Cold Control, the award winning air conditioning and refrigeration specialists were the preferred contractors for the design, specification and installation of all the air-conditioning requirements within the ongoing refurbishment projects at Carshalton College, Surrey.

The vibrant and innovative college is located just outside of London and views the improvement of student’s facilities as an on-going priority. Carshalton College employed Leaders Refurbishment LLP, a dynamic, emerging refurbishment contractor that embraces each project as a team, to create a brand new Motor Vehicle Laboratory with a difference. The laboratory will use technologically advanced computers to virtualise many functions in educational and learning frameworks, thus no longer requiring the use of actual cars.

Leaders Refurbishment LLP awarded Cold Control the contract to complete the air conditioning requirements of the laboratory. Cold Control were the obvious choice for the project, with their high level of expertise and experience working within schools, they understood the need for quality air and controlled temperature in a learning environment. The air conditioning specialists were also aware that minimal disruption is essential to the continuity and productivity of students during the installation process.

With the latest technology in computerised mechanics involved, climate control was fundamental for the lab. Maintaining a comfortable temperature protects the equipment from over-heating, and helps to provide an effective working environment for students. Noise level was also a key requirement in the refurbishment brief and Cold Control had to take this into account throughout the design process.

Government legislation makes this type of installation essential for any school or college. The Building Bulletin 101 focuses on the ventilation of school buildings and states that excessive levels of Carbon Dioxide will cause tiredness, this meant that ensuring good indoor air quality for the laboratory was crucial.

Cold Control designed, specified and installed two Mitsubishi split cooling systems, each consisting of an above ceiling ducted type internal unit and an externally mounted condensing unit. These supplied the conditioned air via a series of ducts and ceiling mounted diffusers. Cold Control also installed a Mitsubishi Electric Lossnay heat recovery ventilation unit to provide additional ventilation to the room. This supplied fresh air directly into each of the above ceiling ducted units as well as providing the extraction of stale air from within this space. These utilise waste heat energy from the outgoing air and transfer it into the incoming air.


Cold Controls' attention to detail and outstanding planning meant that they were able to pre-empt a potentially catastrophic problem and devise a solution before building work commenced. The anticipated issue came down to the 1950s prefabricated roof above the laboratory, which was nearing the end of its lifespan and would have collapsed under the weight of all the equipment. Cold Control overcame this by placing only the air exchanger on top of the roof, with the condensing units to the side of the building. Without this meticulous planning, the team would have faced time consuming and costly decisions further down the line.

Derek Spencer, Facilities Manager for Carshalton College commented: "The project was totally fulfilled to our complete satisfaction. Cold Control worked tirelessly to meet all of our requirements; they were impressive on all levels."

The dual-aspect project also involved the revitalisation of the colleges' old Server room. The Server room had become dated and required a staff member to be present at all times. Direction given by the college was to create a modern 'James Bond' feel to complement the contemporary design that emanates throughout the rest of the college. Blue flashing neon lights were installed behind a glass screen enclosing the servers, emphasising the Server room as the heart of the school infrastructure with an integral role at the centre of a young, exciting learning environment.

Cold Control played a fundamental role in this aspect of the refurbishment project, moving and re-installing the existing cooling systems, which help to ensure a cool environment for the server to work at optimum efficiency.

Leaders Refurbishments' decision to employ Cold Control was based on their prior experience at Berkeley Square, London when they easily slotted in to Leaders ethos of team working, to complete a major refurbishment project on a grade one listed building. Leaders were already aware of Cold Control’s responsiveness to demands, and their proactive approach to any project through reputation and recommendation from Consultants.

Jason Ellam-Brown, a Senior Partner in Leaders Refurbishment commented: "Cold Control produce faultless results repeatedly, their commitment to the project from estimating, through contract management and site delivery was demonstrated through early and clear specification, effective programming, and outstanding site installation. I do not have the pleasure often enough to speak so highly of a sub-contractor. I would quickly recommend Cold Control to anybody looking for a dedicated and quality driven air conditioning specialist."

Jason continued: "The benefits for the laboratory students at Carshalton College will be endless, concentration levels will be raised and health improved thanks to cleaner circulating air, this in turn will impact on educational achievement, and absenteeism caused by sickness and discomfort will be greatly reduced."

Cold Control provides each of their customers with a complete one-stop solution in all aspects of Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning, Heating and Ventilation. Their Sales, Design, Technical and Installation Department are intrinsically linked to provide all clients with individually tailored solutions to suit their needs and budget.

Mark Hewitt, Sales and Design Manager for Cold Control added: "Cold Control are committed to providing excellent indoor air quality through efficient, reliable systems and are experienced in creating optimum productive learning environments. At Carshalton College, Cold Control undertook a complex brief and produced outstanding results, further strengthening their team relationship with Leaders Refurbishment."

For more information on Cold Control's air conditioning and refrigeration installation expertise, or their comprehensive service and maintenance packages Tel: 0844 9670573 or alternatively Visit: www.coldcontrol.co.uk