No Outdoor Unit Air Conditioning – Mitsubishi Retrofit at Strip Soho, London
No Outdoor Unit Air Conditioning – Mitsubishi Retrofit at Strip Soho, London
Innovative AC Retrofit Without an Outdoor Unit – Strip Soho, London
The Challenge: Zero External Space in London’s West End
In the heart of London’s West End, Soho is a bustling maze of historic streets filled with boutiques, cafes, and nightlife. Berwick Street in Soho is famed for its eclectic mix of fashion shops, record stores, and one of London’s oldest street markets.
Amid this vibrant urban scene sits Strip Soho at 69 Berwick Street – a high-end beauty boutique that faced an impossible air conditioning challenge: how to cool a luxury salon with absolutely no space for an outdoor condenser.
Strip Soho: A Luxury Beauty Boutique Requiring Perfect Climate
Strip Soho isn’t your typical salon – it’s a luxurious waxing and lingerie boutique known for its opulent interior design and intimate, upscale ambiance. Inside, clients are greeted by plush furnishings, elegant décor, and softly lit treatment rooms that exude a boutique hotel feel.
Every detail of the interior has been carefully curated to create a relaxing, high-end experience. Features include:
- Gold-finished treatment rooms with premium fixtures
- White minimalist spaces with sophisticated lighting
- Custom joinery and high-end materials throughout
- Intimate boutique atmosphere requiring consistent comfort
However, delivering perfect comfort in this boutique came with a significant challenge: the complete absence of external space for traditional AC equipment.
The Problem: When Developers Remove Your Cooling Solution
When new flats were added above the salon, the original rooftop condenser had to be removed due to planning restrictions and structural changes. No alternative outdoor space existed on the building or surrounding area.
The constraints were severe:
- No roof access for condensers
- No external wall space for units
- Strict planning regulations in central London
- Listed building considerations
- Zero tolerance for visible external equipment
Multiple contractors had assessed the situation and declined the project, deeming it impossible. The salon faced the prospect of operating without cooling in one of London’s busiest areas.
Ernest Air Cooling’s Innovative Internal System Design
Tim Brooks and the team at Ernest Air Cooling specialize in bespoke air conditioning installations for challenging spaces. Rather than walking away, we developed a completely internal solution.
Custom Internal Condenser Housing
We designed and built a bespoke bulkhead above the shopfront to house a Mitsubishi Electric condenser unit. This innovative approach included:
- Acoustic insulation to suppress noise and vibration
- Thermal insulation to manage heat dissipation
- Integrated drain tray for condensation management
- Secondary exhaust fan for enhanced air extraction
- Structural support integrated with existing building
Airflow Management Through Facade Integration
Two custom grilles replaced sections of the front glazing, enabling proper airflow while maintaining the boutique’s aesthetic:
- Inlet grille for fresh air intake
- Outlet grille for heat rejection
- Color-matched to complement the teal facade
- Sized for optimal airflow without noise
- Weather-sealed against London’s climate
This design ensures the condenser receives adequate airflow for cooling while remaining completely hidden from street view.
See also: Our luxury AC integration at Coombe Estate
Individual Room Climate Control
Wall-mounted Mitsubishi Electric indoor units were installed in each treatment room, providing:
- Silent operation during treatments
- Individual temperature control
- Efficient cooling without drafts
- Discreet integration with interior design
- Professional-grade reliability
Seamless Collaboration with Interior Design
We worked closely with Bridley Interiors to ensure the AC system enhanced rather than compromised the boutique’s premium aesthetic. This collaboration involved:
- Concealing all pipework behind custom panels
- Color-matching grilles to the shopfront design
- Timing installation around refurbishment work
- Adapting placement to preserve design elements
- Ensuring system components complemented décor
All installation work was completed outside business hours to avoid disrupting salon operations. The result is an air conditioning system that appears to be an original part of the design.
Engineering Challenges and Solutions
This project required solving several technical challenges:
Heat Rejection in Confined Spaces
Traditional outdoor condensers rely on ambient air for heat rejection. Our internal solution required:
- Enhanced airflow through custom ducting
- Thermal management within the bulkhead
- Adequate ventilation without external visibility
- Protection from weather while maintaining performance
Noise Control in a Premium Environment
Client comfort demanded whisper-quiet operation:
- Acoustic bulkhead design to contain compressor noise
- Anti-vibration mounting to prevent transmission
- Optimized fan speeds for minimal air noise
- Sound-absorbing materials throughout the system
Structural Integration
Installing equipment within the existing building structure required:
- Load calculations for bulkhead positioning
- Integration with existing electrical systems
- Compliance with building regulations
- Minimal disruption to neighboring properties
One Year Performance Review
After twelve months of operation, the system has exceeded all expectations:
Operational Excellence
- Silent operation: No noise complaints from clients or neighbors
- Reliable cooling: Consistent comfort throughout all seasons
- Zero breakdowns: No service calls or system failures
- Energy efficiency: Lower running costs than expected
Client and Staff Satisfaction
The Strip Soho team reports:
- Improved treatment room comfort
- Enhanced client experience
- Staff comfort during busy periods
- No awareness of system presence during operation
Aesthetic Success
The installation remains completely invisible to casual observers, with the grilles appearing as original architectural features rather than retrofitted equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Internal AC Systems
Can air conditioning work without an outdoor unit?
Yes, with careful engineering, internal condenser systems can work effectively. The key is providing adequate airflow for heat rejection through facade integration or internal ducting systems, as demonstrated in this Soho installation.
How noisy are internal AC condensers?
When properly designed with acoustic isolation, internal condensers can be as quiet as traditional split systems. Our Strip Soho installation operates below 30dB in treatment areas – virtually silent during operation.
What are the limitations of internal AC systems?
Internal systems require careful design for airflow, heat management, and drainage. They work best in commercial applications where facade modifications are possible and adequate ventilation can be engineered.
How much do internal AC systems cost?
Internal systems typically cost 20-40% more than traditional installations due to custom engineering and construction work. For Strip Soho, the investment was justified by the impossibility of external installation. Contact us for project assessment.
Do internal systems require special maintenance?
Maintenance requirements are similar to traditional systems, with additional attention to airflow pathways and drainage systems. Annual servicing ensures optimal performance and longevity.
Project Gallery
Proving the Impossible is Possible
This Soho retrofit demonstrates what’s achievable with innovative engineering and precision execution. When conventional solutions aren’t viable, creative approaches can deliver superior results.
The Strip Soho project has become a showcase for internal AC systems, proving that space constraints don’t have to compromise comfort or aesthetics. The salon now enjoys perfect climate control while maintaining its luxury appeal, and the system operates so seamlessly that most visitors never realize it exists.
The success of this installation has led to additional projects, with Strip requesting our services for their Notting Hill location. This demonstrates the value of finding the right specialist for challenging installations.
For businesses facing similar constraints – whether in listed buildings, dense urban areas, or properties with no external space – this project proves that effective solutions exist with the right expertise and approach.
Planning Your Challenging AC Installation?
Don’t let space constraints compromise your comfort. Ernest Air Cooling specializes in bespoke solutions for properties where conventional installation isn’t possible.
Whether you’re dealing with listed building restrictions, zero outdoor space, or complex planning requirements, our team can develop innovative solutions tailored to your specific needs.