Working alongside interior specialists

We are fortunate to be involved in projects that embody the creative ideas of interior design specialists from around the globe. We help make interior designers and architects realise their vision through practical mechanical and electrical design and installation solutions.

This was precisely what happened for the interior designer at Ghost Projects. The designer’s creative vision was one that encapsulated a typical English summer garden and home, all within an office environment.

Here’s how the main office area evolved into its new form as an English garden:

• The main open plan office became a garden
• Green astro turf replaced traditional carpet tiles
• Picnic benches were used instead of tables
• Small sheds replaced storage cupboards
• Festoon lighting was strung overhead
• Trellis’ and climbing plants were a key design feature throughout the office
• Even a small putting green and table tennis table were placed in the main office
• Beanbags were scattered throughout the garden zone

The designer did not stop there. The two meeting rooms and small office space were dressed with a realistic brick wall covering, glazed windows, hanging baskets and classic front door. Combined, these features gave a true impression of an English home.

One of the meeting rooms was adorned with classic flock wallpaper, an ornate dark wood dining room table and chairs, chandelier, fine china and a large dresser. The adjoining meeting room was finished with alfresco dining furniture, plants and watering can, giving the impression of a conservatory.

Where it all began – the M&E Kent fit out

The Kings Hill office began life as a typical workplace – white walls, carpet tiles, partitioned rooms and suspended ceiling.

The plan for such eccentric décor meant the original layout needed to be completely stripped. Working alongside interior specialists, Ghost, Synecore developed a comprehensive mechanical and electrical design to suit the all-new office layout.

Before any of the partitioned walls or ceiling could be removed, the electrics and mechanical equipment needed to me made safe. Therefore, Synecore’s electrical and mechanical engineers were the first onsite.

Once the space was cleared, the air conditioning installation and first fix electrics could begin.

The air conditioning equipment and installation

The M&E Kent fit out was designed to provide variable heating, cooling and ventilation solutions. Synecore’s air conditioning engineers installed a Toshiba VRF Three-Pipe Heat Recovery system on the outside roof space. This particular VRF air conditioner was chosen for its:

• Light weight and compact design
• Dual heating and cooling
• High rated SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) value
• Class leading pipework flexibility
• Full inverter control, which provides higher efficiency, lower sound operation and reduced risk of air conditioning breakdowns
• It can also continuously operate, even in the event a major component failure

The Toshiba Three-Pipe VRF Heat Recovery system was coupled with concealed duct units, ventilation units, fabricated polished chrome ductwork and outlet vents.

Seven year air conditioning warranty

By coupling Toshiba air conditioning equipment and Synecore’s air conditioning installation expertise, Specialist Works can benefit from the manufacturers seven-year warranty. This is available on all air conditioning equipment by leading brands – Toshiba, Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric – when installed and maintained by Synecore.

Exposed ductwork

The exposed polished ductwork was a key design feature within the office refurbishment. This industrial look has become a design statement for a variety of contemporary businesses, including restaurants, bars, hotels and retailers.

The key to achieving the industrial-inspired look, is the meticulous fabrication and installation. It takes experience and an eye for details to pull off a design statement such as this.

The electrical installation

To compliment the exposed ductwork, Synecore fabricated galvanised steel tray work. Electrical cabling was run along the tray work to power a selection of pendent lighting and LED strip lights. Further lighting included a chandelier in the boardroom and festoon lighting strung across the main office space.

Furthermore, Synecore’s electrical engineers managed the power distribution, replaced three fuse boards with split metre boards for energy efficiency, fitted all sockets and ran 100 lines of data cabling.

The schedule

Specialist Works were relocating to the Kings Hill office. Therefore, time was of the essence. There was a four-week window before their existing tenancy agreement was terminated.

When progression onsite is dependent on the electrical and mechanical fit out, it’s vital our work is completed efficiently. The programme for the Specialist Works office fit out was tight, so we used five experienced electrical engineers and six mechanical engineers. As a result, we completed the installation within just three weeks.

The outcome was incredible. This is an office refurbishment that we are truly proud of and glad to have among our property portfolio of commercial M&E Kent projects.

To find out more about Synecore’s complete mechanical, electrical and plumbing services, please contact our team.