Mastering climate control: Gavin Lowe
Weather extremes in Canterbury made getting year-round temperature control for a high-end, high country restaurant an exercise in innovative hot water and air-conditioning expertise.
For most of us, the intricacies of temperature control are the last thing on our minds when we take our seats at a high-end restaurant for a special occasion. Yet it’s something that can make or break the perfect evening.
No one understands this better than the team at Flockhill, the luxury accommodation lodge in Canterbury’s Craigieburn Valley. So, when it came to needing a world class climate-control solution for the station’s alpine restaurant, Sugarloaf at Flockhill, they turned to the expertise of Gavin Lowe Energy.
“There were a number of challenges, but we already had experience with designing the solution for the Homestead, which came ahead of the luxury villas and day spa,” says Mike Lock, operations manager and director of Gavin Lowe Energy.
“The restaurant, though, was another matter. There were floor-to-ceiling windows, which meant a lot of potential heat loss. And of course, the extreme climate in both summer and winter in this most beautiful part of Canterbury is a challenge. It’s closer to Arthur’s Pass and the Southern Alps than the beach,” Mike says.
On top of the environmental challenges, the system had to be robust enough to operate constantly to provide consistent climate control. The Gavin Lowe Energy team spent two years delivering a comprehensive and bespoke solution.
“What we went with was two Mitsubishi Electric Zubadan Hot Water Heat Pump systems supplying underfloor heating across the 500sqm space, rated to perform down to -25°C. We also integrated fresh air ventilation and three ducted air conditioning units, delivering year-round comfort through a centralised control system,” he says.
“The installation work was carried out over a two year period in stages. When on site, our team lived on location and were very well looked after by the main building contractors, Hoogervorst Builders. Our mechanical works were a major part of the project, the plant room for just our equipment is huge, measuring some 200 cubic meters, that does not include the outdoor units or the massive amount of pipework, cable and ducting. It was an epic project.”
Beyond comfort, efficiency was a major priority. The hot water heat pump technology incorporated into the design can deliver energy savings of up to 65% compared to traditional systems.
Now two years on from completion, the Sugarloaf at Flockhill system continues to operate exactly as intended, providing a calm, comfortable environment regardless of the weather conditions outside. It’s a showcase of smart engineering, premium equipment, and thoughtful design, ensuring guests enjoy the beauty of the Southern Alps in complete comfort.
To discuss your climate control needs for home or business, call 03 337 9584 or email office@gavinlowe.co.nz.
