Heat Pump Installation

The Opportunity

This was a landmark project for both KBS and Waitrose & Partners as it was the first ever to have both a Water to Water heat pump & Air to Water Heat Pump installed in one of its UK stores. It also benefits from an all-electric hot water cylinder which in the future means this branch can remove the need to Gas as a source of heat. An important part of the Partnership’s carbon emissions and energy efficiency strategy, the heat pump technology removes the need for gas and provides a more efficient form of electric heating.

As a rostered contractor to Waitrose & Partners, boasting a track record with the Partnership stretching back over 40 years, KBS was delighted to be directly appointed to the project after approval of costings to this 55,000sq.ft store. 

The Delivery

KBS were pleased to be working alongside mechanical contractor JA Sylvester and Building Energy Management Systems specialist Novus Integration, both of which KBS has successfully partnered with on numerous projects in recent years. 

KBS’ main responsibilities involved the installation of a new power supply and control cabling to the new heat pumps. Following the successful 6-week design phase, KBS commenced enabling works on site and arranged the cabling and containment.  After the heat pumps were delivered by crane, they were mounted on a steel platforms on the roof prior to connecting pipes and electricity, testing and commissioning.

This project once again demonstrated our experience and versatility in delivering a new type of installation with several challenges.  In adding the new heat pumps into an existing system, incorporating different types of motorised valves, and whilst operating within the confines of the existing roof space, it was imperative that the transition was seamless.  Our flexibility was further demonstrated by the requirement to complete these works during days and nights and outside, with adverse weather.

The Outcome

Once again, KBS delivered a challenging and high-profile project within budget, without any delays to the programme and with no disruption to the store’s operations.

Undoubtedly the smooth delivery of the project was a contributing factor in KBS being appointed to the next, and much larger, heat pump installation at Waitrose’s Salisbury store, which was on-site at the time of writing.