Client: Everyone Active
Location: Sunderland Aquatic Centre
Goal: Improve comfort and maintain consistent temperatures across two fitness studios
Project: Supply, installation, testing and commissioning of six split-system air conditioning units
Products: Panasonic 10kW reverse-cycle wall-mounted systems with intelligent touchscreen programmable controllers
Background
Sunderland Aquatic Centre, operated by Everyone Active, required upgraded air conditioning in two studio spaces used for fitness classes and group activities.
With large open spaces and changing occupancy levels throughout the day, both studios needed reliable cooling to keep members and instructors comfortable during busy sessions. The new installation also needed to work alongside the centre’s existing ventilation system.
The Brief
Our team at Compac was asked to supply and install an air conditioning solution that would provide consistent temperature control across both studios, with straightforward controls for centre staff.
The work needed to be completed within a live leisure facility, keeping disruption to classes and daily operations to a minimum. Positioning the outdoor units on the building’s flat roof also required a specialist crane lift and close coordination between the mechanical and electrical contractors.
The Solution
We installed six Panasonic 10kW reverse-cycle split systems, with three wall-mounted indoor units serving each studio. Mounted approximately three metres above floor level, the units were positioned to distribute conditioned air across the open studio spaces.
Refrigerant pipework, condensate drains and control wiring were routed vertically and externally, with containment providing a neat finish. Each system was fitted with an intelligent touchscreen programmable controller, giving staff the flexibility to adjust temperature settings and schedules to suit different classes and occupancy levels.
The outdoor condensers were lifted onto the flat roof using a specialist crane operation. Anti-vibration feet were fitted to help reduce operational noise and vibration transmitted through the building. Separate electrical mains supplies were installed to each outdoor unit by the electrical contractor.
Careful planning of access, lifting operations and installation activities allowed the centre to remain in normal use throughout the works.
The existing supply and extract ventilation system remained operational, continuing to provide fresh air alongside the new comfort cooling. The reverse-cycle systems also offer heating during colder months when required.
The Outcome
The completed installation has improved comfort for members and instructors across both studios, providing more stable temperatures during busy fitness sessions.
Quiet operation supports the studio environment, while programmable controls allow staff to manage conditions around the centre’s timetable. The systems provide energy-efficient cooling and the option of additional heating, giving the centre greater flexibility throughout the year.
With the new air conditioning working alongside the existing ventilation, Sunderland Aquatic Centre now benefits from a more comfortable, controllable environment for its fitness classes and group activities.
