Commercial Air Conditioning Replacement & LED Retrofit – DAC Beachcroft LLP, Newport
Coolstream AC completed a commercial air conditioning replacement and commercial LED lighting retrofit at DAC Beachcroft LLP’s Newport office.
The £600 000, 23-week project concluded in May 2025.
Working in occupied space, our team cut repair bills, improved comfort, trimmed energy use, and met all strict schedule and safety targets.
Client Profile
DAC Beachcroft LLP is a leading international law firm. Its Newport premises hold 250 legal and support staff across six floors of open-plan and cellular space. Continuous weekday operation demands reliable climate control.
Ageing fan coil units and fluorescent lighting drove rising maintenance costs, uneven temperatures, and frequent lamp failures, prompting the owner to authorise a major full services upgrade.
Project Objectives
The project set clear goals: replace outdated commercial air conditioning with high-efficiency heat-recovery VRF, implement a commercial LED lighting retrofit across office floors, and integrate both into a new Trend IQ Building Management System.
All work had to proceed inside a live office in Newport without interrupting confidential legal work, client meetings, or scheduled court call deadlines.
Key Challenges
Working inside a busy legal practice created strict limits on noise, dust, and access. Sensitive files meant all contractors required enhanced security passes. Ceiling zones were crowded with services, leaving little space for new VRF pipework.
The rooftop plant room was reachable only via a narrow stair, so equipment had to be delivered in sections. City-centre traffic controls restricted delivery windows, and zero disruption was allowed during court calls or client conferences. Lift overruns limited crane positions for outdoor units.
Solution & Scope of Works
Coolstream AC took full mechanical and electrical design responsibility. We carried out detailed load calculations, produced coordination drawings, and agreed a six-phase programme with the facilities team. Each phase covered one zone, allowing staff to relocate to spare desks while works progressed overhead.
Engineers isolated and safely removed eighty ageing fan coil units, cap-sealing redundant pipework before lifting units out through controlled routes. New copper services, refrigerant headers, and control cables threaded through existing risers to minimise ceiling repairs.
Three Toshiba heat-recovery VRF condensers were assembled on the roof and pressure-tested to BS EN 378 standards. Electricians replaced fluorescent fittings with plug-in LED panels, wired presence and daylight sensors, and certified emergency circuits.
Commissioning included nitrogen purge, triple vacuum, leak tests, airflow balance, and functional testing through the Trend IQ4 interface. Health measures covered hot works, work at height, COVID protocols, and daily toolbox briefings.
Key Challenges
Working inside a busy legal practice created strict limits on noise, dust, and access. Sensitive files meant all contractors required enhanced security passes. Ceiling zones were crowded with services, leaving little space for new VRF pipework.
The rooftop plant room was reachable only via a narrow stair, so equipment had to be delivered in sections. City-centre traffic controls restricted delivery windows, and zero disruption was allowed during court calls or client conferences. Lift overruns limited crane positions for outdoor units.
Fan Coil Unit Replacement with Toshiba Heat-Recovery VRF
The fan coil unit replacement phase started with refrigerant recovery by certified engineers. Each ceiling bay was sealed with polythene to control dust before panels came down. Old coils were disconnected, lifted out, and sent for metal recycling.
New Toshiba indoor units matched the existing grid, reducing finish work. Factory-fitted EC fans significantly cut noise and power. Flexible drop rods simplified levelling, and quick-fit condensate pumps reduced annual maintenance time.
Phased Installation & Project Management
The 23-week schedule opened with a two-week mobilisation covering surveys, material orders, and induction training. Work then followed a fixed six-phase sequence. Each Thursday, the project manager met the client to confirm desk moves, update risk assessments, and approve noise windows. High-risk lifts took place after 18:00 under floodlights and banksman control. Daily permits covered hot works, roof access, and electrical isolation.
A cloud-based tracker recorded progress, photographs, and snag items, keeping all parties informed, and shared weekly dashboards with senior management. Zero first-aid incidents occurred, and every phase reached practical completion on or ahead of the agreed milestone date.
Why Choose Coolstream AC for Commercial Air Conditioning
Coolstream AC has served businesses across South Wales for more than 25 years, providing commercial air conditioning design, installation, and maintenance under a single point of contact.
Recent case studies include offices, hospitals, and schools, proving our ability to meet budgets, timelines, and rigorous compliance standards.
Contact Us – Air Conditioning Newport
To discuss commercial air conditioning replacement, fan coil unit replacement, or a commercial LED lighting retrofit, contact Coolstream today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Comerical Air Conditioning
What is the Cost of Commercial Air Conditioning Installation?
The cost depends on the size of your space, the type of system you need, and the complexity of installation.
Coolstream offers competitive pricing and will provide a custom quote based on your specific requirements.
How Long Does Installation Take?
Installation typically takes between one and three days, depending on the system’s complexity.
We will always provide a detailed timeline for your project.
What Maintenance is Required for Commercial Units?
Regular maintenance includes checking and cleaning filters, inspecting refrigerant levels, and ensuring that the unit operates efficiently.
Coolstream offers tailored maintenance plans to ensure your system runs smoothly.
What are the Energy Efficiency Options for Commercial Air Conditioning?
We offer a range of energy-efficient air conditioning units, including those with high SEER ratings.
Our highly knowledgeable team will help you choose the most energy-efficient option for your business.
Can Commercial Air Conditioning Systems Be Installed in Older Buildings?
Yes, our systems are suitable for installation in both modern and older buildings. We will assess your building’s layout and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the system fits seamlessly.