Berkhamsted Sixth Form College – Metropolitan Trench Heating for a Contemporary Educational Building

Located in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, the new Berkhamsted sixth form centre required a comprehensive heating and cooling solution capable of operating efficiently at low water temperatures while meeting the demands of modern educational spaces. The development, delivered by Beard Construction, represents a significant investment in purpose-built facilities for advanced study.

SPC partnered with H&E Engineers Ltd (Oxford) to supply an extensive Metropolitan Trench Heating solution spanning nearly 197 metres across three floors. The installation delivers energy-efficient heating and cooling to teaching rooms, study areas, meeting spaces, and communal zones, supporting the building’s low-carbon objectives through low-temperature hot water (LTHW) operation.

A Modern Learning Environment

The sixth form development provides dedicated facilities for advanced study, featuring teaching spaces, social study areas, workshop facilities, and administrative offices. Extensive glazing throughout maximises natural light while creating specific heating requirements along perimeter zones, a challenge well suited to in-floor trench heating.

Our Heating Solution

Joe Vincent worked with consulting engineers Elementa Consulting and mechanical contractor H&E Engineers Ltd (Oxford) to specify Metropolitan Fan-Assisted Trench Heaters configured for both heating and cooling across the building’s three floors. The system was engineered around 40/35°C low water temperature for heating and 15/19°C for cooling, reducing energy consumption while maintaining comfort throughout the building.

The specification required careful coordination across different spaces. First-floor teaching rooms received 4-pipe systems with adjustable 45° angle sections to accommodate architectural features, while ground and second floor areas utilised standard fan-assisted configurations. All units feature linear brushed stainless steel grilles with polished aluminium trim, complementing the building’s contemporary interior design. The project involved multiple design iterations to accommodate evolving specifications and phased installation requirements.

Key Specifications

196.9 metres of trench heating/cooling across three floors, in a mix of 2-pipe and 4-pipe configurations with unit lengths ranging from 1,100mm to 6,900mm.

Shared specification across all units:

Heating: Air on 20°C, Water 40/35°C
Grille finish: Linear brushed stainless steel with 4mm spacing
Trim finish: Polished aluminium
Controls: Modulo thermostat controllers

First Floor — Teaching Rooms (4-pipe units)

Configuration: 4-pipe heating and cooling with adjustable 45° angle sections
Cooling: Air on 26°C, Water 15/19°C (sensible cooling only)

Ground and Second Floors — Teaching Rooms, Study Areas, Administrative Offices, and Communal Spaces (2-pipe units)

Configuration: Standard fan-assisted, active and dummy sections tailored to each space

Project Outcome

The installation provides Berkhamsted Sixth Form College with a comprehensive, energy-efficient heating and cooling solution aligned with modern low-carbon building standards. Metropolitan Trench Heaters deliver effective climate control throughout the teaching, study, and administrative spaces while supporting operational efficiency through LTHW operation.

The project was delivered in collaboration with main contractor Beard Construction, consulting engineers Elementa Consulting, and mechanical contractor H&E Engineers Ltd (Oxford).