Rinnai UK’s team of heating and hot water system designers have provided a student accommodation in the Northeast with a low temperature hot water system and a domestic hot water system. The system is proven to reduce carbon emissions and keep lifecycle costs low while exceeding the needs for hot water in the shared kitchen, common areas and bedrooms of the accommodation.
The Northeast student accommodation which consists of 350 rooms, required a modernised heating and hot water system while maintaining a layout similar to its existing design.
Problem
The accommodation’s existing heating and hot water system needed improvement due to its efficiency, running costs and environmental impact. They chose Rinnai’s modern, low-carbon solution that could deliver high volumes of domestic hot water reliably while reducing carbon emissions. They also needed to comply with residential noise constraints and fit within the existing design while minimising long-term operating costs.
Solution
Rinnai UK’s design team specified a complete Low Temperature Hot Water (LTHW) and Domestic Hot Water (DHW) package built around their Monobloc R290 air-source heat pump technology. After comparing manufacturers, the client selected Rinnai for its energy efficiency, low-GWP refrigerant, system flexibility, and proven commercial performance.
Rinnai’s R290 Monobloc Heat Pumps is capable of being cascaded in sets of up to seven units, allowing the system to meet the heavy hot water demands of the site. The flexible operating modes of heating, hot water, and cooling provide long-term adaptability and resilience. The ultra-low noise performance is also ideal for residential environments with strict sound limitations, such as this one. Environmentally responsible refrigerant of the R290 has a GWP of just 3, far lower than traditional refrigerants, helping reduce environmental impact.
The Rinnai design team worked closely with the accommodation operators to implement the system while keeping disruption to a minimum and ensuring seamless integration.
Results
The accommodation site now benefits from a modern, future-ready heating and hot water system that delivers substantial carbon reduction, thanks to R290 refrigerant and high heat pump efficiencies. The site will also benefit from lower lifecycle operational costs and reliable, high-capacity hot water delivery across kitchens, common areas, and all 350 bedrooms. The system complies with stringent noise requirements due to ultra-quiet heat pump operation and has improved system flexibility through multi-mode heating/hot water/cooling capabilities.
As part of Rinnai’s broader commercial portfolio, similar technology has recently been deployed at a major mixed-use development in London’s Farringdon district, which includes a luxury hotel, office spaces, and affordable homes — reinforcing the system’s suitability for a wide range of high-demand environments.
Conclusion
Rinnai’s R290 heat pump technology has allowed the student accommodation to modernise its infrastructure while achieving significant environmental and financial benefits. The system provides a scalable, compliant, and future-proof solution for educational and residential buildings seeking high efficiency and low carbon output.
To find out how Rinnai can support your next heating and hot water project, contact our design team or explore our full range of low-carbon heat pump solutions.
