Lay & Wheeler
Team AB was appointed as the main contractor for Lay & Wheeler’s new bespoke wine storage facility at Unit 6, Port One. Lay & Wheeler, a leading fine wine merchant, required a state-of-the-art warehouse to store their extensive wine collection under controlled environmental conditions. This highly specialised build-to-suit project spanned 113,500 sq. ft. and needed to meet strict climate requirements to ensure the optimal storage of fine wines. Team AB delivered the facility within 10 months, balancing technical requirements with sustainability goals.
Our Approach
From the outset, Team AB’s approach was focused on precision and innovation. Understanding the unique needs of wine storage, we meticulously designed and built a facility that integrates cutting-edge environmental control systems with sustainable energy solutions. Our end-to-end project management and expertise in delivering high- spec facilities ensured seamless coordination from planning to completion.
Key Features of the Development
Tailored Environmental Controls
A key component of the project was meeting Lay & Wheeler’s requirement for precise climate control. The facility was designed to maintain a stable temperature of 12°C (±1°C) and relative humidity between 65% and 70%, ensuring the preservation of the wine’s quality. Achieving this required the installation of advanced thermal insulation systems to minimise heat transfer and specialised cooling technology to guarantee uniform climate control throughout the building.
Temperature Precision
A specialised HVAC system was installed to maintain a consistent temperature range within the facility, preventing fluctuations that could compromise wine quality.
Humidity Control
Integrated systems were calibrated to maintain humidity levels, ensuring ideal conditions for wine maturation and long-term storage.
Sustainable Energy Solutions
In line with Lay & Wheeler’s commitment to sustainability, Team AB incorporated a large- scale solar energy solution into the facility. A 0.9MVA photovoltaic array was installed on the roof, enabling the warehouse to generate renewable energy equivalent to its incoming power supply. This off-grid capability dramatically reduced operational costs while meeting sustainability targets.
Off-Grid Energy
The warehouse’s ability to operate entirely off-grid helps Lay & Wheeler maintain energy independence and significantly lower carbon emissions.
Operational Cost Reduction
Solar power not only supports environmental goals but also reduces the long-term operational costs for Lay & Wheeler.
Construction Timeline
Start Date: April 2022
Completion Date: 10 months later
Team AB adhered to a carefully planned schedule, delivering the project on time and within budget. Despite the complex technical requirements, such as the environmental control systems, the construction was completed efficiently, ensuring that Lay & Wheeler could commence operations as planned.
Sustainability & Certifications
The project was designed with sustainability at the forefront, ensuring that the facility met both operational and environmental performance standards:
BREEAM ‘Very Good’ Rating: The facility was certified with a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, reflecting its energy-efficient design and reduced environmental impact.
EPC ‘A’ Rating: Achieving an EPC ‘A’ rating, the building’s high energy efficiency was further underscored, solidifying its credentials as a future-proof, sustainable asset.
Technological & Structural Features
Temperature & Humidity Control
The specialized climate control systems were a critical element of the project. Advanced thermal insulation and state-of-the-art cooling technologies were implemented to maintain the optimal temperature and humidity levels required for fine wine storage. The precision of these systems ensures a stable environment that is crucial to preserving the quality of the wine.
Maximised Storage Capacity
Team AB worked closely with Lay & Wheeler to optimise the warehouse’s internal layout for maximum storage capacity. The design allowed for high-density racking systems while still maintaining strict climate control. This partnership ensured that Lay & Wheeler could store a large volume of wine without compromising the essential environmental conditions required for its preservation.
Results
Team AB worked closely with Lay & Wheeler to optimise the warehouse’s internal layout for maximum storage capacity. The design allowed for high-density racking systems while still maintaining strict climate control. This partnership ensured that Lay & Wheeler could store a large volume of wine without compromising the essential environmental conditions required for its preservation.