Haydn’s Christchurch office now has a simpler, more reliable Daikin VRV system that was designed, supplied, and installed within four weeks after ongoing failures of the previous system that left staff in an all-glass building unbearably hot.

Project Overview

The Heat Pump People’s air conditioning team was engaged by Haydn, a national paint brush and hardware supplier, to replace a failed Fujitsu VRV system serving their two-storey office in Christchurch. The original system had suffered ongoing gas leak issues for several months and The Heat Pump People was invited to provide a quote.

The Challenge

With a fully glazed office and no opening windows on the first floor, staff comfort plummeted as the failing system struggled to cool the space. The client needed a fast, dependable solution that would restore comfort for around a dozen office staff while also supporting the wider warehouse operation on site.

The Solution

The Heat Pump People proposed a like-for-like Daikin VRV replacement, selected for fast design support, competitive pricing, and as the team’s preferred equipment choice. The system was redesigned from a single VRV to two separate Daikin VRV systems, one per floor, each with its own outdoor unit, branch selector box, and seven indoor ducted units with individual wired controllers. All copper refrigerant pipework was replaced with new, while existing drains and suitable electrical circuits were reused to control costs and minimise disruption.

To improve air distribution and performance, 28 new plenums were installed along with new ducting on the ground floor, and the return air strategy was upgraded from using the ceiling void as a return to fully ducted return air. A dedicated Daikin Cora high wall split was added for the server room, replacing the previous arrangement where it shared an office ducted unit and giving IT better, independent temperature control.

Delivery and Timing

From initial visit to commissioning, the full replacement was delivered within four weeks, including design, quotation, procurement, installation, and testing. Works were staged floor-by-floor to keep the business running: the ground floor was completed in week one, and the first floor in week two, with the client’s IT team relocating staff as needed. The system was commissioned on the final Friday without any faults or hiccups reported.

Results and Client Feedback

Haydn’s team reports that the new Daikin VRV system is “running better than ever,” with noticeably higher condensate production from the outdoor units indicating significantly improved cooling performance. By splitting the building into two independent systems, the client is now better protected against future whole-building failures, as any fault would affect only one floor rather than the entire office. The Heat Pump People has also taken over ongoing maintenance, ensuring the system continues to operate reliably.

Beyond the technical improvements, the office atmosphere has lifted, with staff enjoying a comfortable, cool workspace—and even commenting on how much they enjoyed the “daily karaoke” from the installation team as they worked to the soundtrack of classic pop hits during the project!

The Heat Pump People installation team were proudly involved in supplying and installing the new air conditioning systems for the St Mark's Anglican Church Renovation Project.

The upgrade to Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps has been referred to as a wonderful inclusion by members of the Church as the existing heating was provided by small ceiling mounted electric heaters, and they had no means of cooling during Summer.  The large capacity PLA71 4-Way Cassette, with 3D i-See Sensor technology, wide airflow, independent vane direction setting and sleek design, provides consistent temperatures to the Chapel, whilst the remainder of the church saw the addition of 7 x Mitsubishi Electric High Wall heat pumps to service the remaining areas, with custom built cages to protect the outdoor units.

Working closely with HRS Construction and their Site Manager, we were able run a smooth project and identify any areas for resolution promptly thanks to the great relationship between the two companies. It was also great to operate alongside our Christchurch Electrical team as communication and problem solving works seamlessly between our specialist divisions and they operate with a quality standard of work which we admire.

We are impressed with the completed project and look forward to maintaining the air conditioning equipment installed and working on future projects with HRS. 

The BrainTree Wellness Centre is an innovative, first-of-its-kind project currently happening in Ōtautahi-Christchurch that will support people living with neurological conditions to live well in the community once established.

There is a growing & unmet need to support those living with neurological conditions in their homes & communities. This is why Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinson’s Canterbury & Dementia Canterbury have joined forces to create the BrainTree Wellness Centre. The centre is located on Langdons Road in Papanui, Christchurch. The building works officially began in February 2021 & the centre opened its doors to the public in May 2022.

Christchurch Electrical along with its collection of specialist divisions is proud to have worked on this unique project with head building contractor, Armitage Williams providing electrical, plumbing, communications & HVAC to the wellness centre.

Ventilation for fresh air has been installed by the Heat Pump People along with Daikin's VRV system for the tenancies (a multi-split climate management solution that optimises comfort & control whilst delivering significant energy efficiencies). As a business we love the opportunity to work with our local community, to utilise our skills & knowledge in ways which add meaning & value to those around us. It is for that reason that we have enjoyed being a part of this project & can’t wait for its fantastic community work to begin.