Haier equips a Cultural Centre of the French Riviera

The 109

In the city of Nice, located on the French Riviera, the newly established 109 Cultural Centre sought a comprehensive HVAC system to meet the diverse needs of the building. The Centre, designed to host dance shows, art exhibitions, municipal workshops, and various artistic performances, occupies a historical site that once served as a slaughterhouse.

In 2008, the city of Nice embarked on an ambitious project to transform this 18,000 sqm building into a contemporary cultural hub, thereby enriching the city’s cultural fabric while preserving its industrial heritage.

The old building came equipped with a ventilation system, but it fell short of meeting the stringent heating and cooling requirements of the Cultural Centre, particularly for its 300 sqm concert hall, named Le Frigo 16. This room, capable of accommodating up to 400 guests, urgently needed an efficient solution to maintain a comfortable indoor climate for both visitors and performers.

“It’s a great accomplishment to work on such a significant project. The building has been revitalized, and given the hot summers in our region, the client needed a comprehensive solution. We’re pleased to have found the right resources and delivered an effective solution.” - Thomas Mallamaci, TPLP

The local company CCE took the helm of the project, working closely with TPLP, Haier’s trusted local partner, to devise an optimal solution. The Cultural Centre required a system that would not only enhance the building’s efficiency and green credentials but also seamlessly blend into the architectural design of various spaces.

Haier was identified as the preferred brand due to its reputation for flexibility, reliability, and cost-effective solutions that does not compromise on specification, features or benefits.

With all the specific requirements in mind, the chosen solution included two 12HP MRV 5-H systems, which provide continuous heating and help avoid any indoor temperature fluctuations.

The MRV 5-H units feature an EVI compressor, which increases refrigerant circulation by 15% and enhances heating efficiency by 30% compared to standard compressors. These units operate efficiently in temperatures as low as -27°C in winter and up to 52°C in summer, making them ideal for the varying climate conditions of Nice.

To complete the system, a combination of Cassettes and Ceiling-Floor indoor units were installed.

In the concert room, nine 7.1kW Ceiling-Floor units were utilised to ensure a consistently comfortable atmosphere for all attendees. Thanks to the Fresh Air knockout feature, which is integrated directly into the unit chassis, fresh air is introduced into the room, up to 20% of the unit’s nominal airflow. This feature is crucial for environments like concert halls, where air quality needs to be regularly refreshed. The Haier Ceiling-Floor range also boasts Ultimate Comfort with low noise levels and a versatile 5-speed fan, ensuring an ideal environment for performances and events.

Throughout the rest of the complex, the Cultural Centre opted for five Compact Cassettes, with capacities ranging from 2.8kW to 5.6kW. These Cassettes were selected for their independent control of the four vanes and six different positioning levels per vane, offering up to 1296 possible combinations to guarantee visitors enjoy comfortable ambient air tailored to each unique space.

To enhance the usability of the installed system, a smart central controller was integrated into the building. The HC-SA164DBT, equipped with a 5-inch LCD touchscreen, offers an array of advanced features designed for seamless operation. This includes the capability to simultaneously control both MRV units and Supermatch/Residential Split units. Additionally, the system allows for customizable weekly timers and has the capacity to manage up to 64 individual units concurrently, ensuring comprehensive and efficient control throughout the building.

Thomas Mallamaci further added, “With the arrival of summer and the onset of the tourist season, it was crucial for our customer to finalize the project swiftly. The units are now fully operational, ensuring all exhibitions can be held in a very comfortable environment. This project is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality, efficient HVAC solutions that meet the unique needs of each client.”

This successful project at the 109 Cultural Centre not only demonstrates Haier’s ability to deliver customized HVAC solutions but also highlights our dedication to enhancing cultural and historical sites. As we continue to innovate and expand our product offerings, we remain committed to providing exceptional service and solutions that contribute to the comfort and sustainability of our clients’ environments.