University of Auckland

The Client

Auckland University is New Zealand’s largest university. It is regularly ranked the top higher education institution in the country and boasts a rating among the QS World University Rankings.

The Challenge

The University knew they had a large obstacle to overcome. They had a building to work with, but it was not outfitted with any HVAC nor did they have a finalised design. The university needed to be able to offer students services within four months. They required a fast turn around to complete the building and have it ready for the new semester.

"Econair has recently completed a design and build HVAC contract on the UoA South Auckland Campus. They were the stand out contractor of the project, which had an extremely tight accelerated programme, both in design and delivery. Commercially they have open and easy to work with."

Joe Buxton

Senior Quantity Surveyor

Solution

With students returning in March, the University approached us in October. We established a design for the project. As we are well connected with our New Zealand suppliers, we were able to draw on local resources to accelerate the build of the project. This allowed both Econair and the Unviersity of Auckland to invest in local relationships actively.

Outcome

We built the Osterley Way solution in just three months. Osterley Way consists of a two-level office building with a central service core. We installed chilled water fan coil units and outside air systems to provide cooling and heating to the building. There is one underground car park levels. The main plant for the building is situated on the roof of the core.

Teaching, office and admin areas are conditioned by in-ceiling mounted, chilled water fan coil units. Outside air is drawn from a common intake plenum via a weather louvre and pre filters. The air handling unit is complete with chilled water and electric heating coil and variable speed centrifugal fan. The cooling coil is fitted with automatic three-way valves to regulate capacity. The electric heating coil is fitted with a current valve to modulate output. Depending on the amount of the fresh air required the AHU fan speed modulates. The EC fan speed is controlled from a duct mounted static pressure sensor.