Distribution & Cold Storage Commercial & Retail Public Sector Manufacturing View All

Projects & Case Studies: Distribution & Cold Storage

Insights into large-scale refrigeration systems for distribution and cold storage facilities, with a focus on performance, resilience and energy efficiency.

Marks & Spencer Foodhall, Poole

Orwell Design Associates was appointed to deliver a fully coordinated design package for the refurbishment of a former Homebase unit into a new Marks & Spencer Foodhall. The project required a complete redesign of refrigeration, mechanical and electrical services to suit the new retail environment, alongside ongoing technical support during construction.

Repurposing an existing retail unit presented a number of coordination challenges, particularly around integrating new building services within the constraints of the existing structure. Ensuring all systems worked together efficiently, while meeting operational, spatial and programme requirements, was key to the success of the project.

Inside of a warehouse with cherry picker.

3 weeks ago Distribution & Cold Storage

Multi Chamber Distribution Centre

When a leading UK seafoods supplier leased a 15,000m2 warehouse for their new National Distribution Centre, Orwell Design Associates were engaged to design the refrigeration system for multiple chambers.

Located in the Northwest of England, the facility consists of three temperature-controlled chambers. One +1°C chilled chamber and two large -22°C. Since the three chambers were a mix of chill and frozen with two different evaporating temperatures, and taking the environment impact into consideration, CO₂ transcritical booster packs were selected.

Interior of regional distribution centre (RDC) in the Midlands showing refrigeration pipework.

2 months ago Distribution & Cold Storage

Bidfood’s Largest Regional Distribution Centre

Orwell Design Associates (ODA) was appointed by leading foodservice provider, Bidfood, to deliver the refrigeration design for a new regional distribution centre (RDC) in the Midlands. The facility was the largest of its kind developed by the client and required a robust, energy-efficient refrigeration solution aligned with their commitment to environmentally responsible operation.

The RDC comprises multiple temperature-controlled environments, including frozen storage, chilled storage and chilled marshalling areas, all operating under demanding throughput and reliability requirements.

2 months ago Distribution & Cold Storage

Online Retailer’s First Chilled and Frozen Fulfilment Centre

ODA was appointed to deliver the refrigeration design for a new multi-million-pound chilled and frozen fulfilment centre for a leading online retailer - the first facility of its kind in the UK.

The project required a resilient, energy-efficient refrigeration solution capable of supporting high-throughput operation, while aligning with the client’s long-term sustainability and future-proofing objectives.