Mechanical and electrical engineering contractor, Proline, has been awarded the design development and fit out contract for all building services at X1’s £33 million ‘X1 The Gateway’ scheme in Salford Quays under construction by Forrest.
Located on Trafford Road within easy distance of Manchester city centre, Media City UK and the motorway network, the 20-storey luxury residential scheme comprises 191 one- two- and three-bedroom apartments with views out to the Marina at Salford Quays. The scheme also includes a dual-level car park and secure bicycle storage and a gym, with a management office, concierge service and retail unit located at ground floor level.
Proline has been awarded a £3.7million contract for all mechanical and electrical works on the scheme, building on the company’s rapidly expanding portfolio of high end residential projects, which also includes X1’s ‘X1 The Plaza’ scheme in Manchester; a fully-sold development due to complete in the summer. Proline is also currently on site at two high profile private rental sector developments in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Proline has developed the concept mechanical and electrical design, devising a bespoke cooling solution for the project to provide a cost-effective approach for preventing overheating and complying with CIBSE’s TM59 guidance on overheating risk.
Explains Andrew Mitton, managing director of Proline Group’s Engineering Services business: “X1 The Gateway scheme is a stunning high rise development that has been designed to maximise views for occupiers with a fully-glazed façade. However, because of its urban location, the windows on the front elevation will not be opening, prompting the need for some creative design ingenuity when it came to countering the potential for solar gain from the façade.
“The client gave us carte blanche to come up with a solution and our response was to develop a cooling plenum that can reduce the indoor temperature by as much as 6°C, while taking up very little space in each apartment and offering low energy and low cost functionality.”
In addition to the specially-devised cooling solution, Proline’s mechanical design and installation remit also includes domestic hot water supplies, booster water supplies, wet risers, VRF heating systems and ventilation systems with heat recovery.
The company’s electrical works will include installation of all sub mains and BNO electrical distribution, small power, data and TV services, lighting, earthing, ancillary power supplies, fire alarm system, CCTV, access control, door entry systems and solar PV.
Melissa Green from X1 adds: “This is a very high profile scheme and it has been designed to offer luxury living in a superb location, just like the other 10 X1 projects currently on site in the UK.
“Our aim at X1 The Gateway is to develop a residential scheme that combines architectural impact with building comfort and spaces that answer the demands of contemporary lifestyles. Proline’s design input and attention to detail on site will help us achieve that.”
