FAN COILS
Exposed-ceiling projects drive demand
The design trend for exposed ceilings in commercial projects is changing the way air conditioning systems are designed and installed. Alexis Roberts, Channel Marketing Manager at Diff usion, explains why demand is growing for the next generation of fan coil units designed specifi cally for exposed- ceiling applications that simplify installation, improve cooling performance and help air conditioning (AC) contractors meet the changing requirements of modern commercial projects.
A "As open-
ceiling projects become more common, acoustic
performance is becoming an increasingly important consideration for AC
contractors."
rchitectural trends have always infl uenced air conditioning design, but few have had as much impact as the growing popularity of open-ceiling interiors.
Across offi ces, hotels, retail development and leisure venues, exposed services have become an increasingly common feature of commercial projects, creating new challenges for AC contractors delivering effi cient, comfortable cooling. Once associated primarily with converted industrial buildings
and creative workspaces, exposed ceilings maximise fl oor-to- ceiling height, create a contemporary aesthetic and improve access to building services for maintenance and future refurbishment. Removing suspended ceilings can also reduce material use and support wider sustainability objectives. However, exposing building services can fundamentally change the way air conditioning systems are designed and installed. Traditional fan coil installations often rely on concealed units, ductwork and separately specifi ed diff users to distribute conditioned air throughout a space. Attenuators are also necessary to ensure the lowest noise levels are emitted; this is particularly important in hotels and offi ces. In exposed-ceiling environments, these elements become visible, placing greater emphasis on both aesthetics and air distribution performance and operational sound levels.
Exposed ceilings This changing approach to commercial building design is driving demand for a new generation of fan coil units designed specifi cally for open-ceiling environments. The design of these units eliminates the need for ductwork and separately specifi ed attenuators, plenums, diff users and grilles, as these are all intelligently integrated into the unit, helping simplify installation, reduce coordination requirements and lower material usage. Traditional fan coil installations often require multiple components, including ductwork, plenums, attenuators, grilles and diff users, to distribute conditioned air throughout a space. While this approach remains eff ective in concealed ceiling installations, it can add unnecessary complexity to some exposed-ceiling projects.
22 September 2026 •
www.acr-news.com Every additional component increases coordination,
procurement and installation time. More materials also mean greater labour requirements and increased potential for programme delays due to coordination where several trades are working within the same ceiling zone.
Air distribution Eff ective air distribution is core to successful cooling and occupant comfort. Modern commercial buildings often feature large open-plan spaces, extensive glazing and changing occupancy patterns, all of which infl uence cooling demand throughout the day. Maintaining comfortable temperatures requires more than simply selecting equipment with suffi cient cooling capacity.
Poor air distribution can lead to draughts, cold air dumping
and uneven temperatures, particularly where conditioned air is discharged directly into an occupied area. In offi ces this aff ects productivity and comfort, while in hospitality and retail environments it can infl uence the overall customer experience. For this reason, airfl ow design is increasingly important. At the heart of the design of the next generation of fan coil units are integrated diff users engineered to optimise and deliver energy-effi cient true Coandă airfl ow distribution throughout the occupied space rather than using ducting to distribute the air. By harnessing the Coandă eff ect, conditioned air remains close to the ceiling surface before gradually mixing into the room. This allows air to travel further at lower velocities, delivering more even temperatures while reducing draughts and maintaining occupant comfort; this is increasingly important in commercial properties that are rented, as any draughts render that area dead space, which reduces the property’s rental ability.
Low noise and aesthetics Exposed units demand exceptional acoustic performance too since operational noise is more noticeable in these applications. Without a suspended ceiling to provide natural sound attenuation, operational noise from HVAC equipment is far more audible. This is particularly important in offi ces, hotels
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