We recently carried out the installation of a DX Ducted Air Conditioning system at Hollister, Churchill Square Shopping Centre, Brighton, on behalf of the Silvaman Group as part of a site upgrade and fit-out. It’s the kind of project we genuinely enjoy - a proper technical challenge in a fast-paced retail environment, where getting the details right really matters.
DX (direct expansion) ducted systems are a popular choice for retail spaces like this. They deliver consistent, effective climate control through concealed ductwork, keeping the store comfortable for staff and customers alike without cluttering the interior with visible equipment. For a brand like Hollister, where the in-store atmosphere is a big part of the experience, that matters enormously.
From day one, we worked closely with the client and the shopping centre team to make sure everything was planned properly and that the installation would cause as little disruption as possible to the centre, neighbouring retailers, and the local community.
Every commercial air conditioning project brings its own challenges, and this one was no different. In fact, the logistics here were particularly demanding and required a level of planning and coordination that goes well beyond a standard installation.
The first challenge was access. The existing equipment was located on the roof, and all of the new plant needed to be lifted from the road below using a crane. That means no shortcuts, every element of the lift, from removing the old units to craning the new ones into position, had to be planned carefully and executed in the right order.
The second challenge was time. Lifting could only take place after 7 pm, once the goods yard had closed for the day, and everything had to be wrapped up by 10pm to avoid disturbing residents in the area. Three hours to complete all crane operations, safely and without a hitch. It’s the sort of window that focuses the mind.
The key to pulling off a tight operation like this isn’t just about moving fast on the night; it’s about doing the groundwork properly beforehand, so that when the window opens, you’re ready to go.
During the day, our team took delivery of the new equipment, checked everything over, and got both the new and existing systems prepped and ready. The old plant was made safe for removal, the new units were staged and rigged, and the lifting sequence was agreed with the crane operator well in advance. By the time the goods yard closed at 7 pm, there was nothing left to figure out, just a clear plan and a team ready to execute it.
Once lifting began, it went smoothly. The old rooftop equipment came down, the new DX ducted units went up, and all work was completed comfortably within the three-hour window. Done and dusted before 10 pm, with no disruption to residents and no headaches for the shopping centre.
Projects like this one are a good example of what we do and how we work. Commercial air conditioning in managed retail environments isn’t just a technical job; it involves a lot of moving parts, and the ability to plan around real-world constraints whilst still delivering a high-quality result is what makes the difference.
Our engineers are used to working in exactly these kinds of environments, shopping centres, retail fit-outs, office refurbishments, and multi-tenanted buildings where access is restricted, timelines are fixed, and there’s no room for things to go wrong. We take care of the logistics, the coordination, and the problem-solving, so our clients don’t have to worry about any of it.
That’s the way we’ve always worked, and it’s why so many of our clients come back to us time and again.
If you’ve got an air conditioning project coming up, whether it’s a new installation, a system upgrade, or a full HVAC fit-out, we’d love to hear from you. No job is too complex, and we’re always happy to talk through what’s involved before you commit to anything.
Get in touch with the IRS team today. Give us a call, or drop us a message through our online enquiry form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
