When a building houses irreplaceable works of art, getting the environment wrong isn’t an option. For the Forrester Art Gallery in Oamaru, Setpoint Solutions delivered a precision climate control system capable of protecting some of New Zealand’s most valued cultural treasures.
The Project
Specified by Jacksons Engineering, this project centred on one of Oamaru’s most distinguished heritage buildings, a classic Oamaru stone structure with a sympathetically designed stone extension. The goal was clear: create tightly controlled environments for both art storage and gallery display areas, alongside HVAC systems for the new annex.
Storing and displaying fine art demands far more than basic temperature management. Humidity fluctuations, even minor ones, can cause irreversible damage to paintings, sculptures, and archival works. The brief called for conditions held within approximately 7% variation throughout the day, a standard that requires specialist controls knowledge to achieve reliably.
The Challenge
Heritage buildings present their own complexity. Oamaru stone, while beautiful, creates a unique thermal envelope that responds differently to environmental conditioning than modern construction. Achieving consistent, stable humidity and temperature across both the existing structure and the new extension required careful engineering and a control strategy precise enough to protect assets that simply cannot be replaced.
The Setpoint Approach
Setpoint’s Dunedin-based BMS Engineer Pete Conway led the controls delivery, bringing together the programming expertise and engineering knowledge needed to meet the gallery’s exacting requirements.
The solution centred on a Siemens PXC7 controller, providing the processing capability needed to manage multiple interacting systems simultaneously. Setpoint supplied and integrated Condair dehumidifiers alongside wall-mounted humidistats, acting as a safeguard against over-dehumidification, which can be just as damaging to artwork as excess moisture. The system also interfaces with Heatersteam humidifiers, creating a fully balanced humidity management loop.
Working closely with mechanical contractor DBC Building Services and main contractor Naylor Love, Setpoint ensured controls were integrated seamlessly across the building’s HVAC systems from the ground up.
The Outcome
The result is a state-of-the-art climate controlled environment managed through a Siemens Desigo CC front end, complete with custom graphics and trending capability. Facility managers can monitor conditions in real time, track environmental data over time, and respond quickly to any variation.
For the Forrester Gallery, this means the ability to house and display more significant works than previously possible. For the wider Waitaki region, it represents a genuine strengthening of the local arts and cultural landscape.
Why It Matters
This project is a reminder that building automation extends well beyond energy management and occupant comfort. In heritage and cultural facilities, precision environmental control is the difference between preservation and irreversible loss. As galleries, museums, and archives across New Zealand look to upgrade aging facilities, the need for controlled engineers who understand both the technical and cultural stakes has never been greater.
Setpoint Solutions brought that understanding to Oamaru — and the results speak for themselves.
To find out how Setpoint Solutions can help your building perform at its best, get in touch with your nearest branch.
