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HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES
Linear grilles and diffusers offer huge design potential
ventilation louvres. Changing the profi le or size of the louvre, or making it a different colour, can have a surprising effect on the external aesthetic without detriment to the performance. However, it’s not always possible to choose the greenest of all ventilation strategies, resulting in a growth in decentralised mechanical ventilation, whereby the air movement – the heating and cooling – is targeted to where it is needed, rather than the traditional ‘whole building’ approach. It’s a technique that is growing in popularity, as so many of today’s projects are refurbishment not new-build, meaning we have to work with what is there. But it poses a challenge to re- purpose and achieve the higher regulatory levels of ventilation and air quality required today compared with yesteryear, and to do so sustainably. With careful selection of the air delivery units (ADUs – the grilles and diffusers) – it really can be exact. Depending on your choice, some diffusers deliver their air via a number of individual nozzles within the face plate, each of which can be individually directed. How’s that for pinpoint precision and no wastage? Whichever ADU is chosen, it can enhance the design aesthetic, whether chosen to blend into the building fabric (ceiling, wall), or be a stand-out feature.
Swirl diffusers can now feature bespoke fascia plates, to the extent you could include corporate branding or logos therein. Coanda plates (needed for exposed ceiling applications to optimise the omnidirectional
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air distribution) can similarly be a bespoke design: you can even back light them! You are not restricted to RAL colours: it is possible to add effects such as metallics and woodgrain. The same personalisation can be extended to grille face plates too, printed or coated to refl ect the corporate
identity.Linear grilles and diffusers offer huge design potential. Varying the width of the slot can make it look like the diffuser is fl oating. And while its name may imply a straight line there’s no reason why you have to stick to that. Going for a curve can cost-effectively add a dramatic effect to the interior, a wow factor, highlighting an architectural feature. A little thought as to the positioning and discharge direction of linear diffusers can also positively infl uence the ambience: CBRE used this strategic approach in its Liverpool offi ces, with slots discharging vertically by large glazed areas to maintain a clear view across the city; above the internal glazing and offi ce entrance, the same model of diffusers have been set to horizontal airfl ow to eliminate any adverse draughts nor temperature change differential as people come and go. As I said earlier, it’s only by talking, bouncing ideas around, that you can begin to fully appreciate just what is possible, how elements that you may have viewed as a necessity but not a contributor to your design can make a signifi cant difference to its success.
Dave Harding is sales & marketing director at Gilberts Blackpool
ADF MARCH 2026
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