Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House

Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House

Client: Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House
Type of Works: Jaga Strada oXygen radiators

The Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House is one of the oldest buildings in West Yorkshire. Built in the 1800s, the theatre and opera house is home to many popular productions including Opera North, Northern Ballet, and numerous touring productions.

The theatre recently undertook a £31.5 million transformation designed to bring current building standards into the historic building and improve the audience experience. Phase two of the project involved the installation of a new heating system in the rehearsal rooms.

Jaga’s oXygen system based for this project on Strada type 21 radiators was selected by architects BDP to ventilate, heat and monitor air quality in the three rooms. As the rooms are relatively small, the previous experience had been that when a group of people were rehearsing, CO2 levels tended to build up quickly creating stale air and an uncomfortable humid feeling.

One solution could have been to open the windows however, not only did this create security and safety risks, the draft from outside can be too cold for occupants' comfort – especially in winter when temperatures in Yorkshire can drop as low as -17C. Moreover intrusive and distracting noise from traffic and pedestrians could not be tolerated at peak times by the performing artists focussed on their rehearsals.

When installed, Jaga’s oXygen system prevented this as the discreet fan units enable fresh, filtered air from outside to cool and refresh the interior. The oXygen technology consists of four components, which work together to provide a controlled cycle of clean air. The oXygen refresh decentralised supply units, which are built into Jaga’s low-H2O radiators, bring in outside air and then filter it.

Based on the measured CO2 concentration, the oXygen master central control then regulates the balanced intake and exhaust of air allowing the oXygen exhaust unit to send stale or moist air outside. In addition, Jaga’s oXygen radiators are also able to heat up the room, ensuring a comfortable temperature is maintained when required.

The design was an important factor too. The Strada is not only an attractive and compact radiator with greater visual appeal than traditional steel-panel radiators but features Jaga’s low-H2O technology which reduces energy consumption by 10-15%.

Otto Seeger, Director from Mechanical & Electrical contractors H & C Moore Ltd, said: “The Jaga oXygen system was selected as it is able to both ventilate and heat the rooms. The volume of ventilation varies, based on the levels of CO2 in the room – it is an extremely sophisticated piece of technology.”

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