JUPITER Underfloor Heating Brings Modern Comfort to Lord Leycester Hospital
We were thrilled to be part of the refurbishment of one of Warwick’s most historic buildings, the Lord Leycester Hospital. This medieval marvel, founded in 1571, has long been a landmark of architectural heritage, housing ex-servicemen and now operating as a museum and venue. Preserving its rich history while updating its facilities presented a unique challenge, and we are proud to have played a key role in bringing modern heating solutions to this centuries-old building.
A Glimpse into the History of Lord Leycester Hospital
For over 400 years, the Lord Leycester Hospital has stood as a testament to Warwick’s history. The medieval timber-framed buildings were originally home to the Guild of St. George before becoming a hospital for retired soldiers, known as Brethren. The hospital’s significance as both a heritage site and a living monument to military service meant that any updates had to be sensitive to the building’s unique architecture and history.
The Challenge: Preserving History While Bringing Modern Comfort
Our goal was to introduce an underfloor heating system that would offer modern comfort without compromising the integrity of the hospital’s medieval structure. Given the age of the building, conventional floor construction methods were not an option. This is where our dry leveling system came in, a key part of maintaining the original aesthetic while providing the necessary groundwork for underfloor heating.
Dry-levelling for Sensitive Structures
Dry-levelling offers a non-invasive method to ensure that floors remain stable without the use of heavy screeds. This was particularly important for Lord Leycester Hospital, where the preservation of original timber beams and floor joists was paramount. By using this method, we were able to avoid additional load on the existing structure, safeguarding the building’s integrity while creating the ideal foundation for the underfloor heating system. This delicate approach allowed us to maintain the historical charm of the hospital while ensuring its future durability.
Dry-levelling
Introducing the JUPITER Ideal ECO System
At the heart of the project was our JUPITER Ideal ECO system, our dry-installed, panel-based system which has one fundamental advantage over traditional pipe in screed systems: response time. What makes the Ideal ECO system even more remarkable is its sustainable construction—it is made from recycled wood fibre, contributing to its eco-friendly design. This natural material not only makes the system sustainable but also enhances its thermal insulation properties. Ideal ECO provides excellent heat distribution at low-flow temperatures, reducing energy consumption while maintaining comfort. By opting for this system, the hospital benefits from both environmental sustainability and modern heating efficiency, all while keeping operational costs low.
JUPITER Ideal ECO System
Screed Replacement Tile System: The Perfect Finishing Touch
To complete the installation, we employed our innovative Screed Replacement Tile system. This system was particularly advantageous for the Lord Leycester Hospital, as it provided a lightweight alternative to traditional screed, minimising disruption to the building’s original structure. These tiles not only distribute heat effectively but also contribute to maintaining the historical feel of the floors. The system seamlessly blends into the existing architecture, ensuring that the medieval aesthetic remains untouched while delivering the modern comfort of underfloor heating.
Screed Replacement Tile System
A New Chapter for a Historical Landmark
With the refurbishment now complete, Lord Leycester Hospital is open once again to the public, offering a blend of history and modern comfort. We are honoured to have contributed to the preservation and enhancement of this cherished building, ensuring that it remains a warm and welcoming space for both its residents and visitors.
