Case Studies - Real Projects. Real Results.
Read some of our latest case studies from our projects, learn about our design processes and how our clients enjoy our long-lasting work.
CASE STUDY
A high-spec, new self-build for a developers their own home in Kent.
Spire provided schematics, bespoke designs and supplied all the materials for this self build air source heat pump project.
The project included a BUS grant and MCS accreditation with Spire’s engineers commissioning the system.
The developer continues to work with Spire on a number of successful developer led projects.
| Heat Pump: | 2x Vaillant aroTHERM plus 10kW |
| Cylinder: | Joule 300L |
| Buffer Tank: | 100L |
| Emitters: | GF – UFH 1F – Spire’s Macrobore HP System |
Private Self-Build Residence, Kent: Air-Source Heat Pump Installation
This high-specification self-build property in Kent was developed by a residential developer as their own home, demanding a heating system designed to the same standard as the build itself.
Spire Renewables was engaged to provide the full design and supply package, producing detailed mechanical schematics and bespoke system designs tailored to the property’s thermal requirements.
The specified system centres on two Vaillant aroTHERM plus 10kW air-source heat pumps, delivering 20kW of combined renewable heat output.
A multi-emitter approach was adopted to suit the layout of the property — ground floor underfloor heating provides efficient radiant heat at low flow temperatures, while Spire’s Macrobore HP system handles first floor distribution.
A Joule 300L hot water cylinder and 100L buffer tank complete the installation, ensuring reliable domestic hot water supply and protecting the heat pumps from short-cycling. All materials were specified and supplied by Spire Renewables.
The project was supported by a BUS (Boiler Upgrade Scheme) grant and achieved full MCS accreditation, with Spire’s engineers overseeing commissioning and managing all associated certification and paperwork.
The quality of the outcome and the collaborative nature of the process laid the groundwork for an ongoing partnership; the developer has since continued to work with Spire across a number of subsequent residential developments, with Spire providing the same design, supply and accreditation support across each project.
CASE STUDY
This new self build property consists of multiple emitter types and a large system quantity needed to provide adequate supply.
Spire provided designs and schematics, bespoke products and installation guides, enabling easy installation.
All materials were provided by Spire, as well as the BUS support.
This system was MCS accredited, with Spire commissioning the installation and providing the paperwork.
| Heat Pump: | Vaillant aroTHERM plus 12kW |
| Cylinder: | Vaillant 300L |
| Buffer Tank: | 500L |
| Emitters: | GF – UFH 1F – Spire’s Macrobore HP System |
This project involved the design and supply of a full renewable heating system for a new self-build residential property.
The scale of the build required a multi-emitter approach to deliver adequate heat distribution throughout; ground floor underfloor heating paired with Spire’s Macrobore HP system on the first floor.
Spire Renewables specified a Vaillant aroTHERM plus 12kW air-source heat pump as the central plant, supported by a Vaillant 300L hot water cylinder and a 500L buffer tank. Full mechanical schematics, bespoke product specifications, and installation guides were produced to enable straightforward installation by the client’s appointed contractor.
Spire Renewables supplied all materials and provided full BUS (Boiler Upgrade Scheme) support throughout the process. The completed system achieved MCS accreditation, with Spire managing the commissioning and handling all associated certification and paperwork.
The result is a fully compliant, low-carbon heating system tailored to the specific thermal demands of the property.
The Gate is a listed Grade-2 arts, theatre and live music venue in Cardiff.
The existing heating infrastructure comprised a condemned boiler serving both space heating and domestic hot water; undersized for the building’s thermal demand and no longer fit for purpose.
System Summary
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Heat Pumps: | 3 × Vaillant aroTHERM plus 12kW – 3ɸ |
| Hot Water Cylinder: | Megaflo – 300L |
| Buffer Tank: | Joule – 500L |
| Emitters: |
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| Controls: | BMS |
| What Spire Did: |
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| Additional Notes: |
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The Gate is a Grade-2 listed arts, theatre and live music venue in Cardiff.
The existing heating infrastructure comprised of a gas boiler serving both space heating and domestic hot water. With the boiler failing, it was a perfect time to decarbonise and future-proof the venue.
System Design
The project began with a full property survey and room-by-room heat loss calculations, from which radiators and pipework were analysed and sized to match the thermal demand of the property for a low temperature heating system.
The new system is centred on three Vaillant aroTHERM plus 12kW air source heat pumps, roof-mounted units operating on R290 refrigerant. Combined output is 38.7kW, configured as a continuous background heating system across the building, with infrared heating specified as a supplementary boost for performance spaces.
A 500L buffer tank allows for on/off demands while protecting the heat pumps from short-cycling and maintains system efficiency. The property’s limited hot water needs are handled by a 300L cylinder. A full Building Management System provides centralised control of the entire heating circuit.
Scope of Works
Spire Renewables delivered the full system design package: mechanical schematics, electrical designs, pipework layouts, pipework sizing, emitter sizing, and fitting allocations.
Madley Renewables carried out the complete mechanical installation – full plant room strip-out, pipework replacement, radiators throughout, rooftop unit lifting. Spire completed the electrical installation.
We completed everything from installation through to commissioning in only three weeks.
A separate contractor installed solar PV and battery storage, which operates in tandem with the heat pump system to reduce grid dependency and lower operational running costs.
Our Scope of Work
Being based in Cardiff, our engineering team operates across a wide geographic area across the South West UK.
We work in most of Wales, the wider Bristol & Bath regions and across into the South West of England.
Whether you’re in the heart of Cardiff, across the Severn into Bristol, or further afield in Swansea, Newport, or Somerset, we regularly deliver projects throughout the region and are well-placed to support schemes wherever they arise across the nations.
Case Study: Plumber
Installation Specification
Heat Pump: 2x Vaillant aroTHERM plus 10kW
Cylinder: Joule 300L
Buffer Tank: 100L
Emitters: Ground floor underfloor heating, first floor Spire’s Macrobore HP system
Scope of Project
This is a high spec, new self build for a developers own home, in Kent. Spire provided schematics, bespoke designs and supplied all the materials for this self build air source heat pump project. The project included BUS grant, and MCS accreditation with Spire’s engineers commissioning the system. The developer continues to work with Spire on a number of developer led projects.
Case Study: Plumber
Installation Specification
Heat Pump: Vaillant aroTHERM plus 12kW
Cylinder: Vaillant 300L
Buffer Tank: 500L
Emitters:Ground floor underfloor heating, first floor Spire’s Macrobore HP system
Scope of Project
This property consists of multiple emitter types, and a large system quantity needed to provide adequate supply. Spire provided designs and schematics, bespoke products and installation guides, enabling easy installation. All materials were provided by Spire, as well as the BUS support. This system was MCS accredited, with Spire commissioning the installation and providing the paperwork.