Mitsubishi Electric Ireland – Modern Comfort Meets Historic Heritage
Mitsubishi Electric VRF Technology transforms a landmark heritage building into a modern, energy-efficient workspace.
A landmark Victorian warehouse in Belfast has been brought into the 21st century through a successful collaboration between Mitsubishi Electric Ireland, its ‘Diamond Quality Partner’ Air Cool Engineering, and developer Angus Properties.
The Printworks, originally constructed in 1895, has been transformed from a derelict, cold space into a high-performing, energy-efficient commercial building — all while preserving its historic character.
Now a listed building located in Belfast’s retail and business core, The Printworks once housed the bustling operations of R Carswell & Son’s printing and bookbinding business. However, when Angus Properties acquired it in 2018, the structure was in dire need of modernisation. The building had no insulation, and heating was provided by inefficient gas and electric systems – making it unbearable in both winter and summer.
Determined to respect the heritage of the building while adapting it for contemporary use, Angus Properties sought a solution that could deliver year-round comfort, energy efficiency, and adaptability for future tenants.
A delicate balance of heritage and high performance
Mitsubishi Electric’s City Multi Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air conditioning system proved to be the ideal fit for this heritage retrofit. Working closely with Air Cool Engineering, the project team designed a bespoke HVAC system that offers advanced heating, cooling, and ventilation while maintaining the building’s original aesthetics.
“Between Mitsubishi Electric and Air Cool Engineering, we struck the right balance between the aesthetics of the installations and the performance,” said Paul Elliott, Architect and Project Manager at Angus Properties.
Customised black wall-mounted units were chosen to blend with the building’s industrial interior. With exposed pipework and modular system flexibility, each floor could be individually tailored and reconfigured as tenant requirements evolved – a critical advantage given the building had not been pre-let.
Trusted partnership with Diamond Quality Partner expertise
As a Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Quality Partner, Air Cool Engineering managed the HVAC transformation of The Printworks. Using a full-service approach, they handled everything from the initial design and installation to aftercare. “Every zone – be it a big room or a small room – has individual controls,” said Martin Mullan, Managing Director at Air Cool Engineering. “It’s about giving clients flexible solutions that don’t compromise on aesthetics or performance.”
Their expertise with Mitsubishi Electric’s products enabled a modular design that adapted to the building’s needs and the needs of its tenants. The project also benefited from the high standards of installation and reliability that come with the Diamond Quality Partner programme.
A model for sustainable futureproof retrofits
The building’s outdated oil-fired heating was completely replaced with Mitsubishi Electric’s energy-efficient heat recovery systems. The new system uses backwards-compatible equipment, high static pressure ducted units, and smart zoning controls, making it adaptable for the future.
The Printworks now provides year-round comfort while reducing its carbon footprint. “This is a 19th-century building fitted with 21st-century products,” said Martin Mullan, managing director at Air Cool Engineering. The project shows how modern HVAC technology can be integrated into historic buildings without compromising their character or performance.
“Retrofit is a market we’re heavily involved in because our products lend themselves to this environment,” explained Stuart Gregg, area sales manager at Mitsubishi Electric. He added that the project is a “strong example of how smart engineering can respect heritage while delivering modern comfort.”