AHU Replacement at High School Sports Centre Changing Facilities
Client: High School Sports Centre
Sector: Education / Sports Facilities
Project Focus: Replacement of two air handling units (AHUs
Location: West Midlands
The client
Our client, a West Midlands High School has a Sports Centre available as a communal facility offering a wide range of sports and fitness amenities.
It supports both the school community and local residents with modern sports equipment, professional coaching, and flexible membership options.
The challenge
The school’s sports centre changing facilities were suffering from poor ventilation due to two failing air handling units combined with no openable windows. These issues were leading to high moisture levels, creating unpleasant odours and an unhygienic environment for students, staff and the public.
Both of the AHUs had reached the end of their service life, with replacement parts unobtainable.
The solution
SK Heating & Cooling was tasked with replacing both AHUs and integrating them with the existing BMS system, while ensuring minimal disruption to staff and students who still required use of the sports centre.
The process
The project began during term time and continued throughout the school holidays. Planning the project around the school’s calendar meant initial work could start with major installation scheduled for when the centre was not in use. It also ensured our team had enough time to complete the project before the return of students at the start of the next school term.
Creating a self-contained site within the school grounds was vital to ensure the safety of staff and students while allowing early work to begin. The site was securely cordoned off and had independent access routes for materials and equipment deliveries.
Our work involved:
- Setting up a self-contained site within the school grounds.
- Isolating and removing the two existing AHUs and associated pipework and ductwork.
- Installing new supply and extraction ductwork, plus new pipe work on the roof, insulated with durable Alu-clad protection.
- Powering and connecting the new AHUs to the existing Building Management System (BMS) for full operational control.
- Conducting comprehensive commissioning to ensure all systems were fully functional and compliant.
The results
Operational improvement:
The new AHUs deliver fully ventilated, climate-controlled changing facilities, eliminating odours and excess moisture while improving comfort for users.
Minimal disruption and flexibility:
The project was executed safely and efficiently around the school calendar, with zero disruption to education or community access.
On time, on budget:
Delivered within the planned timeframe and budget, thanks to detailed coordination and co-operation with the client and a proactive project programme.
Compliance and community benefit:
The upgraded system meets all current health, safety, and environmental standards. The improved facilities now support both the school and the wider community, enhancing local wellbeing and engagement.
Installation photos
The benefits
- Full replacement of outdated, high-risk AHUs
- Enhanced ventilation and comfort in changing rooms
- Safe, compliant installation with no disruption to education
- Long-term durability with Alu-clad insulated ductwork
- Seamless integration with existing BMS
- Improved community access and facility use
Next steps
Contact the SK Heating & Cooling Team to discuss your requirements.
Call: 01452 410500
Email: sales@skheatingandcooling.co.uk / service@skheatingandcooling.co.uk
Address: SK Heating and Cooling Ltd, 229 Bristol Road, Gloucester, GL1 5TL
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