Airing the principle of partnering to achieve results

Ensuring design and aesthetics integrated effectively has enabled an office refurbishment to deliver a smart working environment for Axa Insurance in Dublin.

A fundamental element of the scheme’s success has been the partnership between the fit out team of consulting engineer Axiseng, HVAC engineer Keane Environmental, and air movement specialist Gilberts.

As a result, more than 500 of Gilberts’ diffusers have been utilised throughout the four floors of the project, to create modern, functional, open plan workspaces. A combination of GSL linear slot diffusers, GSFK fixed swirl omni directional high induction diffusers, and GSFE circular swirl with perforated fascia diffusers was deemed by the team to deliver appropriate, draught-free air volumes.

A key design element was the contrast of the linear exposed structural beams with hexagonal ceiling tiles.

To Keane’s brief, Gilberts developed a bespoke version of the GSFE circular swirl diffuser, that could integrate seamlessly into hexagonal coanda plates to continue the overall aesthetic.

“The redesign meant that although a ceiling was in place, it was not of conventional design, so threw up a raft of issues regarding control and effective distribution of fresh air,” observed Keane Environmental Sales Engineer Ryan Caldwell. “Gilberts’ GSFE is designed to provide excellent horizontal airflow, and high air change compared to conventional diffusers, so was an ideal base from which to work.


“Gilberts’ in-house design and manufacturing capability enabled us to tweak the design for smooth integration into the coandas. The combination meant we could achieve rapid entrainment and mixing without cold ‘dumping’, and the level of air change required to maintain a comfortable working environment for the human occupants and their computers.”

Founded 55 years ago, Gilberts Blackpool is unique in its ability to develop components- whether ‘mainstream’ or bespoke – entirely in-house, from initial design through tooling, production, testing and supply, at its 90,000 ft2 manufacturing facility and head office in Lancashire. Its state of the art test centre, designed and built in-house, is one of the most technically advanced in the country.