Case Study – Multi-Zone Air Handling Upgrade for an Educational Facility

Project Overview

Phoenix Air Handling was appointed to design, manufacture, and support the replacement of multiple air handling units serving key areas within an educational facility. The project required a tailored solution to serve distinct environments, including a commercial kitchen, a large assembly space, and a specialist hydrotherapy area, each with very different ventilation, temperature, and air quality requirements.

Our role covered detailed design development, equipment specification, manufacture, and coordination with site teams to ensure a smooth installation process.

The Challenge

The facility required three bespoke air handling systems, each designed to meet specific operational needs:

• High-efficiency ventilation for a food preparation area

• Balanced supply and extract with heat recovery for a large occupied space

• Controlled temperature, humidity, and corrosion resistance for a hydrotherapy environment

In addition, the units needed to achieve strong energy performance, comply with current regulations, and integrate seamlessly with existing building services and control systems.

The Solution

Phoenix Air Handling designed and supplied three bespoke air handling units, each engineered specifically for its intended application.

Key features across the systems included:

• High-performance EC fans delivering low specific fan power

• LPHW heating coils designed to meet space-specific heating demands

• Plate heat exchangers providing efficient heat recovery where required

• Multi-stage filtration with pressure monitoring for maintenance efficiency

• Robust aluminium framework with insulated panel construction for durability and thermal performance

• Fully integrated controls, including time scheduling, fire alarm interlocks, dirty filter indication, and remote enable facilities

For specialist areas, materials and finishes were selected to suit internal or external installation environments, including corrosion-resistant construction where required.

Installation & Coordination

The project also involved careful planning around removal of existing units, modular delivery, and coordination with other contractors on site. Phoenix Air Handling supported the process by:

• Supplying units in modular form where access was restricted

• Coordinating delivery and positioning logistics

• Providing installation guidance and supervision during critical lifts

• Ensuring controls and interfaces were configured for smooth commissioning

This collaborative approach helped minimise disruption and ensured the systems were installed efficiently and safely.

The Outcome

The completed systems provide:

• Reliable and efficient ventilation across all served spaces

• Improved energy performance through heat recovery and efficient fan selection

• Flexible control and monitoring for ongoing operation

• Systems designed around the real demands of the building and its users

This project demonstrates Phoenix Air Handling’s ability to deliver bespoke, application-led air handling solutions, combining technical expertise with practical site awareness and strong project coordination.