PRODUCTS IN ACTION HEAT PUMP
Roof top heat pump forms core of UK’s first Passivhaus café
THERMAL TESTING
Infrared testing guides museum energy upgrade
The Merseyside Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum are undergoing an energy-focused refurbishment supported by BUILD TEST SOLUTIONS, which is supplying its Heat3D infrared technology to measure the buildings’ thermal performance. Both sites, based at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock, date back to the mid-19th century and are constructed from solid brick walls of varying thickness. Before retrofi t work could begin, the
project team needed to understand how the structures retained heat and
The UK’s fi rst Passivhaus-certifi ed café in Bristol has been equipped with a STIEBEL ELTRON WPL A 07 air source heat pump, forming the centrepiece of a fully integrated renewable energy system. The two-storey building, developed by Earthwise Construction in collaboration with renewable installers Green Flare, combines the heat pump with a 7.77kW solar PV array, battery storage, and a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system. Together, these systems aim to minimise energy use while delivering heating, cooling and hot water effi ciently. The project involved replacing a single-
where upgrades could be introduced without harming the historic fabric. Architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios commissioned Build Test Solutions to carry out in-situ thermal testing, providing detailed data on how diff erent parts of the buildings performed. The measurements revealed
U-values ranging between 0.66 W/m²K and 1.51 W/m²K, with thicker walls off ering more resistance to heat loss than expected. This allowed the retrofi t strategy to be refi ned, reducing the amount of insulation required while maintaining heritage features. The fi ndings are now guiding installation decisions, ensuring energy effi ciency improvements are matched to the buildings’ construction and
conservation needs. ■
www.buildtestsolutions.com
storey shop with a new building designed to meet the stringent Passivhaus standard, which requires high levels of airtightness, thermal effi ciency, and low energy demand. The compact heat pump was mounted on the roof using anti-vibration supports to reduce noise and conserve ground-level space. It is integrated with the MVHR system, allowing heat to be distributed through ventilation valves rather than conventional radiators.
The installation was planned to work with minimal user input and optimise energy fl ows across the building. The solar PV and battery system provide additional renewable electricity, helping reduce overall carbon emissions. Careful design and coordination were required due to the site’s city-centre location and limited plant room space, resulting in a fully operational, low-impact commercial
Passivhaus café. ■
www.stiebel-eltron.co.uk
GAS FIRED WATER HEATERS
Water heating system overcomes hotel’s access challenges
The Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester replaced two failing gas water heaters with a single BAXI MAXXfl o EVO 150-302 unit following an assessment by Spa Gas. The previous units had reached the end of their serviceable life, largely due to the area’s hard water, which contributes to scale build-up and corrosion. To ensure the new system met demand effi ciently, Spa Gas carried out detailed sizing calculations using Baxi’s ‘Size-it’ tool. Installation presented several
logistical challenges. The plant room was located on the top fl oor, and moving a fully assembled unit into position was impractical. Road access was restricted, and crane use was not feasible. The solution involved disassembling the water heater into smaller components for transport and reassembly on site, a process that Spa Gas is accredited to perform while retaining Baxi’s manufacturer warranty.
18 SOLAR PV SYSTEM
School installs rooftop solar system to cut energy use
A commercial-grade water softener
was also installed to protect the new system and extend its lifespan. The installation was completed with minimal disruption to hotel operations, allowing continuous hot water supply and improved reliability. The approach combined careful planning, specialist handling, and protective measures to address both physical access and local
water quality concerns. ■
www.andrewswaterheaters.co.uk
St Hugh’s School in Oxfordshire has completed the installation of a rooftop solar photovoltaic system, designed and delivered by ELECTRON GREEN in partnership with energy consultants EIC Partnership. The system, which became operational in August, was installed over the summer holiday period to avoid disruption to lessons. The solar array has a capacity of 199
kWp and covers 663m2 across two roofs of the independent prep school. It includes just over 330 panels and is expected to reduce the school’s reliance on grid electricity by 27%. Projections suggest the installation will deliver savings of more than £28,800
in its fi rst year and pay for itself in under fi ve years. Over its lifetime, it is estimated to prevent more than 620 tonnes of carbon emissions. The electricity generated will be
used to power areas of high demand such as ICT suites, catering facilities, heating and lighting. Pupils and staff are also able to
monitor performance data through Electron Green’s SAM dashboard, which tracks live generation and carbon savings. The installation has been designed with additional capacity to support future expansion, including a
new senior school planned for 2026. ■
www.electrongreen.com
EIBI | OCTOBER 2025
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