The Requirements
Tumble Twist & Turn Gymnastics, a community-focused gymnastics club based in St Helens, operates from a large, open-plan building that dates back to before the 1990s. The building’s age and poor insulation meant maintaining a comfortable temperature was a challenge, especially during the colder months.
The club operates mainly evenings, Monday to Friday and weekends, with occasional administrative work carried out during daytime hours. Ensuring the space was warm and comfortable for gymnasts, particularly before they began training, was essential for both performance and safety.
Challenges
- Large, open-plan, poorly insulated building
- No gas supply to the property
- Cold environment at the start of sessions, increasing injury risk
- Limited operational hours (evenings and weekends)
- Budget constraints – fundraising for a new system was initially being considered
- Requirement to heat a small admin area during the daytime without excessive running costs.
The customer needed an efficient, practical, and cost-conscious heating solution that would make the studio comfortable without driving up energy costs.
OKEL’s Solution
OKEL designed and installed a fully modulating electric air heating and destratification system, powered by the existing 3-phase electrics. The system was configured to provide rapid, even heating across the large gym space while minimising energy waste.
To help manage energy costs, OKEL advised the customer to operate the main heating system for a few hours before classes began, just long enough to preheat the space so gymnasts would arrive to a comfortable environment. This approach significantly reduced running hours while ensuring warmth and safety for participants.
For daytime use, when only a staff member is present for administrative duties, OKEL installed a 2kW wall-mounted electric heater positioned behind the desk. This provides effective spot heating, avoiding the need to heat the entire gym unnecessarily.
Because the club leases the building and had limited upfront funds, OKEL’s Green Funding Business Lease provided the perfect solution. This flexible financing option allowed the cost of the new heating system to be spread over 60 months, making the upgrade affordable without the need for fundraising delays.
The Results
- Warmer, safer training environment: The new system ensures the gym reaches a comfortable temperature before classes begin, reducing the risk of injuries during warm-up.
- Energy-efficient daytime comfort: The small electric heater provides targeted warmth for admin tasks without excessive energy use.
- Affordable and sustainable: The Green Funding Business Lease enabled the club to access an efficient heating solution immediately, spreading the cost over time.
- Positive member feedback: Gymnasts and staff have reported a noticeable improvement in comfort during the colder months.
Through careful planning and the use of efficient electric heating technology, OKEL delivered a cost-effective and practical solution tailored to Tumble Twist & Turn Gymnastics’ unique operational needs. The result is a comfortable, energy-efficient environment that supports the wellbeing and performance of gymnasts throughout the year.
Keep your customers and staff warm and comfortable with OKEL’s commercial heating solutions. Contact us in the form below for a tailored solution.
