Baxi supports Devon-based homeless charity with reliable, efficient, pre-packaged combined heating and hot water solution 

An Andrews Water Heaters COMBIflo unit is providing an efficient, reliable and compact solution to high performance heating and hot water at a homeless charity’s new head office in the centre of Plymouth. Andrews Water Heaters is part of Baxi.

Non-for-profit organisation Shekinah has been offering support to people experiencing all forms of homelessness for over 30 years. Having outgrown its previous base, the charity recently moved to new, larger premises in Stonehouse Creek. This has enabled them to expand their services, offering a wider range of community facilities including mental and physical health services, support with housing, education, finances and employment, and even a café.

With homelessness on the rise, the new building provides a warm and welcoming wellbeing space for Plymouth’s most vulnerable people, where they can benefit from free meals and hot showers. Having a reliable, efficient heating system is vital for the charity to deliver this outstanding level of support.

The challenge

Mark Symes, Director at M&E Contractors S2 Group Services, was involved in the redevelopment of the Stonehouse Creek premises, which is owned by Plymouth Council, from the outset. He explained:

“Stonehouse Creek underwent a complete remodelling by Obedair Construction before Shekinah moved in, with new showers added and a new kitchen built to serve the café. The existing system was over 20 years’ old and in disrepair. Part of the works, therefore, included refurbishing the ageing existing heating system so that it could meet the higher hot water demand and achieve the required comfort levels for its new use. We contacted Baxi for advice and support with the replacement plant.”

When selecting the new equipment, efficiency and reliability were key priorities to avoid unnecessarily high energy costs and keep the building operational. Size was an added consideration due to the restricted available space within the plant room.

The solution

Baxi worked with S2 Group Services to review requirements within the building and supply the most appropriate energy-efficient solution within the project parameters.

A COMBIflo 150/300 unit was recommended due to its ability to meet all project requirements by providing pre-packaged heating and hot water in one compact cabinet. The COMBIflo is a condensing, stainless steel combined space and domestic hot water heater that removes the need for separate appliances, efficiently overcoming challenging plant room space constraints.

In addition to providing reliable space heating, the COMBIflo can supply almost instantaneous hot water generation of up to 2,240 litres/hour and has a small integral 300 litre storage tank. The award-winning design reduces standing heat losses and levels of hot water generation, saving energy usage and reducing associated costs and carbon emissions. The COMBIflo is WRAS approved, making it compliant with the Water Supply Regulations.