Tata Technologies’ new European headquarters is supporting excellence in diverse levels, helped by British engineering.
Built by BAM Construction, the £20m building at Tachbrook Park, Leamington Spa will house Tata Technologies’ engineering services focused on research & development into emerging technologies for automotive, aerospace and industrial machinery. Designed by architects Webb Gray, the 63,000 sq ft office has been designed to deliver a BREEAM excellent rating.
A key element of that energy efficiency is the ventilation; as a result, internal airflow throughout is controlled via Gilberts’ linear slot diffusers and extract valves; integrated into the facade are, Gilberts’ external louvres.
The offices have been designed to be adaptable, allowing internal layouts to change with occupier demand. To accommodate this, Gilberts advised its GSL slot diffusers were used in meeting rooms and offices; GX extract valves provide air changes in open spaces- reception, the restaurant. All duct back towards the WGF38 façade louvres which provide intake and exhaust facilities.
“The diversity of use of the building set alongside the BREEAM target made devising a ventilation strategy that complied with all elements a complex task,” observed Gilberts’ Martin Malyon. “We worked closely with BAM in specifying and selecting the correct items to ensure good air quality consistently throughout the building.” 
Approximately 135no. GSL linear slot diffusers have been installed, in lengths up to 2m long. They deliver smooth, accurate air distribution, via a discreet directional control vane in each slot that directs the airflow as required- across the ceiling in either direction, or discharged vertically downwards. A choice of slot numbers and widths in each unit enable precise tailoring to each area’s specific requirements- be it supply or extract, from 73l/s to 217l/s maximum at Tachbrook.
Some 45no GX extract valves deliver efficient removal of stale air at up to 200l/s through a fully-adjustable central core, whilst limiting associated noise to below 40dB(A).
The used air is transferred to ceiling voids, where it is channelled towards the WGF38 façade louvres, ranging up to 2m long. The compact louvres still deliver 50% net free ventilation area.
Gilberts’ components are designed and manufactured in the UK, at the company’s 85,000sq ft Blackpool headquarters. Gilberts is unique in its ability to engineer components- be it standard or bespoke- entirely in-house, from initial design through tooling, production, testing and supply. It also has one of the most technically-advanced in-house test centres in the country- which it designed and built using internal resources.
Founded 57 years ago, the family-owned company has grown to become the UK’s leading independent air movement specialist.