Location
Kew, Richmond

Client / Professional Team
Royal Botanic Gardens / Alternative Heat Ltd

Construction Value
£TBC

Our Role
Complete MEP design and support on this new development.

Kew Gardens, founded in 1840 in London, houses the world's largest botanical and mycological collections. A World Heritage Site and major UK attraction, it sought a sustainable solution for aging gas boilers at Jodrell Laboratories and greenhouses. Design Foundry supported Alternative Heat in delivering a heat pump-based decarbonisation project for the Royal Botanic Gardens, replacing outdated systems with modern, efficient technology.

The gas boilers needed replacement, but most existing LTHW heating was retained to minimise cost and disruption. A cascaded heat pump system was implemented, featuring two 280kW ASHPs heating 8,000L buffer vessels, with an 805kW WSHP raising temperatures to 80°C. The project also included a 46kWp photovoltaic array, offsetting 38,800 kWh annually, and fabric upgrades to Jodrell Laboratories.

Delivering complex, space-constrained projects requires expert design and strong client involvement. Reusing plant space adds cost and time due to temporary systems. If full site vacation isn’t possible, minimising on-site activity helps control expenses. Success depends on early equipment selection, prompt client sign-offs, and minimising scope changes as design finalises and construction begins.