Choose market
Deep underground installation presents logistics challenges
Installing ventilation systems in deep underground facilities presents unique logistical challenges. The renewed Nieuw Hoog Catharijne mall in Utrecht required a comprehensive solution for one of the Netherlands' largest underground car parks.
Working in confined spaces requires modified installation techniques. Limited crane access and restricted delivery routes create complex scheduling requirements.
The construction comprises 23,000 m² of retail space, 19,000 m² of shopping gallery, 9,000 m² of hotel, and an underground car park with approximately 1,300 spaces. The project includes 60 apartments above the mall complex.
Project scale
Underground car park area across five levels
Total parking capacity in the underground facility
Underground parking levels serviced by the ventilation system
Total retail, shopping gallery, and hotel space in the complex
Residential units above the shopping mall complex
Turnkey solution for complex underground construction
NOVENCO Building & Industry delivered a complete turnkey solution including re-design, component delivery, and commissioning support. The 5-level underground car park spans an impressive 40,000 m² parking area.
The installation crew faced a unique construction challenge. The car park was built simultaneously in upward and downward directions starting from level -2. This approach required careful coordination of equipment delivery and installation scheduling.
Equipment access required specialised rigging methods. Material staging areas were established at key levels to minimise handling time.
The dual-purpose system handles both daily fresh air and CO/LPG ventilation while providing fire brigade smoke extraction capability when needed.
Three-tier ventilation system delivers complete coverage
Fresh air enters through two large NovAx™ ACP-1400 axial flow fans delivering 200,000 m³/h total capacity. Six NovAx™ AUT-400 jet fans positioned in entrance tunnels provide additional fresh air induction where vehicle traffic concentrates.
The air distribution system deploys 42 CGF-500 centrifugal jet fans throughout parking levels to maintain consistent circulation patterns. These low-profile units feature only 27 cm installation height, maximising overhead clearance for vehicles. The compact design proved essential in the constrained vertical space of the underground structure.
Three large NovAx™ ACN-1600 axial flow fans handle exhaust duties, providing 460,000 m³/h total capacity to remove contaminated air. All jet fans received white powder coating to match the clean interior aesthetic whilst simplifying maintenance and inspection procedures.
200,000 m³/h
Fresh air supply capacity460,000 m³/h
Total exhaust capacity42 units
CGF-500 centrifugal jet fansComprehensive installation meets Dutch safety standards
The ventilation solution integrates supply and exhaust systems to maintain air quality throughout the five-level facility. Each tier serves a specific function while working together as a unified system. Because the car park operates continuously, the equipment balance ensures reliable performance across varying load conditions.
Comprehensive installation meets Dutch safety standards
The ventilation solution integrates supply and exhaust systems to maintain air quality throughout the five-level facility. Each tier serves a specific function while working together as a unified system. Because the car park operates continuously, the equipment balance ensures reliable performance across varying load conditions.
Complete installation and commissioning
NBI provided comprehensive installation including roof cowls, ventilation grills across all shaft levels, and system balancing components. Through our parent company SCHAKO, we installed attenuator baffles, fan isolation, and large shaft dampers for precise system balancing.
Installation crews coordinated with structural and electrical contractors for proper equipment mounting. Pre-fabricated mounting brackets accelerated the installation process.
Commissioning procedures included comprehensive system testing across all levels. Field adjustments optimised system balance and ensured compliance with Dutch fire safety regulations.
