Engineering & Works

In a previous article, we attempted to share the basic HVAC lexicon (read the article).

At Building Solutions, we provide the full range of thermal solutions, from heating, ventilation and air conditioning (chilled water and direct expansion) to plumbing and cooling.

We also offer mechanical smoke extraction solutions. Smoke extraction is a typically French technique that protects premises from smoke in the event of fire.

Air systems are created and equipped with fans to extract smoke and, in some cases, draw in fresh air. These networks are fire resistant (usually consisting of a plasterboard derivative).

That’s why, rather than HVAC installations, we now refer to HVACE (E being for Extraction). Outside France, sprinkler systems are very often preferred to smoke extraction.

This expertise enables us to offer our customers highly specialised solutions for premises such as operating theatres, clean rooms and data centres.

These customers have specific requirements in terms of:

♦   over- or under-pressurisation of air in their premises: for example, to isolate contagious diseases, air can be made to enter but not exit rooms;

♦   controlled-dust environments: using special filters with high recycling rates, for example in hospitals, where microbes and viruses are found in extremely fine dust, or sensitive industrial processes;

♦   precise temperature and/or humidity control: typically in swimming pools or industrial processes;

♦   comfort, especially air velocity: air flows are simulated to avoid drafts and support the choice of specific air diffusers for offices;

♦   air stratification: usually for large volumes, such as in airports, to reduce temperature gradients and energy consumption;

♦   redundant production and distribution of heating and cooling: for sensitive processes such as in data centres. These are referred to as Tier 3 and Tier 4 systems.

At these extremely demanding levels, our heating engineers truly become energy analysts. We analyse the consumption and output of installations for different operating modes and usage patterns. We can then install heat or cold recovery systems suited to these complex processes.

Of course, we adapt our solutions to meet our customers’ specific needs in the various sectors we serve – residential, offices, healthcare, logistics and industrial premises.

The map of our thermal business units at Building Solutions (click here to discover) shows that we are not present throughout the country, much less in every speciality. One of our priorities in Building Solutions is therefore to strengthen our HVACE expertise, without which it is not possible to offer energy efficiency solutions, comprehensive MEP packages, multi-technical maintenance, or even smart building solutions and services.

This priority has a dual focus:

• acquisition of chilled water companies in large cities: we have little or no presence in cities such as Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Grenoble, etc.
• takeovers of small, specialised businesses (direct expansion and niche sectors) to ensure comprehensive geographical coverage.

Examples of our focus on boosting our HVAC expertise are our recent acquisition of the Sanitherm group in Brittany and promising contacts we have made elsewhere.

Patrice Franssens is at your disposal to help you find the appropriate business for your requirements.