Bunnings Kingsgrove, NSW
Located in Sydney’s busy inner south-west, Bunnings Kingsgrove is a major two-level retail development spanning over 16,000 square metres. As one of the largest stores in the region, it was designed to accommodate high customer traffic, large open floor areas, and extensive warehousing. The project required a robust HVAC solution capable of maintaining comfort year-round, particularly during Sydney’s notoriously hot summers, which in the year of installation reached record highs of 47°C.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia (MHIAA) partnered with mechanical contractor PTAC to deliver a complete rooftop air conditioning solution using 14 KX Series Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems. Given the building’s position at the corner of two major roads, traditional crane installation was not viable. Instead, the entire system was airlifted to the rooftop by helicopter—a carefully coordinated effort that demonstrated MHIAA’s strength in managing complex, large-scale commercial projects.
Project Requirements & Challenges
The Kingsgrove project was delivered under tight logistical and environmental constraints. With limited access to the roof and the building situated between two busy main roads, the installation had to be completed without the ability to shut down traffic or bring in a mobile crane. Timing was critical, as the helicopter lift required synchronised delivery of all units and components in a single coordinated window.
Beyond the logistical challenge of delivery, the system also needed to provide high-capacity cooling and heating for the expansive interior floor space, while maintaining reliable performance under extreme ambient temperatures. Bunnings required consistent, centralised control of the internal climate to ensure a uniform customer and staff experience across the entire retail floor. Additionally, the system needed to offer versatility for future use, including potential sub-zoning for multiple tenants or billing arrangements if required.
MHIAA’s Solution
MHIAA supplied 14 KX Series VRF condensers, including a mix of FDC450KXZE1 and FDC400KXZE1 models, installed in a modular configuration to form five independent operating systems. These units were selected for their high-performance output, robust construction, and long piping runs—making them ideally suited for rooftop installation across large commercial buildings. Each KX unit can operate independently or in sync with others, offering flexible zoning and energy-efficient operation. For this project, the systems were configured to operate from a central controller, streamlining climate control for the large internal footprint.
To navigate the complex delivery and installation process, MHIAA worked in close collaboration with PTAC to manage all logistics, from product scheduling through to the helicopter lift. The airlift eliminated the need for road closures, avoided extended crane setup times, and reduced impact on the surrounding area. All rooftop components, including the KX units and associated platforms, were installed in a single morning with minimal disruption to the site and community.
The performance of the system has since been proven in real-world conditions. Throughout one of Sydney’s hottest summers on record, with daytime temperatures exceeding 45°C, the installed units continued to operate efficiently and effectively, delivering reliable cooling across the large retail environment. In addition to maintaining comfortable conditions for staff and customers, the system has also delivered consistent heating performance during cooler months, solidifying its place as a year-round solution for the site.
The successful delivery of this project highlights MHIAA’s capability to support large-scale commercial developments with precision logistics, dependable technology, and expert coordination at every stage.
