01202 662500
Two Hamworthy Tyneham 27kW R290 air source heat pumps have been installed at a Grade I listed church as part of a major heating refurbishment, designed around the building’s needs.
Dating back to the 12th century, St Mildred’s in Tenterden, Kent, is a Grade I listed Church of England parish church that continues to play an active role in its local community. Hosting regular services, functions and activities throughout the week, the church needed a reliable heating solution capable of maintaining comfortable conditions while respecting the character of the historic building.
Replacing the building’s ageing cast iron gas fired boiler and single pipe heating system, the new installation aims to improve comfort while supporting the church’s sustainability objectives. The project also supports the wider ambition to reduce carbon emissions across the Church of England estate, which has set a target of reaching Net Zero by 2030.
A heating solution designed around the building
Following an assessment by PCS Consulting Services, underfloor heating was selected for its suitability for low-temperature operation and its potential to provide more consistent internal conditions while helping protect the historic building’s fabric.
The chosen system includes two 27kW Tyneham 290HT heat pumps installed in a cascade arrangement, working alongside a third-party gas-fired boiler through a common buffer arrangement. The heat pumps provide the primary heating load during milder conditions, with the boiler supplying additional heat when outdoor temperatures fall and demand increases.
Underfloor heating now serves most of the nave, while radiators have been retained in the chancel. Finned-tube heating installed in trenches at the base of the north and south nave walls also helps mitigate cold downdraughts from the windows. During periods of peak use, the system temperature can be increased to support heat transfer from these additional emitters.
The decision to specify Hamworthy Tyneham R290 air source heat pumps was based on a number of factors, including their temperature profiles and seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP).
Adam Rawlinson, Director & Chartered Engineer at PCS Consulting Services, explains:
“Tyneham 290HT heat pumps were a good fit for the project, particularly given the low temperature requirements of the underfloor heating and the church’s varied pattern of use. The support from the Hamworthy team was also important throughout the specification process, with good access to product information and technical advice when required.”
Integrated installation and controls
Installed by Grummant Heating and Services Limited, the heat pumps are housed in a custom external plant compound alongside a new plant room in the churchyard.
The installation formed part of a nine month refurbishment programme, which also included extensive flooring replacement, joinery and redecoration. Building Management System (BMS) controls were also installed to manage the hybrid changeover points and pump operation, while providing an interface for the client.
A modern solution for a historic setting
Now approaching a year in operation, the system has been monitored by St Mildred’s Church, with performance and comfort reported to be excellent.
The project demonstrates how a modern hybrid heat pump solution can be integrated into a historic building to meet the needs of a busy community space.
Read the full case study here.
