Transforming a Historic Factory into a State-of-the-Art Business Hub for British Petroleum
November 20, 2024
Transforming a Historic Factory into a State-of-the-Art Business Hub: Ventosus Delivers Advanced HVAC and Plumbing Solutions for BP’s Global Business Services in Szeged, Hungary
In 2017, British Petroleum (BP) set out to convert a historic clothing factory in Szeged, Hungary, into a cutting-edge business office for its Global Business Services (GBS) division. The challenge: to transform more than 4,300 square metres of industrial space into a high-tech office environment capable of accommodating 500 employees in optimal comfort. With sustainability, environmental comfort, and safety at the forefront of the project, BP turned to Ventosus, a leader in HVAC and plumbing system design, to create an advanced, customised solution.
A Historic Space Meets Modern Innovation
The transformation of the historic factory was no small feat. Once a symbol of industrial-era manufacturing, the building had to be completely reimagined as a high-performance workplace. Working closely with BP’s architecture design team, as well as the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA) and Probart Kft, the building’s design was carefully crafted to blend Szeged’s industrial heritage with modern office standards. The project’s focus was not only on functionality and aesthetics but also on delivering the highest levels of environmental comfort for BP’s employees, setting a benchmark for office design in Hungary.
Ventosus: Delivering Precision in HVAC and Plumbing
At the heart of Ventosus’ contribution was the design of sophisticated systems that addressed both heating and cooling needs with precision, ensuring the building provided a high level of comfort in every season.
Heating Systems: Viessmann Gas Boilers & IMI Controls
The system provides a robust heating capacity of 690 kW to ensure warmth during Hungary’s harsh winters. Ventosus selected Viessmann gas boilers, known for their energy efficiency and reliability, to supply both domestic hot water and heating. To enhance system performance and energy management, the heating solution was complemented by IMI balancing valves and differential pressure controls, which ensure optimal distribution of heat throughout the building. This careful control of energy flow allowed for precision and efficiency, minimising energy waste while maintaining a consistent, comfortable temperature for all BP staff.
Cooling Systems: Panasonic VRF & Server Room Cooling
During the summer months, the office is kept cool by Panasonic Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) 400 kW cooling systems, which are distributed throughout the building for maximum efficiency and comfort. These systems adapt to the varying cooling needs of different office spaces, delivering the right amount of cool air where and when it’s needed.
In addition, the building’s Server Room was equipped with a 70 kW cooling system to maintain optimal conditions for the IT infrastructure, safeguarding critical servers and data.
Air Handling: VTS Group Units & Humidity Control
To ensure proper ventilation and air quality, Ventosus installed VTS Group Air Handling Units (AHUs), which provide an impressive capacity of 33,000 cubic metres of air per hour. These units not only regulate fresh air circulation but also incorporate high-efficiency thermal and heat recovery wheels, ensuring that energy is recycled back into the system, and reducing the building’s overall energy footprint.
In a further commitment to maintaining ideal environmental conditions, the air handling units also feature DriSteem steam generators and humidifiers. This additional system ensures precise humidity control, critical to both the comfort of the building’s occupants and the preservation of sensitive equipment and furnishings.
Energy Distribution: Grundfos E-Pumps
All energy distribution in the building is powered by Grundfos e-pumps, renowned for their efficiency and reliability. These pumps play a crucial role in regulating both heating and cooling flows across the expansive office space, ensuring that energy is utilised efficiently and effectively.
Sustainability and Employee Comfort: A Winning Combination
The comprehensive approach to HVAC and plumbing design played a critical role in BP’s Szeged office winning the prestigious Office of the Year award in 2017. The office was recognised for its outstanding design and its focus on employee well-being, offering an unparalleled work environment for BP’s GBS employees.
The use of energy-efficient systems ensured that BP’s office not only provided exceptional environmental comfort but also aligned with global sustainability standards — a key priority for a forward-thinking company like BP. The collaboration between Ventosus, HIPA, Probart Kft, and BP’s architecture design team delivered a space that combined historical charm with modern functionality, creating a workplace where innovation and heritage coexist.
Conclusion: Pioneering Workplace Design for a Global Brand
BP’s Global Business Services office in Szeged, Hungary, stands as a prime example of how modern HVAC and plumbing design can be used to elevate an office environment to new heights of comfort and efficiency. Ventosus played an instrumental role in this transformation, delivering a custom solution that ensures BP’s employees can work in optimal conditions year-round.
With Ventosus’ expertise in climate control and BP’s commitment to creating world-class workplaces, the Szeged office not only meets the functional needs of today but also sets the standard for future office design, where employee comfort, energy efficiency, and sustainable technologies are seamlessly integrated.
This collaboration is a testament to the power of visionary design, innovative engineering, and a commitment to excellence.
