Making Longburton Village Hall More Comfortable: A Climate Control Success Story

Project Overview

When Longburton Village Hall approached us about their new build project near Sherborne, they faced a common challenge many community spaces encounter: how to maintain comfortable temperatures year-round while keeping running costs low.

The committee made a forward-thinking decision to opt for air conditioning instead of traditional underfloor heating, recognising the dual benefits of both heating and cooling capabilities.

What set this project apart was the innovative integration of the hall’s existing solar panel installation with our climate control solution. This approach helped the hall achieve significant cost savings while providing optimal comfort levels throughout the seasons.

The project scope included two distinct areas:

A spacious main hall requiring substantial climate control capacity
An upstairs meeting room needing independent temperature management

Working alongside the construction team during the building phase allowed us to implement our solution efficiently, laying the groundwork for an integrated system that will serve the community for years to come. Our early involvement enabled us to design and install a system that perfectly matched the building’s architecture and the community’s needs.

The planning stage involved careful consideration of the following:

The building’s layout and usage patterns
Solar panel integration requirements
Remote control capabilities
Energy efficiency targets
Installation scheduling around construction phases

Technical Solution: Advanced Climate Control Design

We implemented a sophisticated climate control system perfectly matched to the building’s requirements. Working with Daikin technology, we designed a solution that combines power with precision, giving complete control over the environment.

The main hall demanded substantial capacity to maintain comfort for various community gatherings. Our solution features two twin-split systems comprising four indoor wall-mounted units working in harmony with their dedicated outdoor units. This configuration delivers 30kW of heating and cooling power, providing ample capacity for the spacious main hall area.

We installed a separate 5kW wall-mounted unit in the upstairs meeting space. This independent system allows for precise temperature control, which is particularly beneficial when the meeting room hosts smaller groups while the main hall remains unused.

The technical specifications of our installation include:

7kW Daikin wall-mounted units selected for their reliability and performance
Wi-Fi-enabled controllers allowing remote operation
Instant heating and cooling capabilities
Integration with existing solar panels for reduced operating costs

The Wi-Fi control system puts the client in control of their comfort. They can adjust the settings remotely, perfect for preparing the space before community events or managing temperatures during activities. This functionality removes the need for on-site attendance to operate the system, saving time and reducing energy waste.

We configured the units to maximise energy efficiency when integrating with the hall’s solar panel system. Our wall-mounted units offer several practical advantages:

Efficient air distribution throughout both spaces
Quick response times for rapid temperature adjustments
Quiet operation suitable for community gatherings
Simple maintenance access for long-term reliability

Implementation: Coordinated Installation in Two Phases

Our installation approach demonstrated how working alongside construction teams can create optimal results. By splitting the installation into two distinct phases, we aligned our work perfectly with the building’s construction timeline.

First Phase: Infrastructure Installation

During the initial construction phase, our REFCOM-accredited technicians laid the groundwork for the climate control system. This early-stage work involved:

Installing the necessary pipework throughout the building structure
Running electrical cables to support both the main hall and meeting room systems
Positioning infrastructure to allow for seamless final unit installation

Working during the construction phase offered significant advantages. It allowed us to install all supporting infrastructure while walls and ceilings remained accessible, minimising disruption and allowing for optimal positioning of all components.

Second Phase: System Completion

Several months later, once the hall’s construction reached completion, our team returned to finalise the installation. This phase included:

Mounting the four indoor units in the main hall
Installing the upstairs meeting room unit
Positioning and connecting all outdoor units
Testing system connectivity and controls

The gap between phases proved beneficial, protecting the indoor units from construction dust and potential damage. This phased approach can significantly extend the equipment’s lifespan and maintain optimal performance from day one.

Quality Control and Testing

Before the handover, our technicians performed comprehensive testing:

System pressure checks across all pipework
Electrical safety verification
Wi-Fi control system configuration
Temperature response monitoring
Integration testing with the solar panel system

This methodical approach highlighted our commitment to quality installation practices. As members of the Safe Contractor Association, we maintain strict standards throughout every phase of work.

Project Outcomes: A Modern Climate Solution for Community Spaces

The completed installation at Longburton Village Hall demonstrates how modern air conditioning can transform a community space. By choosing air conditioning over traditional underfloor heating, the hall committee gained remarkable flexibility in managing their indoor environment.

Energy Management Success

The integration with the hall’s solar panels proved particularly effective. We configured the system to work harmoniously with the existing renewable energy infrastructure, helping reduce operating costs while maintaining comfortable temperatures throughout the building.

The Wi-Fi-controlled system gives committee members the power to:

Adjust temperatures remotely before events begin
Monitor system performance from anywhere
React quickly to changing weather conditions
Modify settings based on different activities

Practical Benefits for Users

The wall-mounted units serve both spaces effectively, providing:

Responsive heating during winter events
Cooling capabilities for summer gatherings
Independent temperature control in the meeting room
Quiet operation that won’t disrupt activities

The system’s ability to deliver instant heating or cooling means that users won’t waste time waiting for the space to reach the right temperature. This responsiveness proves particularly valuable when different groups use the hall throughout the day.

Client Satisfaction

The village hall committee expressed satisfaction with the completed project. The combination of efficient operation, smart controls, and integration with their solar panels perfectly met their requirements. These outcomes show how thoughtful system design can deliver long-term value.

Insights for Future Community Space Projects

The Longburton Village Hall project offers valuable lessons for other community spaces considering air conditioning systems. Our experience spanning 30+ years in Bristol and surrounding areas allows us to share practical insights that might benefit upcoming projects.

Planning Considerations

When developing a new community space, timing plays a vital role in achieving optimal results. This project demonstrated the advantages of early contractor involvement, allowing for:

Strategic placement of systems during the building phase
Optimal routing of services while walls remain accessible
Coordination with other building services
Protection of components from construction activities

System Selection Guidance

The choice of air conditioning system can significantly impact long-term satisfaction. For community spaces like village halls, we recommend considering the following:

The building’s usage patterns throughout the year
Current and future heating and cooling requirements
Available renewable energy systems
Remote management capabilities
Operating cost considerations

Contact Us for Your Project

If you’re planning a similar project within our 60-mile service radius of Bristol, our REFCOM-accredited team can help you achieve comparable results. Whether you’re building a new community space or upgrading existing facilities, we’ll work with you to create a solution that matches your specific needs.

You can reach our team at: