Integrating or retrofitting air conditioning into a finished residential property presents a unique set of challenges. Careful integration of plant, preservation of existing finishes, protection of surfaces and furnishings, cleanliness, and minimising disruption are just some of the things that must be considered throughout the project. Without the right approach, achieving a solution that addresses all these points is impossible.
During a property refurbishment where a blank canvas approach can be taken, the possibilities for concealment and integration are endless. The number of options for retrofit installations are far more limited, particularly in the luxury residence where unsightly grilles can detract from specific and beautiful interior aesthetics. It’s crucial to engage a consultative designer to ensure a cohesive and discreet result is achieved.
In collaboration with the property owner or interior designer, air terminals and equipment can be selected to integrate within joinery and architectural elements with the least disruptive impact on the existing finishes, achieving a virtually invisible solution. Without this approach, the common result is an air conditioning installation that is distinctly and obviously an afterthought or after-market installation.
In an occupied and finished property, strategic design and planning is critical in minimising disruption and downtime. Indoor and outdoor equipment locations must be selected carefully, and all pipework, drainage and cabling routes assessed to ensure they avoid existing hidden services. All associated enabling works including surface protection, moving of furniture, lifting of carpets, opening up of voids, and any redecorating on completion need to be discussed and documented into a planned phased programme of works. It is of all importance that the building contractor carrying out these facilitating tasks is experienced, reputable and has correct and sufficient insurance cover.
Every residential property is unique, with different layouts, insulation levels, and usage patterns. A consultative approach allows the designers to tailor the air conditioning system to the specific needs of the property and its occupants through gaining an understanding the homeowner's preferences and lifestyle and combining this with the desired interior aesthetic of the property. Comfort is subjective and can vary greatly from one individual to another. Through consultation, homeowners can express their comfort preferences such as desired room temperatures, sound levels and air quality requirements. The system can then be designed to meet these preferences, ensuring optimal comfort year-round.
Integrating air conditioning into a finished residential property is a significant investment. A consultative approach ensures that homeowners are fully informed about their options, typical system running costs and long-term maintenance requirements. Air conditioning systems must comply with building regulations, local planning law and environmental standards. A consultation with a professional provider ensures that the proposed air conditioning solution meets all relevant requirements, removing the risk of non-compliance issues and potential fines or penalties.
About Calibre Climate
Calibre is London's air conditioning design, installation and aftercare specialist for prime residential properties. From sound surveys and planning applications to integrating equipment in joinery with beautifully discreet air terminals, we design and deliver quiet, concealed, luxury air conditioning systems tailored specifically to the interior design requirements of each client and property. Our unique consulting process, engaging with the wider design team from concept stage, enables end-to-end delivery of technically astute solutions that blend seamlessly with the architectural and aesthetic intent and character of each individual property.
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Calibre Climate was commissioned to design and install air conditioning and mechanical ventilation to a lateral apartment in a famous John Nash Grade II Listed crescent building overlooking Regent’s Park, in collaboration with House of Design Architects and Sonsino Turcan Construction.
At the outset, the design was heavily influenced by the interior design intent – the client’s vision was for a natural, earthy feel supported by neutral tones and a variety of textures in a geometric style. The air conditioning was designed to blend with architectural elements, leading to a clean and uncluttered finish with linear features.
While the façade was retained, the building behind it was completely reconfigured, allowing an array of options for equipment concealment and air terminations. The open plan layout simplified the number of air terminals required, allowing us to minimise the visual impact of the installation on the space.
In the main open plan living area, comprising the study, dining room and living room, simple twin slot diffusers were integrated into the underside of the coffered ceiling, complementing the geometry of the bespoke crittall partitioning separating the study and dining room. A similar solution was installed in the kitchen, with the diffusers running the full length of the wall section over the crittall door into the pantry to frame the space.
Tying in with the monochromatic colour palette selected in the bathrooms, single slots flush in the ceiling were selected for bathroom ventilation, keeping the overall look and feel smooth and cohesive.
Integral to the project were listed building constraints, which had to be considered at every stage to remain true to the historic character of the property. The end result is a beautifully tailored solution, in complete harmony with the space – blending into the existing architectural features in a minimalist way and complementing the linear nature of the wider design.
Barry Smith, Design Director at Calibre Climate, has given his insights into the industry. Calibre Climate design and deliver integrated air conditioning systems to high-end residential properties. We enable beautiful, quiet indoor climates as a complete end-to-end solution through our unique approach of consultancy, installation and aftercare.
Commencing trading in the luxury property market in 1975, Calibre has been supplying visually discreet air conditioning systems to private residences for years.
Recognising a need in this market for air conditioning systems that could meet exacting technical performance levels and low noise requirements whilst being sympathetic to the highly curated interior design schemes, we focused exclusively on prime residential projects, which is now our specialism. In 2023 alone, we completed over two hundred design and installation projects in luxury residential properties across the UK.
Our unique approach commencing with design consultancy enables any introduction of air conditioning to a property to be discussed, planned and visualised both technically and aesthetically right from the earliest design stages. This ensures that the finished result delivered will be exactly as required by the client and interior designer, and eliminates unexpected design or cost variations during the build stage. We bring ideas, samples, visualisations and budgets to the table in the earliest pre-project discussions, enabling the client and wider design team to make informed decisions, even before planning application stage. Our service comprehensively covers the six core elements of every prime residential air conditioning design – the clients’ requirements, legal/planning requirements, aesthetic requirements, technical requirements, sound reduction requirements, and control requirements.
In an ordinary residential property, air conditioning is rarely an element where its interior design impact is considered – but in the high-end residence, detail is everything. Integrating air conditioning into the wider building design enables concealment of equipment built for functionality rather than aesthetics, minimising its visual impact on a space. Designing it into a property where every architectural element and interior finish is meticulously planned requires extensive experience and technical expertise.
We meet with the interior designer and the end client at the earliest stage of the project to discuss their requirements and establish interior aesthetic intent. Balancing these with technical performance requirements, we are then able to develop a highly integrated, bespoke solution for the property, blending with the interior design scheme to minimise visual impact on the space.
Firstly, we are very pleased to announce that one of our favourite projects from last year, a townhouse in Holland Park, has been shortlisted for the RIBA London Awards for 2024.
We also took on an interior-led design and installation, retrofitting air conditioning throughout a large, occupied country mansion in Berkshire. With fourteen thousand sq.ft of finished property spanning four floors, we were able to work closely with the interior designer to bring together a number of unique and beautifully discreet design features to compliment the original finishes. An amazing project that’s been great to see come together.
Visible grilles are becoming less and less popular, with a greater emphasis on highly integrated and fully concealed solutions for the optimum aesthetic finishes. There is an increased demand for innovative methods of concealing equipment and air terminals, for example within coffered ceilings, integrated into cornice detailing and shadow gaps.
As homeowners and designers alike become increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, we are noticing a greater focus on sustainable and eco-friendly cooling solutions within property design. Constant innovation and technological advances will also have an impact on interior design.
Our SBID membership is high on the list so far – we’re enjoying delivering our CPD to SBID members and designers, and engaging with them through networking sessions.
Our SBID accreditation reflects our commitment to designing innovative, high-quality climate control solutions, and allows us to network with other industry professionals for constant improvement of our offering. It gives us an opportunity to showcase our work and keep up with industry trends, as well as supporting designers in the luxury property market through our CPD.
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