Gilberts Delivers The Low-Down

Gilberts is delivering the low-down on how building services can meet the challenge of the changing office landscape. The drivers of reduced energy costs, creating a healthier working environment and flexible office spaces are combining to see increasing demand for underfloor air distribution (UfAD): up 8% according to market data. 

Gilberts' uniquely designed GFS floor swirl diffuser brings new dimensions for designers and users of the internal space. Its performance characteristics mean GFS can help towards WELL, LEED and BREEAM accreditation.

The GFS circulates air from the floor void with no need for direct ducting. As a result, it can be positioned anywhere across the floor plan. And GFS maximises agile offices: all that is needed is repositioning of the diffuser - often just swapping a floor tile - with no need to reconfigure the air circulation paths nor ducting. The patented design enables the choice of horizontal or diagonal (45°) swirling omni-directional or diffused airflow at floor level.

Heating and cooling is quickly and effectively delivered where the occupants are. Excess heat generated by the occupants - people and machines - and airborne pollutants are displaced upwards and out, optimising indoor air quality and comfort. Gilberts has incorporated a volume control damper into the diffuser which regulates the quantity of airflow as required for occupant comfort and doubles as a dirt trap.

The diffuser plate removes easily to facilitate cleaning, adjustment or maintenance. Whilst predominantly used for air supply, GFS can, like all Gilberts’ swirl diffusers, also function as the ventilation extract, further simplifying the design and specification process.

Dave Harding, Gilberts’ Sales & Marketing Director, comments: “The efficiency of UfAD systems - delivering heating and cooling at low level - is established. Our GFS enhances those proven USPs. It gives much greater flexibility over how the occupied space is used, even as that usage changes. It’s a simple consideration to the specification that can have a huge impact on the appeal for owners and tenants.”

Gilberts has a proven track record in supporting creation of stimulating work environments, with projects including the British Music Experience in Liverpool, the F35 flight simulator at BAE Systems in Warton and lecture theatres at University of Lancashire. All of Gilberts' products - standard lines and bespoke solutions - are designed and developed in accordance with BS EN ISO 9001:2015 quality standard in their state-of-the-art 140,000 ft² facility in Blackpool.

The test facility, including an air movement laboratory and specialist CFD and BIM software suites, give customers unrivalled technical support and specification validation. The company is committed to protecting the environment by minimising embodied life cycle carbon in its manufacturing processes and has achieved bronze status in the Supply Chain Sustainability School.  https://gilbertsblackpool.com

Gilberts Helps University Balance Sustainability And Quiet

Future generations of vets are being given a green and peaceful environment in which to study, due in part to Gilberts. The University of Bristol has commissioned a new Veterinary School to support its commitment to a case-based learning model, providing specialised spaces for small-group learning. The two-storey building, designed by ADP Architecture and built by Beard Construction, features numerous elements to help deliver the University’s ambition of being a net zero campus and deliver Gold LEAF certified schooling.

These include use of cross-laminated timber, natural light, plus photovoltaic panels to charge a battery system and power the air heat source pumps. Gilberts' acoustic louvres ventilate and protect the high-level plant and reduce its noise from disturbing the learning environment.

It was not a simple build, however. The new school is situated between existing buildings and had to be executed whilst the campus was active. To keep disruption to a minimum and achieve the build programme schedule, Gilberts began the louvre install over a Bank Holiday, and utilised scissor lifts and safety steps to physically manoeuvre the louvres into place. In total, 17 single bank louvre panels spanning over 11,000m with each panel measuring 2.9m high x 300mm deep, were installed.

Fitted to steels behind the CLT columns and beams, the louvre panels have been designed to align with the standing seam cladding below. Once in place, the louvres provide up to 50% free ventilation area to the plant behind and achieve strong noise modulation to a weighted SRI of 18dBA.

The new Veterinary School at University of Bristol is the latest in a portfolio of similar projects for Gilberts, including Pritchatts House at University of Birmingham, the Moot Court at University of Lancaster, the Harper & Keele Veterinary School and the Regius Chair laboratory at University of Liverpool.

The Bristol Veterinary School project demonstrates Gilberts’ continuing commitment to innovative and sustainable commercial HVAC strategies, driven from the company’s 140,000 sq ft research and manufacturing facility in Lancashire. https://gilbertsblackpool.com