A communal Dimplex air source heat pump system is at the heart of the sensitive restoration of a Grade II listed former shoe factory in Leicester, delivering low-cost space heating and hot water for 15 luxury apartments.
Despite a number of challenges with the unique features of the Wheatsheaf Works building, the communal system meets the demand for an effective heating system, combining two Dimplex LA 60 TU and one LA 40 TU air source heat pumps to deliver 120kw at peak load.
Designed and project managed by UFW Ltd, it feeds underfloor heating in each of the 15 properties, together with Dimplex SmartRad low temperature, fan-assisted radiators which provide additional heating in open areas such as the mezzanines.
With 18 inch external walls, sandblasted internal exposed brickwork and triple height spaces, each of the apartments offers stylish design with high specification for city centre living. Inevitably, such features also mean they suffer from poor external insulation and significant heat loss.
Despite this, good system design by UFW Ltd, high performance Dimplex products and careful consideration of heat emitters has ensured that the communal air source heat pump system delivers cost-effective heating when it’s needed, operating at around 250-300 per cent efficiency.
Dimplex also worked in partnership with UFW Ltd to design individual air source heat pump systems for the additional 12 townhouses, meeting many of the same challenges which were posed by the apartments.
James Dale from UFW Ltd said: “This is a fantastic example of how good system design and high performance products can help to meet some of the challenges faced when installing air source heat pumps.
“The developer required an effective space and hot water heating system which could not only meet the high standards of design set by the overall development and individual properties, but also deliver effective, low-cost heating with easy to use controls.”
Strict planning requirements on the city centre Grade II listed factory building renovation dictated an element of renewable energy. However, there was not enough roof space and the wrong orientation for solar PV, which would have been the obvious choice.
James adds: “We considered individual air source heat pumps but it was agreed that they would have a detrimental effect on the visual aspect of the luxury development. As a result, we designed a communal system using Dimplex’s LA TU range and we are delighted with the results.
“With poor insulation and high heat loss from triple height spaces, 18 inch walls and sandblasted internal exposed brickwork, together with strict planning and design requirements, this building would not typically suit a heat pump installation – let alone a district scheme serving 15 individual properties.
“Despite this, the combination of good system design from UFW Ltd with bespoke mechanical and electrical diagrams, close collaboration between manufacturer (Dimplex) and customer (Urban Rhythm), high performance Dimplex products and careful consideration of heat emitters and low resistance floor coverings has enabled a heat pump system to operate effectively and efficiently, delivering low cost heating for home owners.”
