
Case Study: Plant Room Upgrade

Plant Room Upgrade
Cooper Weston recently undertook a project with Lord Wandsworth College. What began as an emergency quickly became a full-scale upgrade, resulting in a modern, energy-efficient heating system tailored to the school’s needs.
During the Christmas break, the heating system at a historic boarding school in North Hampshire failed when two aging, 1950s-era converted coal boilers reached the end of their service life. The failure caused the heat exchangers to split, resulting in flooding in the plantroom and a total loss of heating and hot water across the boarding houses.

With students from the 2 boarding houses due to return shortly, restoring essential services became a top priority. A temporary boiler was sourced, delivered, and installed within 24 hours to get the boarding facilities back up and running without disruption.
At the same time, plans were set in motion for a permanent solution. A new plantroom was designed, procured, and installed—featuring two modern Hoval Ultragas2 300kW boilers. The entire project was completed in just four weeks, ready in time for the students’ return after the Easter break.
Key Focuses
Emergency Response & Temporary Solution:
- Immediate action taken to source and install a temporary boiler within 24 hours.
- Quick restoration of heating and hot water ensured no disruption to the students and boarding staff.
- Flooding in the existing plantroom managed quickly and effectively to enable future works.
Plantroom Redesign & New Installation:
- A mechanical consultant was appointed to design a modern plantroom to current efficiency and safety standards.
- Procurement and delivery of new system components coordinated under tight deadlines.
- Installation of 2 x Hoval Ultragas2 300kW Boilers, selected for their performance and sustainability.

Conclusion
This project demonstrated the value of fast decision-making, clear coordination, and reliable delivery under pressure. What began as an emergency quickly became a full-scale upgrade, resulting in a modern, energy-efficient heating system tailored to the school’s needs.
Thanks to the combined efforts of all involved, the new plantroom was completed on time and without disruption to school life—ensuring long-term reliability for the students and staff.

Conclusion
This successful outcome stands as a testament to what can be achieved through teamwork, expertise, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Get in touch
At Cooper Weston Group, we have decades of experience as fully qualified M&E contractors working with commercial properties. Our team can effectively manage your mechanical and electrical installations, including replacements and ongoing maintenance. Speak to us today on 0800 669 6229 or [email protected] to discuss your requirements.