Garden Centre ASHP Climate Control - Bypass Nurseries Solution

Project Background

The project involved redeveloping a former glasshouse into a modern garden centre, designed with sustainability at its core. A pre-construction EPC target of C or above, driven by SBEM calculations, required the integration of a highly efficient HVAC system from the outset. The building was constructed over a nine-month programme by Bentley Building Contractors, whose attention to detail delivered exceptional build quality.

The Bypass Nurseries Phase 2 building achieved an airtightness result of 0.69 c, nearing the strict 0.6 ACH Passivhaus standard. This level of airtightness reflects Passivhaus principles and ensures minimal heat loss, creating the ideal conditions for an energy-efficient heating and cooling solution. The high-performance envelope significantly reduced overall energy demand, allowing the HVAC system to operate at maximum efficiency.

Project Solution

The HVAC system was installed by Green Future Energy, specialists in renewable and low-carbon technologies. Five Powrmatic R32 Eeco-X 30kW ASHP units were selected to provide heating and cooling throughout the 2,000m² space, supporting the building’s energy strategy and EPC targets. With a coefficient of performance (COP) of 3.49, the Eeco-X delivers 3.49 units of heat per unit of electricity, offering efficiency comparable to gas systems while reducing carbon emissions.

Its compact outdoor condenser design was critical due to restricted plant space, allowing all five units to be installed neatly in a single external area using a modular indoor-outdoor configuration. Refrigerant pipework was installed over 30 metres using press-fit connections, reducing installation time, while a WiFi controller provided full system control. The building also features natural ventilation and 100 SolaX solar PV panels. On the day the PV was generating a massive 31.2kW of electricity for the building.

Project Result

The combination of a high-performance building envelope and the Powrmatic Eeco-X system delivered outstanding results. The project not only achieved but exceeded its original EPC requirement, securing an EPC rating of A and demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating efficient HVAC technology at the design stage. The Eeco-X system’s COP of 3.49 ensures strong operational efficiency, keeping running costs comparable to gas while significantly lowering carbon output.

When combined with the on-site solar PV system, the HVAC solution can operate using fully renewable energy during peak generation, supporting long-term sustainability goals. The project stands as a showcase of quality construction and system design, earning recognition through its nomination for “Best Commercial Building” at the Babergh District Council Mid Suffolk LABC Building Excellence Awards.