- Virgin Active
- Barangaroo, Sydney, Australia
- Fitness
- Retail Series
Virgin Active needed an energy-efficient cooling solution for its flagship fitness center in Barangaroo, Sydney. The facility includes cycling, yoga, boxing, weight training, and other exercise areas, creating a need for effective air movement without interfering with activities or compromising the interior design.
Virgin Active wanted to improve comfort throughout the gym while reducing reliance on extensive air conditioning ductwork and lowering HVAC operating costs. Traditional ceiling and HVLS fans were not suitable because of the facility’s relatively low ceilings, limited mounting locations, and the potential for large rotating blades to distract from or interfere with exercise activities.
The cooling solution therefore needed to provide effective air movement across large areas while remaining compact, quiet, unobtrusive, and flexible enough to work within the gym’s architectural design.The Airius Retail Series was selected for its compact size, powerful air movement, and versatile installation options. Unlike conventional ceiling fans, the Airius system could move conditioned air effectively across the space and over greater distances while occupying very little ceiling space. The fans could be ceiling or roof mounted and were supplied in black to integrate with Virgin Active’s interior design.
The system also provided 0–100% speed control and full BMS control capability, allowing airflow to be adjusted to the requirements of individual spaces. With each unit consuming only approximately 30 watts, the system provided continuous air movement with very low operating costs.The Airius installation provided immediate cooling benefits while helping Virgin Active reduce the amount of air conditioning ductwork required within the facility.
Key benefits included:
- Improved comfort throughout gym and studio areas
- Immediate cooling effect through increased air movement
- Reduced air conditioning ductwork requirements
- Capital savings associated with reduced HVAC infrastructure
- Very low energy consumption at approximately 30 watts per fan
- Quiet operation suitable for fitness and studio environments
- 0–100% speed control
- Full BMS control capability
- Compact design suitable for low ceiling areas
- Simple and cost-effective installation
The system proved successful enough that Airius fans were subsequently installed in two additional Virgin Active facilities at Market Street and Bridge Street in Sydney.
