Heating Solution for Cambridge University Botanic Garden Ticket Office
Project Overview
Modutherm supplied a Hybrox air source heat pump for the ticket office at Cambridge University Botanic Garden. The project was delivered by CPS Building Services (Cambridge) with consultancy by Sharman Grimwade (Newmarket).
The Challenge
Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a historic institution welcoming over 250,000 visitors annually to its 40-acre site showcasing plant collections from around the world. The ticket office required a heating solution that could deliver reliable comfort for staff and visitors while meeting strict requirements for:
- Minimal visual impact in a heritage environment
- Quiet operation to preserve the peaceful garden atmosphere
- High energy efficiency to support the university's sustainability commitments
- Year-round heating and cooling capability
The Solution
Heating System:
- Hybrox air source heat pump with natural R290 refrigerant
- COP up to 5.55 at standard operating conditions
- Flow temperatures up to 78°C
- A+++ energy efficiency rating
- Luxtronik wall controller for precise temperature management
- App connectivity through myUplink for remote monitoring
Key Benefits
- Heritage-Appropriate Design: Compact, quiet outdoor unit with minimal visual and acoustic impact suitable for sensitive historic environments
- Exceptional Efficiency: COP up to 5.55 delivers over five times more heat energy than electricity consumed, significantly reducing operational costs
- Smart Digital Control: Luxtronik controller and myUplink app connectivity provide precise temperature management and remote monitoring
- Dual Functionality: Provides both heating in winter and cooling in summer from a single system
- Low Environmental Impact: Natural R290 refrigerant with GWP of 3 supports the university's environmental stewardship mission
- High Temperature Capability: Flow temperatures up to 78°C ensure reliable performance even during the coldest winter days
The Garden
Cambridge University Botanic Garden has been a centre of horticultural excellence and plant science since 1846. The 40-acre site features over 8,000 plant species from around the world, including national collections and plants of historic and scientific importance. As a department of the University of Cambridge, the Garden combines public education with academic research, requiring facilities that reflect the institution's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The ticket office serves as the first point of contact for the quarter-million annual visitors, making reliable, efficient climate control essential for both staff comfort and visitor experience throughout the year.
Results
The Hybrox installation delivers whisper-quiet, efficient heating and cooling for this heritage building. The A+++ energy efficiency and natural refrigerant align with Cambridge University's sustainability objectives, while the compact design and low noise levels preserve the Garden's peaceful atmosphere. The system's smart controls enable precise temperature management, ensuring consistent comfort for staff while minimizing energy consumption.
This project demonstrates how modern heat pump technology can meet the demanding requirements of heritage environments where performance, sustainability, and minimal environmental impact are all essential.
