment and structure within the plant enclosure and out through the gap in the glass facade. This process was repeated for the second chiller.
Result:
The replacement of the two old chillers in a challenging position was successful. The installation of the new plant will result in lower energy consumption due to more efficient technology (including EC motors and inverter chillers). We also put together a planned preventive maintenance program to ensure the plant is maintained to ensure continued efficient operation and reduced callout costs.
Client’s feedback:
“From the client’s perspective I am very happy with Jackson’s service. They provided sound planning advice in a timely manner, kept us fully informed throughout and managed inevitable challenges in an appropriate and pragmatic manner. I would have no hesitation in using them again or recommending their services.” Jim Blackwell, CEO Kauri Group
