Case Study: Grade II Listed Building Renovation in Belper, Derbyshire

There is a common misconception that heat pumps and renewable energy systems are only suitable for modern, highly insulated homes. This project absolutely proves otherwise! Tanya approached Total NRG back in 2021 to design and install a completely modernized heating system for The Hollies Old Library—a beautiful, historic Grade II listed building in Belper, Derbyshire, which was being converted into a mix of office spaces and a dedicated Yoga room.

The Project Details

Location: Belper, Derbyshire

Property Type: Grade II Listed Building (Commercial / Mixed-Use Retrofit)

Technologies Installed: Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP), Underfloor Heating (UFH), and Radiators.

Special Achievement: Awarded a Sustainability Commendation by the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust.

The Challenge: Heating a Heritage Building

Retrofitting a Grade II listed building comes with strict regulations and unique thermal challenges. The client wanted to completely decarbonise the building's heating to align with modern sustainability standards, while ensuring the old library remained warm, comfortable, and visually uncompromised by bulky traditional heating methods.

Additionally, the newly converted Yoga room required a consistent, ambient heat that wouldn't disrupt the relaxing environment.

The Total NRG Solution

Our team thrives on complex retrofit projects. We conducted a rigorous heat loss assessment of the listed building to ensure our design would meet the heating demands without relying on fossil fuels.

The Primary Heating: We installed a highly efficient Air Source Heat Pump to serve as the primary heating system for the entire building.
Bespoke Heat Distribution: Because different rooms had different uses, we used a hybrid approach for the heat distribution. Throughout the main office spaces, we installed carefully sized radiators designed to operate efficiently at the heat pump's low flow temperatures.
The Yoga Studio: In the new Yoga room, we installed a complete Underfloor Heating (UFH) system. This provides a completely silent, invisible, and luxurious heat that radiates up from the floor—creating the perfect ambient temperature for yoga practice.

The Results: An Award-Winning Sustainable Retrofit

The project was a massive success, seamlessly blending 21st-century renewable technology with historic 19th-century architecture.

In fact, the project was so successful that Tanya received the Sustainability Commendation for The Hollies Old Library Cottage in Belper from the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust!

At Total NRG, we want to officially congratulate Tanya on this incredible achievement. Her dedication to sustainable building practices is highly commendable, and this award is a true testament to her hard work and vision for a greener future.

Read more about the award on the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust website. Link for the award

Do You Have a Complex Retrofit Project?

If you own an older property, a listed building, or a commercial space in Derbyshire, Staffordshire, or the surrounding areas, do not assume you are stuck with an outdated boiler!

Contact the expert design team at Total NRG today. We can conduct a full heat loss survey and show you exactly how a modern heat pump can work for your historic property.