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Specialised, bespoke, customised, tailor made and made-to-order - synonyms for products that are modified, altered to standard and that probably won’t suit any other purpose than the exact one they are made for. Typically, an indoor climate solution is designed using a majority of standarised products, but when custom-made is needed or, for the sake of it, just desired, this is how it works. Our expert, Dr. Markus Schomaker, Laboratory Manager at SLT by Swegon, explains specialised in HVAC design.
Image by Mark Seelen.
Starting with the definition: specialised. In reality that can be a range of different things. It can be a simple modification of a product, a re-design of an existing unit or, at the far end of the spectrum, a completely new product development. A modification can be a colour change or a dimension adjustment, a re-design can be alterations to suit a certain application and a new-dev is obviously a product made for integration into an individual indoor climate concept.
Whatever the degree of specialised, there are many aspects to consider when stepping aside from the standard product. Not at all surprising, the desired functionality must meet the projects set requirements. In parallel, cost is inevitably a parameter for the customer to consider, and closely related to the time needed for adjustments or development. Here, time is often the key to success. Time is needed to fully understand the requirements, which in the area of specialised HVAC solutions can be both intricate and surprising. Communication is the best way forward and the customer, architect and planner are essential parties for this discussion. Last, but certainly not least, are the aesthetics and interior design constraints – the look and feel is frequently top priority for specialised products.
Zooming in on the basic parameter, functionality. Opinions about the indoor climate are only expressed when something is wrong, when it is perceived to be too hot, too cold, too much draught or when a buildings ventilation is causing disturbing noise. Laboratory testing is therefore crucial and deep understanding of relevant standards and other applicable regulatory frameworks is a must. With this as the core of the process towards a specialised product, there is more than just a good chance it will turn out very well.
Special solutions as everyday business
For us at Swegon, a customised solution should meet, and preferably exceed, set requirements and expectations, without excessive cost increases. We strongly believe that it all starts early in the process with ensuring sound experience, innovative creativity and clever simplification. As the saying goes, there is no need to reinvent the wheel, instead we look at solutions we already offer and evaluate how these can be fully or partially incorporated into the customers’ desired whole. Sustainability targets have pretty recently put new demands on specialised HVAC solutions, but we are not taken off-guard, we find operational optimisations, material choices and modern functionalities pave the way for both meeting such targets and saving time and money.
Further, we find laboratory tests indispensable, it is the most reliable way to ensure the performance of a modified or newly developed product. Not only because tests generate general performance data, but because laboratory tests using mock-ups in a simulated “real world” set-up provides a whole solution perspective that allows for conclusions to be drawn, also about product performance in the customer’s specific environment. Technical standards usually form the basis for conducting these tests. However, unordinary building applications may need exceptions, for instance the hotel roof top terrace with firm requirements on air velocity and the cruise ship casino where the gaming tables need an air curtain to ensure a good work environment for the dealer.
Requirements, aesthetic vision, delivery
Worth knowing, product development overall, but the creation of specialised products in particular, is an iterative process. If the products performance is not to our satisfaction, laboratory findings are used in the process of making further adjustments and test a new version of the product, again and again. Not until the special solution is on par with all requirements, including a possible aesthetic vision, will the product be considered finished and ready for delivery.
As an example, the indoor climate solution at SXB Südkreutz Berlin, Germany, is a specialised installation developed through close collaboration between all parties involved. The result was a unique set of products that combined the planners functional specifications with the end customers aesthetic requirements. We used wood to cover the technical components and reflect the desired sustainability aspects, and we developed hybrid units to meet the indoor climate demands. Learn more about the combination of a lower displacement unit for nearby air supply and an upper long-throw diffuser air supply further into the room in our reference case. And, get familiar with our Swegon brand for specialised solutions, SLT.
