Timberyard | AirSmart Project

About the Project

Located in Port Melbourne, Timber Yard is a repurposed industrial event space defined by its raw, heritage character and flexible use.

The project focused on upgrading the heating and cooling system to deliver consistent indoor conditions across a highly dynamic venue, while preserving the architectural integrity of the space.

Key Challenges

Delivering stable conditions required balancing heritage constraints, variable occupancy and limited site infrastructure.

Maintaining the industrial aesthetic in line with the building’s heritage character
Operating within existing site power constraints
Managing comfort across highly variable occupancy levels
Responding to different event types with fluctuating internal loads
Improving air quality within a large, open and changing environment

Approach

AirSmart adopted a systems-led approach, designing a solution aligned to how the venue is used.

The focus was on delivering a system that responds dynamically to occupancy and event conditions, while integrating into the existing building fabric.

Designed a solution that integrates within the heritage architecture
Configured zoning to respond to varying occupancy and event use
Applied low-velocity airflow to maintain stable conditions without drafts
Implemented control strategies aligned with scheduling and real-time use
Balanced air quality performance with overall system efficiency

Solution

A customised AirSmart Indoor Environment System was implemented to provide responsive environmental control across the venue.

Discreet air distribution integrated within the existing structure
Zoned control responding to real-time occupancy
System configuration adapted to suit different event requirements
Centralised control with scheduling aligned to venue operation
Integrated air quality management as part of the system

The system reduces overall demand on site infrastructure while maintaining consistent performance across varying conditions.

Key Outcomes

The system delivers stable performance across a highly dynamic environment.

Consistent indoor conditions across varying occupancy levels
Reduced energy demand through responsive system control
Preservation of the venue’s heritage aesthetic

Improved indoor air quality for large and fluctuating crowds
Reduced overall system load by approximately 30kW
Greater operational control aligned with event scheduling

Architectural
Integration

Superior
Comfort Control

Advanced Air
Purification

Engineered
Excellence

Sustainable
Design

Why It Matters

Heritage and event spaces present unique challenges - where systems must adapt to both the building and how it is used. This project demonstrates how a coordinated system can respond to changing occupancy and operational demands, while integrating into existing architecture without compromise.

The result is a venue that performs consistently, regardless of how it is used.