Mechanical

IKEA is internationally recognised for its large‑format retail stores and commitment to improving the environmental performance of its operations. As part of this commitment, the new IKEA store at Logan, Queensland, became a key opportunity to reduce energy consumption while maintaining the comfort and functionality expected in a high‑traffic retail environment.

BSE was engaged to design the mechanical services for the Logan store with the goal of achieving a significant reduction in overall energy use compared with conventional large‑format retail buildings. A particular focus was placed on air conditioning, which typically accounts for a substantial proportion of operational energy demand in buildings of this scale.

The Logan store features wide, open floor plates, high ceilings, and long operating hours, all of which contribute to increased cooling loads. These challenges were compounded by constraints within the regional electrical network, requiring careful management of peak demand while still delivering reliable thermal comfort across the sales floor and ancillary areas.

Rather than relying on traditional all‑air systems, the project required a different mechanical approach to reduce energy intensity while remaining practical to operate and maintain.

BSE developed an integrated mechanical strategy that addressed both cooling demand and system efficiency. Key elements of the approach included the use of passive chilled beams supplied with high‑temperature chilled water, reducing reliance on low‑temperature chilled water and improving chiller efficiency.

Chilled water thermal storage was incorporated to enable operation during off‑peak periods, while high‑efficiency water‑cooled chillers with oil‑free compressors were selected to optimise performance under varying load conditions. Economy cycle operation was utilised where ambient conditions permitted, complemented by pre‑conditioning of outside air to support fresh air requirements.

Improvements to building fabric sealing further reduced uncontrolled air movement, supporting the overall efficiency of the mechanical system. Collectively, these measures were designed to operate as a coordinated system rather than a series of isolated upgrades.

Post‑occupancy monitoring and benchmarking demonstrated that the Logan store achieved lower energy consumption when compared with other Australian IKEA stores, while maintaining appropriate thermal comfort for customers and staff. When standardised by floor area and assessed against typical benchmarks, the integrated mechanical strategy enabled IKEA to meet its target of an equivalent 25% reduction in overall energy use.

The project’s outcomes were recognised by the industry through the award of the AIRAH Excellence Award in Sustainability and the Queensland Government Industrial Eco‑Efficiency Award.