Vaillant Chosen for Large-Scale Almshouse Refurbishment

Vaillant, in partnership with Cornerstone Housing, has aided in the refurbishment of 44 almshouses in Exeter by specifying new heating systems for each unit. The project saw the manufacturer supplying its ultra-efficient combi boilers in order to help reduce fuel costs.

Almshouses are properties run by independent local charities and provide affordable housing and support for the needy or vulnerable, often including older people. Having obtained a long term lease for the existing almshouses to the rear of Mount Dinham church from the Mount Dinham Trust, Cornerstone Housing and Vaillant embarked on an extensive refurbishment project of the 44 tenanted social housing units. These properties in particular are Grade II listed buildings and under guidance from English Heritage.

The selected combi boilers combined quality, reliability and performance, with a lightweight and compact design allowing for straightforward installation. The range allowed for 24, 28 and 30kW outputs, making it perfect for social housing with smaller heating and hot water requirements.

Andrew Strickland, Specification Manager at Vaillant comments: “The project went extremely well, resulting in precise installations that deliver the required heating service whilst remaining energy efficient. Careful planning and meticulous attention to detail at every stage meant the installation of the systems went smoothly from start to finish.”

John Castell, asset management officer at Cornerstone Housing said: “One of the best ways to tackle fuel poverty is to improve the heating systems, especially old and inefficient ones often found in heritage buildings. We have a longstanding relationship with Vaillant due to their cost-effective, reliable and efficient heating solutions, as well as their experience. This was a major renovation project, so we needed a manufacturer that understood the complexities and challenges of such work.

“We are delighted to hear that the completed units have such positive feedback from the tenants who are absolutely delighted with the results of their newly refurbished homes.”