HVAC Case Study
Luxury Coastal Living with Braemar VRF HVAC Solution

A luxury beachfront home in Mermaid Beach needed a discreet, high-performance HVAC solution that could handle tight spaces, long pipe runs, and harsh coastal conditions. A Braemar VRF HVAC system with compact concealed indoor units, centralised smart controls, and corrosion-resistant outdoor units (Black Fin coating) was installed. The result: efficient, quiet, and durable climate control across all three levels, with seamless zoning and minimal visual impact.

Project Overview

Located on the prestigious beachfront strip of Hedges Avenue in Mermaid Beach, Queensland, this project involved the design and installation of a high‑performance HVAC system for an architecturally designed, upmarket coastal residence. The home spans three levels on a long, narrow block, typical of high‑value beachfront properties, requiring a system that could deliver both exceptional comfort and aesthetic integration.

The project required a premium VRF solution capable of meeting several key criteria:

1. Aesthetic Integration
The home’s interior design demanded minimal visual impact. Indoor units needed to be compact, quiet, and easily concealed, particularly important given the limited ceiling space and the need to install units within wardrobes and tight bulkhead areas.

2. Centralised, User‑Friendly Control
The homeowner required a centrally controlled system but with multiple control points were needed throughout the large residence to ensure intuitive operation and zoning flexibility.

3. High Efficiency & Performance
Given the size and layout of the home, the system needed to deliver consistent comfort across multiple levels while maintaining high energy efficiency.

4. Coastal Durability
Beachfront locations expose HVAC equipment to salt, moisture, and corrosive airborne contaminants. Standard outdoor units typically experience accelerated deterioration in such environments, often leading to premature failure.

5. Long Piping Capability
The elongated site and three‑story design required extended refrigerant piping runs, distances beyond the capability of standard multi‑split systems. A VRF solution was essential to meet these engineering demands.

Project Challenges

Coastal Corrosion Risk
The proximity to the ocean posed a significant risk of coil corrosion. Without enhanced protection, outdoor units would likely suffer reduced efficiency and shortened lifespan.
Restricted Ceiling Space
Limited ceiling voids meant traditional ducted units were not feasible. Compact bulkhead units were required to fit within wardrobes and tight architectural spaces.
Complex Layout & Long Pipe Runs
The home’s long, narrow footprint and vertical height required a system capable of supporting extended piping lengths while maintaining performance and refrigerant balance.

Key features of the proposed system

Black Fin Coil Protection
The outdoor units were equipped with Black Fin coil protection, a specialised anti‑corrosion coating designed for marine environments. This feature significantly increases resistance to salt and moisture, extending equipment life and reducing maintenance costs. This was a decisive factor for the builder and installer, providing confidence in long‑term performance.

Compact Low‑Static Bulkhead Indoor Units
Twelve low‑static VRF bulkhead units (MDHXDBC) were selected for their compact size, quiet operation, and ability to be concealed within wardrobes and cabinetry, ideal for premium residential applications.

Smart Control Integration
The use of twelve ME31‑33/EH1(M) gateway interfaces enabled seamless integration with multiple AirTouch 5 controllers throughout the home. This provided a centralised, intuitive control platform suitable for a large, multi‑zone residence.

Equipment Supplied

Outdoor Units
2 × MCHX280D316B (total 56 kW capacity)

Indoor Units
12 × MDHXDBC Low Static VRF Bulkhead Units

Controls
12 × ME31‑33/EH1(M) Gateway Interfaces
12 × XE70 Wall Controllers

This configuration ensured optimal zoning, efficient load distribution, and reliable performance across all levels of the home.

Outcome

Seamless Centralised Control
The ME31 gateway interfaces allowed the installer to integrate multiple AirTouch 5 controllers, giving the homeowner a sophisticated central control system. This was particularly beneficial for a large, multi‑level residence where ease of use and zoning flexibility are essential.

Accommodation of Long Pipe Runs
The VRF system’s extended piping capabilities enabled the installer to navigate the long, narrow site and three‑story layout without compromising performance, a criteria which many standard multi‑split systems struggle don’t offer.

Enhanced Durability in Coastal Conditions
The Black Fin coil protection significantly improved corrosion resistance, ensuring the outdoor units are better equipped to withstand the harsh beachfront environment. This feature will help prolong system life and reduce long‑term maintenance costs.

Aesthetic and Acoustic Comfort
The compact bulkhead indoor units allowed for discreet installation within wardrobes and cabinetry, maintaining the home’s premium aesthetic while delivering quiet, efficient comfort.

More information about Braemar can be found visiting our Braemar page.

For specific product information, visit our, VRF Air Conditioning Commercial Products.

Installer Details, Bradshaw Airconditioning

Builder Details: Lindsay Sinclair

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