Toshiba VRF extends reach in Manchester

Carrier Solutions UK has supported a major refurbishment at The Reach Hotel in Manchester (formerly La Reserve Apartments), delivering a Toshiba Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) solution with contractor AC Mechanical Services (ACMS). 

The project transformed the site from 80 serviced apartments into a 215-room luxury hotel operated by Molo Hotel Group. ACMS delivered a £2 million mechanical services package, with Toshiba’s VRF technology at the project's core. The system is said to ensure consistent comfort, precise climate control and seamless integration with the hotel’s building management system (BMS).

The refurbishment presented several challenges, including shallow ceiling voids, obstructive beams and unforeseen water leaks. As a result, the original eight-month schedule was extended to two years. ACMS overcame these obstacles by tailoring its approach floor by floor, ensuring long-term performance and guest satisfaction.

A Toshiba SHRMe full inverter heat recovery 3-pipe VRF system with 18 modular rooftop condensers was installed, offering ESEER (European Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings of 8 and above across most capacities. The system included:

• Individual flow selector boxes per room for simultaneous heating and cooling
• Simplified room controllers designed for ease of use by guests
• A centralised manager’s control system for efficient building-wide monitoring
• High-performance filters to capture dust and allergens
• Integrated standalone heat recovery ventilation (HRV) units for each room
• Bypass mode capability for fan energy savings during mild weather

Indoor air quality and energy efficiency were improved through Toshiba Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers, which transfer heat or cooling energy from expelled air to incoming fresh air.

“The Toshiba system was ideal for this project,” said David Aquilina, Managing Director at ACMS. "Despite some early delivery challenges, the system's performance has been outstanding.”

Peter Nye, General Manager at The Reach Hotel, added: “The Toshiba VRF system has exceeded our expectations. Guests appreciate the comfort and quiet operation, while the system ensures reliable performance and even distribution across the hotel. The integration with our BMS makes it easier for our team to monitor and adjust settings as needed, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.”