Derelict Warehouse Transformed into Cool Co-working Space with Panasonic

LIME TREE WORK SHOP, originally a historic derelict warehouse based in the heart of Sevenoaks, has recently been transformed into a sleek industrial-looking modern coworking space with an energy efficient Panasonic heating and cooling PACi split system with nanoe^TM X to ensure all round comfort.

Installer, Mid-Tech Services Ltd, worked with TJK Builders on the project, where a Panasonic PACi split system was specified, along with a range of Panasonic energy efficient indoor ducted fan coils and cassette units to ensure maximum comfort is achieved in each of the different areas in this historic building, with indoor air quality a top priority for the owners, to ensure a safe working environment for all workers and visitors at LIME TREE WORK SHOP.

Spread over 4,500 square feet, LIME TREE WORK SHOP offers a flexible coworking environment, with communal coworking spaces, lounge areas, meeting rooms and offices to meet a multitude of different needs: the ground floor even doubles as a hireable events space during evenings and weekends. Providing the best air quality and climate control was identified to be crucial to curating a comfortable and safe environment and successful business. The space needed a flexible heating and cooling system, with a wide range of units which could adapt to the different individual spaces within the building, all whilst performing to the highest energy efficiency.

To meet the demands of the space, Mid-Tech Services specified the Panasonic split system as the ideal solution for this project. The open plan communal areas were fitted with two 25 kW three phase Panasonic PACi Elite R32 outdoor split units with four ducted fan coil units spread across the ground and first floor. The extension at the rear of the building had two PACi NX Standard twin split units connected to four 4-Way Cassette indoor units across the two floors. Finally, four offices and two meeting rooms are installed with a 2.5kW FZ wall mounted unit and one with a 3.5kW, to provide complete flexibility of heating and cooling to suit the individual areas. The ducted fan coil and cassette units all came with nanoe^TM X as standard which can improve indoor air quality by inhibiting the transmission of certain airborne viruses and bacteria indoors.

Sam Dewey, of Mid-Tech Services says “We have a good and long-term working relationship with Panasonic, we know them as a reliable manufacturer, with a wide range that can reach the energy efficiencies that our customers need. For this project, we specified the Panasonic PACi Elite range as it’s increased piping length allowed for design flexibility, meaning we could easily make sure comfort could be brought to every corner of the formerly derelict warehouse. Additionally, both the PACi Elite and Standard units have a slim and lightweight design making installation of several units across the project easier. As this building now functions as a coworking space, where people can book the meeting rooms when required, ease of use was a key consideration. The user friendly Panasonic control system means any end user can quickly pick up and adjust to their desired comfort.”

Sandie Johnston, owner of LIME TREE WORK SHOP added, "With a new roof, came the addition of a heat pump, which is hugely welcome and helps to future proof the building. The Panasonic control system regulates the temperature and is simple to use and has allowed us to independently and remotely control the various offices and open plan spaces within our co-working facility.  During the summer heat wave, everyone commented on how beautifully cool our space was, so much so that it became a bit of a joke that several members were keen to sleep over!”

The Panasonic PACi ranges offer outstanding efficiencies, the standard units offer top class SEER levels of up to A++ and SCOP levels of A+ at 10 kW. The PACi Elite range is accompanied with energy saving design features for the structure of fans, fan motors, compressors, and heat exchangers, resulting in high COP values and reduced energy consumption resulting in lower operating costs.

The Panasonic wall mounted FZ inverter has a super compact design, making it great flexibility[DS1]  for installation in limited spaces, with the option to allow placement above openings and windows. The super low noise, high performance and efficiency makes it the perfect for installation in individual office rooms.

Much of the Panasonic air conditioning range now comes with nanoe™ X technology incorporated as standard, which can help bring incredible benefits indoors so that hard surfaces, soft furnishings, and the indoor environment can be a cleaner and more pleasant place to be. nanoe™X works independently from the heating and cooling operation of its units and uses minimal energy and requires no maintenance.  Panasonic has been developing nanoe™X since 2003.

Sandie Johnston concludes “since LIME TREE WORK SHOP has opened, we are so pleased with how it has been lovingly transformed by TJK Builders and Mid-Tech Services and we couldn't be happier with the simplicity and efficiency of the heating and cooling system."

For more information on Panasonic’s wide range of heating and cooling, please visit www.aircon.panasonic.eu.