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Plant & Food Research: Hybrid VRF Heating & Cooling System with PipeSpec PRO

Plant & Food Research in Mt Albert required a retrofit heating and cooling solution that could meet modern performance expectations while improving installation efficiency and cost control.

The chosen direction was a Mitsubishi Hybrid 2-Pipe VRF system, delivering simultaneous heating and cooling with improved energy efficiency.

But the real opportunity sat behind the walls.

Project Partners

Consultant: Aquaheat Facility Management
Mechanical Installer: Carson Electrical

Technical Summary

Project: Plant & Food Research, Mt Albert
System Type: Mitsubishi Hybrid 2-Pipe VRF Heating & Cooling
Piping System: Uponor Multilayer with S-Press fittings
Controls: Caleffi valves and balancing components
Design Platform: PipeSpec PRO

The Challenge

Traditional metallic pipe systems were:

• Labour-intensive to install
• Cost-sensitive in a competitive project environment
• Complex when coordinating full system layouts
• Prone to inefficiencies with multiple connection points

The installer needed a solution that reduced install time without compromising system performance or reliability.

The Waterware Solution

Waterware supported the project through a PipeSpec PRO system design, delivering a fully integrated piping and control solution tailored to the Mitsubishi Hybrid VRF platform.

At the core:

• Uponor Multilayer Pipe system
• S-Press crimp fittings
• Caleffi valve and balancing controls
• Pre-designed PipeSpec installation schematics

This wasn’t just a material swap.

It was a smarter way to deliver the entire system.

System Breakdown

Multilayer Pipe Advantage

Uponor multilayer pipe provided a lightweight, flexible alternative to metallic pipework, reducing installation complexity and improving handling on site.

Press Fit Efficiency

S-Press crimp fittings enabled faster, more consistent connections with fewer components required in each connection kit.

Performance & Outcome

• Faster installation compared to traditional metallic systems
• Reduced number of fittings required
• Improved installation consistency
• Lower labour input on site
• Competitive project pricing achieved

Most importantly, the system delivered on both performance and practicality, meeting project requirements without compromise.

Delivered Through Collaboration

This project highlights the value of early engagement between installer and system partner.

Carson Electrical worked closely with Waterware to ensure the system was:

• Cost competitive
• Easy to install
• Fully supported with documentation
• Built for long-term performance

When design and installation align, outcomes improve across the board.

System Integration

Caleffi valves and balancing controls ensured system performance, stability, and long-term reliability across the VRF network.

Designed Before Installed

Waterware’s PipeSpec schematics gave Carson Electrical a clear installation roadmap, reducing guesswork and improving on-site efficiency.

Performance & Outcome

• Faster installation compared to traditional metallic systems
• Reduced number of fittings required
• Improved installation consistency
• Lower labour input on site
• Competitive project pricing achieved

Most importantly, the system delivered on both performance and practicality, meeting project requirements without compromise.

Delivered Through Collaboration

This project highlights the value of early engagement between installer and system partner.

Carson Electrical worked closely with Waterware to ensure the system was:

• Cost competitive
• Easy to install
• Fully supported with documentation
• Built for long-term performance

When design and installation align, outcomes improve across the board.

Smarter Systems Start Before Site

This project reinforces a simple truth:

The biggest gains in HVAC projects don’t come from the unit.
They come from how the system is designed and installed.

PipeSpec enables:

• Faster installs
• Better coordination
• Reduced risk
• Improved system outcomes