National Ventilation Designs and Supplies Ventilation to London Landmark, The Golden Hinde

07-06-2022

National Ventilation, a leading UK-based ventilation manufacturer, has designed and supplied a ventilation system for the Golden Hinde, a full-size reconstruction of the English galleon captained by Sir Francis Drake on his circumnavigation of the globe between 1577-1580. The ship is undergoing a major refit utilising traditional materials and methods, modern ventilation was installed to control humidity levels and provide a safe, healthy environment for the visiting public.

Ventilation design was crucial to this unique project and so National Ventilation’s design team worked closely with the Golden Hinde’s Lead Shipwright, Toby Millinder. Combining National Ventilation’s expertise in ventilation with Toby’s in-depth knowledge of the ship ensured an effective, practical ventilation system that would achieve a good level of ventilation. National Ventilation’s design service included two site visits to the London landmark to make sure the design would work in the space. The system was expertly specified to achieve the necessary air changes per hour to provide a safe environment for the public and physically work within the existing structure.

“We tried to specify as much kit as would fit in the small spaces of the ship to achieve the required air changes and in the end the design exceeded the expected air changes by 25%”, explained Andy Bills, National Ventilation’s Specification Manager, South East Region. “Our free design service is available to anyone requiring assistance in designing ventilation systems and specifying the correct equipment. We work closely with architects and contractors throughout the design process and we are on hand to offer technical support from start to finish.”

“This is a unique project and National Ventilation has really gone the extra mile to make it a success”, said Toby Millinder, Lead Shipwright at the Golden Hinde. “As I understand the ship, there was lots of back and forth working on the design together to make it work. We achieved exactly what we wanted and National Ventilation’s after sales service was brilliant.”

Currently docked on the south bank of the Thames in London, the full-sized, still sailable reconstruction was launched in 1973. Built using traditional skills and materials, the Golden Hinde has also circumnavigated the globe. The refit was needed since the ship had rotting timber and needed to be restored to protect its longevity. The ongoing restoration work means that both existing uses such as education, weddings and events, and new events such as an escape room and dining for up to 60 people, can take place for years to come.

With the ventilation design National Ventilation specified heat recovery ventilation. However, due to space restrictions it was necessary to specify two Monsoon HRU/ECO150EC mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) units. National Ventilation commissioned and balanced the system, making it safe for the public. Two inline heaters were also part of the specification, with National Ventilation supplying one heater for each MVHR unit, to provide comfort heating for visitors to the ship.

National Ventilation’s design service went the extra mile for this unique project. Ductwork is generally run in straight lines – but a ship is not straight, it is curved. Therefore, a ductwork solution was needed that was small in size and could accommodate the necessary bends on the ship. Monsoon radial ducting was therefore specified. Radial ducting was the perfect solution as it can accommodate all the bends and it can be pulled through spaces without tearing. The 75mm radial ducting runs between the ceiling planking (the inner planking on the inside of the hull) and the hull planking, therefore all the ductwork is hidden. The fact that it is also antimicrobial was an added bonus.

Outlets for the ventilation grilles would not have fitted with the aesthetics of the ship. Therefore, to allow the outlets to fit with the ship eight holes of 70mm were made each side of the ship as air outlets. These holes resemble scuppers, where water escapes from the deck, so fitted with the overall aesthetics of the ship.

National Ventilation’s design team ensures customers receive the service they deserve. Customers can easily upload the architect’s drawings and National Ventilation will then provide a free ventilation design that includes unit calculations, a full kit list, as well as recommended duct routes. Using project drawings, National Ventilation’s team uses their specialist knowledge of the equipment coupled with software programmes to specify the correctly sized ventilation unit and the correct type and lengths of ducting – whilst ensuring it meets Building Regulations. This is followed up where necessary by a free pre-order site visit to ensure the design will perform as intended: although a design may appear correct on paper, it is vital to ensure a design works on site. This visit avoids any issues and is a great trouble shooting exercise. Architects, developers and builders will also be able to access a comprehensive range of products to meet their needs, all of which are delivered to site when they are needed.

The Monsoon HRU-ECO range provides superior air comfort levels whilst minimising heat wastage. Heat that would normally be expelled outside is recovered and transferred to fresh air being drawn inside, which the system then distributes throughout. In this way the Monsoon HRU-ECO system conserves energy and can significantly reduce space heating bills. By removing stale polluted indoor air it also helps control condensation levels and odours, resulting in improved indoor air quality and so a healthier and more comfortable environment. The Monsoon HRU/ECO150EC MVHR unit runs continuously at low speed, only boosting to high speed when required. Installation is simplified thanks to the unit’s multi spigot arrangement and there is the option to include an in-duct humidistat to automatically boost the units to high speed, further reducing installation time as well as cost.

The Monsoon radial ducting system is 60% quicker to install than traditional ducting thanks to the unique click system which removes any need for sealant and tape, simplifying and speeding up the installation process. Radial ducting assists in the reduction of noise transfer between rooms, which is often a problem with traditional ducting. The flexibility of the ducting also allows for unforeseen circumstances during installation and its smaller diameter means it is crush resistant and sturdier than alternatives. Its round shape simplifies cleaning of the system and clean, healthy air is guaranteed as it is antistatic and antibacterial.

Specialising in innovative, energy saving solutions, National Ventilation has one of the largest ranges of ventilation products in the UK. For further information on all products and services offered by National Ventilation telephone 01823 690 290 or visit http://www.nationalventilation.co.uk. For further information on the Golden Hinde visit: https://www.goldenhinde.co.uk/