1 Mill Street

In the centre of Royal Leamington Spa, 1 Mill Street has become a vibrant hub for freelancers, start-ups, and remote workers, designed as a modern co-working community. The workplace brings people together to work, connect, and create, offering flexible workspaces, meeting rooms, a podcast studio and much more. Every detail of the building has been carefully thought through to encourage interaction and collaboration, making it a very popular and valuable workspace for the community.

However, as 1 Mill Street grew in popularity, there was a challenge that had become increasingly hard to ignore, which was the heat. One of the building’s longest walls was lacking windows, therefore natural airflow was extremely limited, and even with air handling units (AHUs) and a mezzanine level to maximise space, internal temperatures often soared during the summer months. This led to portable air conditioning units being brought in as a temporary measure, but they just simply couldn’t keep up with the growing demand.

When the time came to upgrade the HVAC system, the main goal was to create an efficient, reliable, and quiet system that could support a busy multi-use building, without disrupting its atmosphere or distinctive design.

“Our goal has always been to build a space that feels energetic, social, and inspiring, somewhere people actually want to come to work, and we needed a system that could quietly and consistently serve a busy, multi-use building without compromising the atmosphere or creating any disruption for members,” said Catherine Callicott, the General Manager of 1 Mill Street.

The project came with a few challenges along the way, including navigating planning restrictions and ensuring that all work could be completed without disruption to members using the space daily, and there’s quite a few! Communication was important throughout from the initial design through to the installation, and our engineers worked closely with the 1 Mill Street team to ensure everything ran smoothly.

“The communication was excellent, clear, responsive, and proactive. What stood out most was their willingness to adapt and problem-solve as the project evolved, said General Manger, Catherine.

“They also stood by us through a complex period of planning issues, well after they needed to, showing a level of commitment and customer service that’s genuinely hard to find. It really reinforced that sense of partnership,” she added.

The results were almost immediate as temperatures stabilised within minutes of switching on the new system, and members quickly noticed the difference, even during the peak summer heat! On the opposite side, the system proved to be just as effective during the cold temperatures of winter, as it can switch to heating mode with no issues to maintain comfort all year round.

From the first meeting with the team at 1 Mill Street, it was clear that the project was about more than just comfort, it was also about protecting the sense of community that makes the space special. We took the time to fully understand how the building was used, and the challenges of maintaining a balanced indoor climate in an open, design-led environment.

Callicott said, “from the very first meeting, Paul Grao (the Director at William Austin) really took the time to understand how we use the building and the challenges that come with balancing comfort, noise levels, and sustainability in a space like ours. They were collaborative, open and solution-focused throughout.”

As we continued to work closely with the team, we developed a tailored solution using Daikin Sky Air Advance systems, chosen for their energy efficiency, and discreet design. The system uses R32 refrigerant, offering reduced environmental impact while also delivering a highly strong performance in both heating and cooling.

The installation involved two Sky Air systems, which contained a 20kW unit serving two 10kW cassettes to cover the main open-plan area, and a 14kW system connected to two 7kW cassettes for the under-mezzanine zones. To retain the modern aesthetic of the building, each cassette was fitted with panels that blended seamlessly with the interior of the workplace.

Outside, there were units mounted discreetly on the rear wall, out of sight but positioned for maximum efficiency, and inside, Daikin Madoka controllers were installed to give the team precise control over temperature and comfort levels across different areas of the building.

The impact on the community was brilliant, as the installation now provided members with a comfortable, and consistent environment, with people who chose to stay working at home now returned to the workplace with plenty of food and drink options available, and heated meetings rooms so there were no shivering members! The energy, collaboration, and buzz that define 1 Mill Street had made a comeback, and this time, the climate was just as well-balanced as the atmosphere, with William Austin playing a huge part.

“We’re really pleased with both the functionality and the visual finish of the installation. It integrates perfectly with the building and enhances the overall experience for everyone using it. Overall, the project was well-managed from start to finish, and the ongoing support has been excellent,” said Catherine.

This project highlights how thoughtful HVAC design can shape more than just the indoor climate, and by combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of the client’s vision, we were proud to help restore comfort and connection at one of Leamington Spa’s most inspiring shared workspaces.