Overview
Orwell Design Associates was appointed to design the replacement of the existing gas boiler system at Exe Valley Leisure Centre as part of the client's decarbonisation strategy. The project involved designing a new low-carbon heating solution combining Ground Source and Air Source Heat Pumps, while ensuring the facility remained fully operational throughout the works.
The Challenge
Replacing the heating system within a live leisure centre required careful planning to avoid disruption to visitors and daily operations. The new solution needed to significantly reduce carbon emissions while providing reliable heating and hot water for the facility, all within a carefully managed programme of works.
Our Approach
Working closely with the client and principal design team, ODA developed a phased replacement strategy that maintained heating services throughout the project. The design combined Ground Source and Air Source Heat Pumps to maximise energy efficiency, with the ground source system providing the primary heating and hot water supply, supported by air source heat pumps during periods of higher demand.
Alongside the new heat pump installation, the project included upgrades to building services, controls and associated plant to create a fully integrated, future-ready heating system.
Key Elements
- Ground Source and Air Source Heat Pump design
- Phased replacement of existing gas boilers
- Borehole and ground loop design
- Buffer vessels and hot water storage
- Building Management System (BMS) integration
- Air handling unit and fan coil upgrades
- Variable speed pumps and stainless-steel pipework
- Heating, cooling and free cooling integration
The Outcome
ODA delivered a coordinated low-carbon heating design that supports the client's long-term sustainability objectives while maintaining reliable operation throughout the project. Careful planning and close collaboration enabled the works to be completed with minimal disruption to the live facility, providing an efficient, future-ready heating solution that significantly reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
