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Under Floor Air Distribution (UFAD) offers the twin benefits of energy-efficient heating and cooling while also maintaining thermal comfort and improving indoor air quality. Several design tools are available to verify and optimise UFAD designs, including Building Energy Simulations (BES), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and physical prototype testing. In this study, the methodology, applicability and accuracy of these three tools have been analysed and compared. This was undertaken as part of the design process for the 150 Collins St office project, a premium-grade office project in Melbourne. Using BES, it was found that the building would generate 33 kg CO2-e/m² p.a. with the NABERS methodology, qualifying it for a 5.5 Star NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) Rating. Analysis of CFD results indicated that the UFAD system could achieve a Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) of -0.5 to within 1.0m of the façade (under summer design conditions). Throughout the course of a year, the PMV was maintained between -0.5 and 0.5 for 98.27% of the occupied time. The design also allowed for a 150% increase over the minimum outside air for occupants. Overall, the 150 Collins St project demonstrated a successful design pathway for UFAD implementation, where integrated HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) and façade design led to significant building energy and thermal comfort outcomes.

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