Client: Chill Factore, Manchester

Sector: Leisure

The Chill Factore contract requires highly skilled HVAC technicians to maintain differing temperatures simultaneously. Our trained personnel have several years' experience in operating sophisticated HVAC and building management systems and so were the perfect choice. We are delighted to play such a critical role in what is a very unique visitor attraction.

Dave Saxton, Managing Director - HFL Building Solutions

Background

Chill Factore opened its doors in 2007 and is a real snow indoor ski centre in the Trafford Park area of Manchester. It stands 45 metres high and at 180ft, boasts the UK's longest indoor ski slope. In addition to the main slope the complex comprises a nursery slope, a luge track, and play areas, as well as shops, cafes, restaurants and conference and meeting facilities.

Requirement

Maintaining the correct temperatures in the various different areas within the Chill Factore building is business critical. The snow-covered area is 10,200 sq metres, equating to around 1,632 tonnes of snow. HFL Building Solutions was briefed that this must remain at a constant temperature of 1.5°C to provide the perfect conditions for skiing and snowboarding. Any higher and the snow would begin to melt, spelling disaster.

The requirement for the restaurants, shops and other areas was to keep them at a much more comfortable temperature. As the centre is open 12 months of the year, there were differing requirements for heat and air conditioning depending on the season.

Our response

HFL Building Solutions is a specialist in providing ongoing maintenance solutions in business-critical scenarios such as this. At the Chill Factore we have a dedicated team of skilled engineers and technicians operating and maintaining a complex and intelligent HVAC system. The system is designed in such a way that the different areas are zoned, allowing for accurate temperature control.

HFL engineers are on site, when required. Each technician is fully-trained both on the equipment he is maintaining and also in current legislation surrounding it. He operates from a mobile van which is fully equipped with all the parts, spares and tools he needs to effect a speedy and effective repair, should this be necessary.

In the evening, the new snow is created for the next day's activity by blasting compressed air and water into a chilled atmosphere. Our engineers ensure that the conditions for snow manufacture are appropriate. In addition our 24 hour help desk gives the Chill Factore added reassurance should they require our assistance out of hours. Just one call will guarantee a technician on site within the contracted time.

Result

We're very impressed with the way in which HFL Building Solutions is managing our HVAC system. It is absolutely critical that the correct temperature is maintained in the snow area and their experienced technicians continue to keep everything at the correct level. I know I can rely on them to anticipate potential future scenarios and put the appropriate controls in place.

Ambient temperatures in the other areas are also important, as we want visitors to be comfortable when they are shopping, dining or using the conference and meeting facilities. I can't fault them on this either.

Michelle Scarff - Property Manager at the Chill Factore

To find out how HFL Building Solutions can help you and your business get in touch today.