Lexington Liverpool is taking linear development to new levels- through to its ventilation.
At 34 storeys high, the Moda Living residential development will be the tallest residential landmark in the £5.5bn Liverpool Waters regeneration of the city’s Docks area. It draws its inspiration from the city’s maritime historical links across the Atlantic. Throughout its public areas, and the six penthouses on the 33rd floor, Gilberts’ new JSL “jumbo” linear slot diffuser provides “floating” separate air supply and extract.
JSL units up to 3000mm long have been incorporated in amenity zones including the entrance lobby, café bar, lounge and screening room which contribute towards the Lexington’s 8500 sq ft of dedicated amenity space for residents. The JSL configuration at Lexington provides to 187l/s/m of fresh air supply, with an air throw up to 8m through slots either 60mm or 80mm wide, although the unit can deliver up to 250/l/s/m depending on specification. Once installed, the control vane can be adjusted to provide vertical or horizontal discharge and varied in each diffuser length if needed. The JSL can provide supply air for all ventilation and air conditioning systems including fan coil and VAV.
The JSL’s matt black finish specified by building services specialist Briggs & Forrester Living emphasises the shadowgap aesthetic that is a key feature of the diffuser. Plastered into the ceiling and secured with hidden fixings and side entry plenums, JSL thus provides dramatic horizontal lines complimenting Lexington’s linear design.
In addition to the jumbo slot diffusers, Gilberts has supplied its standard GSLS slot diffusers, DGA four-way louvre face diffusers and GECA eggcrate grilles for back-of-house areas including the maintenance room and staff kitchen. Gilberts’ WHF38 small format high performance weather louvres delivering Class A performance complete the project, screening plant around the Ground, Mezzanine and L2 levels.
Ryan Spencer of Briggs & Forrester Living,
“Linear slot diffusers were specified from the outset for the public areas and penthouses. We work closely with Gilberts, knowing we can rely on product quality. Gilberts launched its high capacity option as we were finalising the design for Lexington: it was therefore a perfect opportunity to utilise the new jumbo version, especially as the shadowline aesthetic would so perfectly compliment the project’s linear architectural aesthetics.”
The diffuser utilises a unique twin adjustable blade system to modulate airflow between 20-250l//s. The blades are designed and configured to provide a continuous slot unbroken by fixing plates, giving a seamless ‘shadowgap’ appearance.
JSL is available in 30, 40, 50, 60 and 80mm widths, and 2000mm lengths as standard. The design allows for continuous runs of any length to be seamlessly fitted with an unbroken appearance whether flanged or plastered in. Because Gilberts manufactured entirely in-house, it can ensure the aesthetics and function follow the design requirements without any impact on airflow distribution.
Founded 60 years ago, Gilberts is Britain’s leading independent air movement specialist, and is unique in its ability to develop components. Be it ‘mainstream’ or bespoke – entirely in-house, from initial design through tooling, production, testing and supply, at its 85,000 ft2 manufacturing facility. Its state-of-the-art test centre, designed and built in-house, is one of the most technically advanced in the country.
JSL reinforces Gilberts’ heritage of pioneering innovative answers to changing trends in building services, which has continued despite the business interruptions of COVID-19. In the past year, Gilberts has launched additional REVIT designs for its BIM portfolio, a new CE and CA marked smoke evacuation damper, a new slimline version of its core linear grille, and a new and improved range of kitform external louvres.
Fulll details of Gilberts’ range of diffusers, grilles and louvres, including the new JDSL high capacity slot, can be found on the company’s website www.gilbertsblackpool.com.