Fujitsu General fits out luxury project

Fujitsu General’s R32 Bulkhead Reverse Cycle Split Systems contributed to the aesthetic of a recent eco-tourism project on a greenfield site in Inman Valley, South Australia.

Created by luxury accommodation business ESCA, the project involved two standalone resort-style suites overlooking the Inman Valley to Encounter Bay and the Southern Ocean. Described as “luxury off-grid accommodation elevated in the heart of South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula”, ESCA at Nest & Nature relies on its own energy infrastructure, including an off-the-grid system of solar panels and batteries.

Fujitsu General says that the two “Nest & Nature” suites required an air conditioning solution that met strict design and energy management criteria. The system also had to successfully integrate with a Schneider automation system, which would trigger a welcome scene when guests checked in: opening blinds, setting mood lighting, and activating the air conditioner at a set temperature. 

Designers preferred an integrated bulkhead air conditioning solution that could be concealed, to maintain a sleek and contemporary environment. The air conditioning system also needed to be efficient and include energy management features, with the suites powered by the site’s self-sufficient power grid.

“The suites required bulkhead systems with flexible return air features to ensure effective airflow, which was a challenge as joinery and cavity slider door systems impacted available ceiling space,” says Fujitsu General.

“It was important to ensure the air conditioner successfully integrated with the specified automation system, but this made it challenging to ensure a suitable interface between the Fujitsu system and the Schneider thermostat controller without affecting the automatic functions – such as lighting – already in place.”

Fujitsu General’s R32 Bulkhead Reverse Cycle Split System, which could fit within the tight ceiling cavity and have minimal impact on the interior, was the chosen solution. With R32 refrigerant, all DC components and inverter technology, Fujitsu says these units could deliver a return air system that maximised heating and cooling performance while minimising power consumption.

Ryan Brown, MDLR Chief Executive Officer says Fujitsu General’s systems were the best solution for a project that set a high outcome standard.

 “If we can achieve a design solution that seamlessly integrates air conditioning into the overall aesthetic of the suites, then we’ve succeeded,” says Brown, “Fujitsu helped us do that. Considering some of the construction challenges presented, overall, it was an excellent outcome.”

Fujitsu General says its units were, for the first time in Australia, successfully fitted with UTY-TTRXZ1 thermostat converters that would allow the air conditioning system to integrate seamlessly with each suite’s automated system. The converters connected to both the indoor unit bulkhead from one end and the Schneider-supplied thermostat controller at the other end, allowing the units to be controlled via the Schneider thermostat controller and Schneider BMS.  

Read the Fujitsu General company profile at HVAC&R Search.