Barcud HA – William Ainge Court, Powys

A video summary of the mechanical installations can be viewed through this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNGtzZq_aQ8&t=29s

Background:
A thermal and mechanical retrofit and improvements to existing 1970’s block of 23 flats under ORP 2.1. The building is a traditional brick block cavity wall construction. Technologies used include Solar PV and PV Diverters, heating control upgrades and radiator upgrades. A video summary of the mechanical installations can be viewed through this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNGtzZq_aQ8&t=29s

Project learning:

The most significant piece of learning throughout this project was how to achieve EPC A. To achieve EPC A throughout the 23 flats in William Ainge Court, a substantial amount of work was required. This work included new high heat retention heaters, Mixergy intelligent hot water cylinder, triple glazed windows, new roof with PV panels. The PV panels are connected to the intelligent hot water cylinder.

Project innovation:

We installed mixergy intelligent hot water cylinder which were connected to the PV Panels. The hot water cylinder is an intelligent system which works off the demands of the house hold and only heat the amount regularly used by the occupier. There is a boost button if more hot water is required.

Challenges:

The flats at William Ainge Court were all occupied when the retrofit work began. It wasn’t possible to decant the residents during this work. Organising the works whilst the tenants remained in occupation was a huge challenge. We wanted to keep the disturbance to a minimum. The work was organised in two stages; firstly the panel heaters was replaced in the autumn months to help the tenants ahead of winter; second was the hot water cylinder replaced to Mixergy tank. Then the roof and windows were replaced in the spring months to help achieve EPC A. Once the work was completed, a follow up inspection was done to make good following the work.