Incorporating climate control systems into high-end homes can be a challenge, with the spatial needs and more unsightly elements of heating and cooling units often clashing with the aesthetic design. General’s Airstage VRF systems are designed to resolve this issue, providing the bespoke temperature control clients are looking for with flexible design options that can help architects achieve seamless integration. 

Applications

General’s Airstage VRF systems for architectural homes are designed to provide climate control in large-scale luxury builds and other high-end residential projects. Designed for minimal visual impact, the systems are available with long piping lengths and compact unit options, giving designers greater flexibility to hide units discreetly where they won’t be seen. This ensures minimal impact on the appearance of the facade, while giving homeowners independent temperature control in every room.

Key performance benefits

Maximum architectural flexibility

Airstage VRF offers the flexibility designers need to incorporate climate control across every space of a high-end home without compromising on the design. That includes: 

• Industry-leading piping lengths (up to 400m–1000m total) which allow outdoor units to be hidden away from living spaces and aesthetic facades. For the J-Series, individual indoor units can be up to 15mm from the outdoor unit. 
• Small dimension pipes for greater installation flexibility. Suitable for tight ceiling spaces, these can reduce the depth of midfloors and eliminate the need for low ceiling heights.
• Flexible indoor unit options which can be integrated into interior walls, concealed within ceiling voids, or positioned at floor level to suit any interior design requirement.
• Compact outdoor units, including an ultra-compact option that is under 1-m high, perfect for fitting in discreet areas such as side yards.

Efficient multi-room temperature control

The Airstage VRF system offers multi-room temperature control from a single unit. The system modulates according to the temperature set by the user to ensure continuous comfort in the home. And Heat Recovery (VR-II) options allow for simultaneous heating and cooling in different rooms — perfect for high-end architectural designs where large glass facades and varying sun exposure may call for different functions. 

Integrates seamlessly with smart home technology

The Airstage VRF system integrates seamlessly with a range of premium home automation systems, giving homeowners precise automated control of their environment and ensuring flawless integration across the whole building. 

Environmental performance

Airstage VRF systems are extremely energy efficient, resulting in lower energy usage in the home, and a lower carbon footprint. 

Low global warming potential refrigerants are used in the systems to minimise impact on the environment, and General are currently in the final stages of developing an even cleaner refrigerant for their systems which will be introduced in 2027.

Design support

The General technical team is available to assist architects with the specification of Airstage VRF systems, including providing advice on system selection and placement, and answering any tricky questions. Designers and installers can also utilise the Airstage Design Simulator to accurately determine unit selection and pipe sizing for their projects. The team can also help with the integration of home automation systems, engaging with installers to make sure the units work across the chosen building management system. 

History of use

General (formerly Fujitsu) has been a trusted leader in VRF systems for over 40 years, and their Airstage VRF system have over 20 years of proven performance in the New Zealand market.

Warranty & maintenance

Maintenance is straightforward with a regular filter check and clean of all units, and annual checkup by a technician to keep units running efficiently. The systems are backed by a full parts and labour warranty of five years (three years when installed into a Commercial Project). 

Learn more

Contact the General technical team to learn more about how the Airstage VRF could suit your specific project needs.