The Eleven Center’s refurbished SPAR store has been fitted with a ventilation system designed to complement the interior

The refurbishment of the Eleven Center SPAR store, located in Budapest’s 11th district, was carried out as part of an investment totalling approximately 1.4 billion forints. The modernised store welcomes customers with 1,181 square metres of retail space, a refurbished SPAR toGo unit and self-service checkouts. During the refurbishment, attention was paid not only to the modern shop layout but also to comfort and energy-efficient technical solutions.

In the design of the SPAR shops, both the customer experience and a comfortable working environment for staff are key priorities. An important part of this is ensuring an adequate supply of fresh air. In the case of the Eleven Center, the ventilation system was installed by the main contractor Thermo Épgép Kft.. When designing the system, it was necessary to take into account the comfort of shoppers, the working conditions of the shop’s staff, and the architectural and aesthetic design of the retail space. Consequently, Lindab’s ventilation solutions were incorporated into the project.

Ventilation systems are now an integral part of shop interiors

In commercial buildings today, the ventilation system is often no longer concealed entirely behind the suspended ceiling. The visible components of the ventilation system can also form part of the interior design. In such cases, alongside functionality, their appearance, the materials used, their finish and colour are also important design considerations.

The ventilation system was installed using the same configuration as that seen in the Eleven Center and SPAR stores. The ventilation components, painted in a colour to match the SPAR’s brand identity, thus not only fulfil a technical function but also blend into the visual scheme of the interior. Consequently, rather than appearing as a foreign element within the shop floor, the ventilation system becomes a deliberately designed part of it, contributing to its modern appearance.

Comfort for shoppers and staff alike

A supermarket sees a significant number of customers every day, whilst staff spend long periods of time on the shop floor. Adequate air volume and air quality are therefore of paramount importance not only for the customer experience but also for the working environment.

Adequate ventilation ensures the necessary supply of fresh air, whilst also helping to remove pollutants and unpleasant odours and maintain optimal humidity levels. When designing the ventilation system, however, the different uses of the various zones within the shop must also be taken into account, as the conditions vary, for example, between the shopping area, the checkout area and the back-office and storeroom areas.

At the Eleven Center SPAR store, Lindab Safe circular cross-section air duct network has been installed, which, as part of the ventilation system, ensures that the correct volume of air is delivered to the individual customer areas and back-office premises. This is a system-certified solution with Lindab Safe Eurovent certification, which D, i.e. ATC2 airtightness class. Adequate airtightness is important because it minimises air leakage, allowing the system to operate more efficiently and with less energy loss. The Lindab Safe circular-section straight pipe is now also available in recycled steel, manufactured in Biatorbágy.

The Lindab controllers built into the system are designed to adjust the air flow rate for each area, enabling the ventilation system to be adapted to the requirements of different zones. The Lindab fire dampers integrated into the system close the air duct opening in the event of a fire, thereby preventing the fire from spreading through the ventilation system.

The following units play a role in air distribution: Lindab air diffusers, including RS14 and RC14 anemostats. Their function is to ensure the appropriate and even distribution of treated air throughout the retail space, whilst minimising draughts. This is particularly important in a space where customers are constantly on the move, whilst staff spend longer periods in one place at the tills and in certain work areas.

Acoustic comfort must not be overlooked either

Comfort is not just about temperature and air quality. In a shop, the noise levels of the building services systems also affect the customer experience and the working environment for staff.

Acoustic components therefore play an important role in the Lindab’s ventilation solutions. The sound attenuators reduce noise generated by the ventilation system, helping to create a more pleasant indoor environment. Acoustics acoustics is a key area; the company tests and develops its sound-absorbing products in its own acoustic laboratory, meaning that documented results confirm their excellent performance.

Thinking in terms of a complete system

In a commercial building, the coordinated use of various system components enables the ventilation system to operate as a unified whole. Air ducts, control units, air outlets and acoustic components all work together to ensure optimal comfort and reliable operation. The Lindab offers solutions for this, ranging from simple components to complete systems.

The example of the Eleven Center SPAR store clearly demonstrates that, in a state-of-the-art retail space, ventilation systems can simultaneously ensure customer and staff comfort, reliable operation and a sophisticated, modern interior design. Well-chosen system components not only fulfil a technical function, but also contribute to the design and usability of the retail space.