Fabric Ducting Improves Indoor Comfort at Spencer Outlet Centre
Located on the edge of Melbourne’s bustling Central Business District, the Spencer Outlet Centre is a thriving shopping destination with over 100 retail stores including TJ Maxx, Harris Scarfe, Coles, Chemist Warehouse, and other leading brands. With heavy foot traffic year-round, maintaining a comfortable indoor environment for shoppers and retail staff is critical to the centre’s operations and tenant satisfaction.
Challenge: Inconsistent Air Distribution from Metal Ductwork
The facility management team reached out to Quantum Engineering Group Pty Ltd (QEG) to design and construct new mechanical services for the centre, after recurring complaints from tenants regarding uncomfortable temperature conditions. QEG contacted Air Conditioning Systems to assist with the fabric ducting system design and installation. During the warmer months, many retail units experienced insufficient cooling, while in winter, poor heating left shoppers and staff alike feeling the chill. The underlying issue stemmed from the existing sheet metal ductwork system, which was unable to evenly distribute conditioned air to the occupied zones.
Solution: Custom-Engineered Fabric Duct System
To resolve the issue, the existing high-level metal ducting was decommissioned and replaced with a custom-engineered FabricAir air dispersion system. Designed to deliver airflow precisely to the occupied zone, the fabric ducts ensured consistent thermal comfort throughout the centre’s expansive interior.
The 540 linear metres of fabric duct installed at a height of 4.2 meters included:
- All-In-One suspension for clean aesthetics and reliable shape retention
- Durable fabric suited for commercial environments
- Custom airflow: 10,800 m³/h at a duct diameter of 700 mm
- Optimized for a room temperature of 22.5 °C / 75 °F and supply air temperature of 12 °C / 53.6 °F
The laser cut perforations and consistent velocity (7.5 m/s within the duct) ensures precise, even airflow at the occupant level (1.8 m), improving both heating and cooling performance across the entire facility.
Results: Better Comfort, Happier Tenants
The new system has significantly improved indoor climate control, reducing hot and cold spots that previously caused discomfort. Tenants have reported improved conditions year-round and enhanced the shopping experience for visitors. With its lighter weight, faster installation, and customizable airflow delivery, the FabricAir solution proved to be a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to traditional ductwork. QEG and Air Conditioning Systems Pty Ltd are already working on their next project together.
Additional Information
Receive valuable content first
Enter your email and be among the first to get tips and articles from our experts about HVAC industry topics.
