EllisDon in Rarified Air: Precision Execution of NSHBCCC’s AHUs

You can breathe easy knowing EllisDon is on the job. As multifaceted and complex as constructing a hospital is, few elements are as critical, or intricate, as the specialized HVAC systems they require. Among the most crucial components are the Air Handling Units (AHUs), and the new Surrey hospital and BC Cancer Centre (NSHBCCC) has 15 of them – the first, and largest, of which was installed recently thanks to meticulous planning and coordination that rivaled that of a world-class symphony. 

Beyond a Standard AHU Installation

The lift and installation of the first AHU was the result of 30 months of detailed planning – from concept and design to delivery and placement – and that was for good reason. Being installed in NSHBCCC’s Level 5 mechanical room, these high-efficiency units were double the height of traditional units, meaning the space that houses them was designed to be 10 metres tall. Equally as challenging, their components had to be delivered in nine pieces via eight oversized truckloads, which are subject to strict road regulations that include travel windows and route restrictions to arrive safely and on time. Just the equipment reaching the site required complete end-to-end coordination.

The massive size of the AHU also created a unique challenge for installation because execution demanded dedicated tower cranes and logistical support personnel – easier said than done on an active project of this size and scale. Accounting for precise sequencing and timing, teams were able to manage the lift and place all the AHU’s components safely and successfully, ultimately achieving an important milestone and major forward progress for the project. 

What this Means for NSHBCCC

Once operational, these AHUs will support the hospital’s fully electric design and sustainability objectives. Equipped with next-generation technology – including energy recovery systems – they are designed to reduce overall energy demand while maintaining air quality. With three already installed, the project team is keen to build on this success for the remaining 12 units which are set to be installed over multiple levels.