Desiring a first-class product that would work with the Aquabella’s design and be exceptionally energy efficient, Tridel reviewed several companies and systems. After careful consideration, they selected a VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system from Mitsubishi Electric.

“We were impressed with the quality of product and level of service,” explains Adrian Wang, Director, Innovation and Sustainability at Tridel. “But what really swung us in their direction were the glowing reports and recommendations we received from the trades.”

In a conventional point tower, there are very few offsets and changes to the shape of the building. But to maximize lake views for every unit, the Aquabella has a heavily terraced and articulated architecture, which can make incorporating heating and cooling pipes more complex. The VRF system resolved this challenge as it runs horizontally throughout the building, allowing for flexibility in the exterior design.

Another notable feature of the VRF system is its ability to provide superior HVAC zone control, enabling each unit to control its own heating and cooling. This means residents in the sun-facing southern façade can cool their units, while those in the north side of building can introduce heating – a combination that is often necessary to keep everybody comfortable during the shoulder seasons.

The system is also much more energy efficient. Instead of having HVAC units combating each other by running the boiler and chiller plants concurrently, the VRF units optimize efficiency by moving heat around a building’s footprint as required. The result is a greener building with reduced CO2 production and energy consumption. The whisper-quiet system is also quieter and has more unobtrusive bulkheads than competitors, minimizing noise and disruption for residents.