Liberty Canteen Upgrade

Temperature Technology is proud to have delivered the Liberty Canteen Upgrade at 1 Ameshoff St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, completed within the set time frame and officially opened on 16 February 2026. This project transformed the canteen space into a modern food market environment, and our scope was to supply and install a high performance HVAC and ventilation solution that would support both customer comfort and the demanding operational needs of commercial food preparation.

From the outset, the design intent focused on three core outcomes: reliable ventilation for busy kitchen operations, excellent indoor air quality for staff and visitors, and energy efficient control that matches the daily rhythm of a food market and back of house kitchen. The result is a system that does not just “move air”, but actively manages comfort, safety, and performance across the space.

A major highlight of the project was the ductwork package, with a total installed ducting area of 2,170.2 m². Fun fact: if you could somehow lay all that ducting out completely flat, it would cover roughly a third of a full size rugby pitch, which gives a proper sense of the scale of the air distribution and extraction infrastructure hidden above ceilings and behind finishes. This duct network plays a critical role in maintaining balanced airflows, ensuring correct supply and extract volumes, and supporting consistent conditions throughout the facility.

The commercial kitchen component required particular attention to extraction design, heat loads, odour control, and safe removal of airborne grease and contaminants. We installed 8 kitchen canopies, forming the backbone of a robust kitchen extract system suited to high duty cooking environments. Each canopy installation was executed to align with both practical performance and a clean, professional aesthetic, supporting the hygiene and operational standards expected in a facility of this calibre.

Indoor air quality and system protection were further enhanced through the use of state of the art MESP filters. These filtration systems provide a high level of air cleaning, helping to reduce airborne particles and improve overall cleanliness within the ventilation stream. In demanding food service environments, filtration is not simply a “nice to have” feature. It plays a meaningful role in protecting equipment, reducing maintenance burden, improving air quality, and supporting a healthier environment for the people working and eating in the space.

At the heart of the air handling plant are the main CLIVET Air Handling Units (AHUs), manufactured in Italy. These units were selected because they align with the performance expectations of a premium commercial project, offering a combination of build quality, reliability, and engineered efficiency. The AHUs provide the primary conditioned airflow to the facility, supporting temperature management and fresh air delivery in a controlled, consistent way.

Supporting this is the local comfort cooling system, where 4 cassette units from Midea, one of our favourite suppliers, were installed to provide effective zoned cooling where required. Cassette units are an excellent solution in modern commercial spaces because they deliver even distribution, fit neatly within ceiling grids, and provide dependable comfort without compromising the overall aesthetic of the environment.

For air distribution, the project incorporated state of the art VAV Rickard diffusers, providing a high end solution that complements a modern, premium interior. VAV distribution is especially valuable in mixed use spaces like this, where occupancy and load profiles can change throughout the day. By allowing the system to modulate airflow to suit demand, it supports both comfort and operational efficiency, ensuring that the space feels consistent whether it is quiet or at peak lunchtime capacity.

Mechanical air movement and control were delivered using Systemair fans, paired with Danfoss Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), widely regarded as best in class within the industry. This combination provides excellent control over airflow volumes, improves energy performance by reducing unnecessary full speed operation, and supports stable system behaviour during changing demand. VSD control is a crucial element in modern HVAC systems, and it played an important role in ensuring the final installation is not only powerful, but also smart and economical to run.

Project delivery was driven by strong on site leadership and coordination. The site was managed by Colin Ledwaba, our excellent Project Manager, with Joshua Spagnoletti, our Co ordinations Manager, overseeing technical coordination, programme alignment, and stakeholder communication. This combination ensured that installation quality, sequencing, and commissioning requirements were properly managed throughout the build.

We also want to acknowledge the main contractor, A.B.E Construction, who were genuinely great to work with. Their collaboration and coordination contributed significantly to smooth site operations, practical planning, and maintaining momentum across the project programme. Successful delivery on a site like this depends heavily on teamwork between trades, and the working relationship on this project was a real positive.

The end result is a modern, well integrated HVAC and ventilation installation that supports the Liberty Canteen’s upgraded space, delivering safe, comfortable conditions for staff, tenants, and visitors. We are extremely happy with how this job has turned out, proud of the quality delivered, and pleased to have contributed to a facility that opened on schedule and presents as a standout commercial upgrade in the Braamfontein precinct.