Innovative Heating Solution for Olsen House School

Background

Olsen House, an independent special day school in Sefton, provides tailored education for children and young people who cannot thrive in mainstream settings. With a focus on addressing social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges, as well as supporting students with autism and sensory needs through its Bluebird Centre, Olsen House needed a heating solution that matched its specialised environment.

The Kedleston Group, which operates Olsen House, sought an innovative heating system for the school’s classrooms, prioritising comfort and efficiency for its diverse student body. ConneX Electrical was entrusted with this crucial project to install a FAR Infrared (FAR IR) heating system—an advanced technology that heats objects and individuals directly rather than the air, ensuring consistent and controlled warmth.

The Project

The goal was to implement a pilot scheme across Olsen House during the summer holidays, a tight timeframe critical for minimising disruption. Building on the success of a smaller-scale test in a single classroom, ConneX Electrical was tasked with extending this system to 27 zones within the school, encompassing classrooms and communal spaces.

The scope of work included:

• Installation of a new 125-amp sub-main feed to a 24-way TPN distribution board, ensuring capacity for future heating expansions.
• Deployment of separate radial circuits for each zone, ensuring precision control of heating.
• Integration of a Heatmiser Thermostat System with remote-access capabilities for centralised scheduling and temperature management.

The Delivery

Attention to Detail in an Occupied Setting

The project presented unique challenges, as Olsen House remained semi-occupied, with furniture, teaching equipment, and students’ personal belongings in place. Leveraging expertise from similar projects, including work in Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Job Centres, ConneX Electrical prioritised:

• Meticulous planning to protect existing assets and maintain the building’s aesthetic.
• Clean work practices to leave no trace of disruption upon completion.
• Adherence to strict timelines to ensure readiness before the school’s reopening.

Custom Infrastructure Installation

To align with the building’s design, a new containment system using trunking and conduit was seamlessly integrated with the existing aesthetic. Every step, from cabling to final setup, was executed to the highest standard.

Results

ConneX Electrical completed the project 10 days ahead of schedule, exceeding client expectations and providing ample time for system configuration and staff training. The early handover enabled the school to:

• Test and optimise the heating setup before the winter term.
• Gain full operational understanding of the FAR IR heating system and Heatmiser
  controls.

Client Feedback

The Kedleston Group and Olsen House praised ConneX Electrical for their professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to deliver a complex project within a tight timeframe. This pilot scheme has laid the groundwork for potential expansion across other Kedleston Group schools, something ConneX Electrical Look forward Ito being a part of over the next few years.

Conclusion

ConneX Electrical’s innovative approach and commitment to excellence have provided Olsen House with a cutting-edge heating system, ensuring a comfortable learning environment tailored to the needs of its students. This project highlights our ability to deliver on complex, sensitive assignments in occupied settings while adhering to strict deadlines.