Developed by Placebold Ltd, a division of Goldcrest Films – producers of such famous films as Chariots of Fire - a new mixed used scheme comprising of apartments and commercial space for use by members of the film industry required the best in sustainable, effective and space saving heating and cooling.

For a system that could meet this challenge, meeting the needs of both commercial and residential applications, Cyclone designed and constructed a renewable energy solution utilizing market leading Daikin Altherma low temp split air source heat pumps.

A mix of luxury one and two bedroom apartments and commercial space comprised of workshops and offices, the development, on Latimer Road, London required an efficient heating and cooling system. Owing to its diverse multi-functional layout and the need to satisfy the individual heating needs of the properties of the development, it was crucial that an intelligent and highly workable temperature control system was designed for the scheme.

Specialist contractor Cyclone Commerce was tasked with the design and installation of the new heating and cooling system. With the intention of ensuring that this flagship project met the client’s self imposed high standards of environmental responsibility, including the use of high grade insulation and sustainable materials and methods, Cyclone and Placebold discussed the most sustainable and efficient method of providing heating and cooling throughout the buildings.

Alongside meeting their energy efficiency targets, it was essential that the heating and cooling system had other performance advantages. This included compatibility with wall mounted fan coil units, as radiators offered poor space economy in the luxury apartments. The system also had to be versatile and designed as a complete solution that would be capable of meeting the needs of both the residential and commercial areas.

Added to this, the complexities of an inner city project had to be met, most notably acoustic and performance regulations imposed nationally and locally. Finally, Placebold specified that the system could not rely on gas. This was in order to avoid expense, stringent council regulations regarding the installation of piping and the hassle of fitting flues throughout the buildings. Manging Director Vance Rowe states: "Understanding developers end game and having a long term and honest relationship helps us as designers & builders to work with the devloper to offer the right choice."


The Solution

Cyclone designed a solution for Placebold that was centred around the high-spec award winning Daikin Altherma low temp split air to water heat pumps, avoiding the need for gas entirely. Using minimal electrical energy to source heat from the ambient warmth in the air, the system has a COP (Coefficient of Performance) of 3-5, delivering 3 to 5 times more energy than in uses. Providing both heating and hot water the system has the potential to cut energy bills by up to 50%.

The system's energy performance makes it extremely cost effective in comparison to other green technologies. Installed on roofs with a conveniently sized hydrobox installed discreetly within the kitchen, it offers both heating and cooling properties for total climate control. These qualities made it an ideal choice for the Latimer Road development.

In total 12 Daikin Altherma low temp split air to water units were specified on the roof of the building to provide year round and energy efficient heating and cooling to both the commercial and residential sections of the structure. As the Latimer Road development required the highest standards of construction and product choice, the solutiondesigned by Cyclone was a perfect fit. Eligible for Microgeneration Certification Scheme subsidies the system holds the EU Ecolabel for outstanding environmental performance.

By connecting the hydrobox to hot water cylinders, the Daikin Altherma low temp split air to water heat pumps have the capacity to provide enough renewable energy to not only heat the apartments, but also to provide continuous hot water for all showers, baths and taps at the development.

With noise to the local council and neighbours, as well as residents of the building itself a key concern, the BRE performed an acoustic test of the Daikin Altherma system. Whisper quiet in operation, it was found suitable, providing Placebold with the reassurance they required.

Wall mounted air fan coils were installed throughout the building, as radiators were deemed too bulky and floor grilles too complex and aesthetically unpleasing. To provide localised temperature control within each property, thermostats and electronic remote controls were provided to ensure comfort for residents at all times.

The Conclusion

The installation went smoothly for Cyclone, an approved Daikin UK installer, experts in both the design and fitting of its systems. It was an opportunity for the company to demonstrate its capacity for complex and specialised installation.

With a range of businesses lining up to move into the Latimer Road development, as well as significant interest from potential residential tenants, the project proved a great success. Close to the BBC’s campus, the new scheme provides an ideal location for both filming and hosting members of the film industry and has the potential to be used as both a film store and as housing for visiting members of the film industry.

For expert installers Cyclone, the project stands as a supreme example of what collaboration, technical expertise and superb products can offer clients of the most demanding schemes.

For further information please contact :

Cyclone Commerce Ltd

Ph: 01920 824 058

Email: vance@cyclonec.com