The Challenge
The older part of Leeds Playhouse dates back to the 1970s and includes large open-plan workshops used for stage set design, woodworking, metalworking and painting.
The space had been heated by three 125kW commercial boilers, approximately 33 years old, which supplied warm air heaters throughout the building.
When the ageing boilers failed, the workshop was left without heating. Leeds Playhouse initially approached us looking for a replacement boiler system, but we saw an opportunity to provide a more suitable solution for the large open-plan space.
The Solution
Rather than replacing the existing boilers like-for-like, we designed a natural gas warm air heating and destratification system.
Warm air heating is particularly suited to large open-plan spaces, while destratification fans help circulate warm air that naturally rises, improving heat distribution and comfort at working level.
The new system is also hydrogen-blend ready, providing the potential to operate with a natural gas/hydrogen blend should this become more widely available in the future.
For a smaller breakout area, we installed electric infrared heater bars with local controls, allowing the room to be heated only when it is occupied.
Installation Around Stage Production
The project needed to be completed urgently following the failure of the existing boilers. However, the workshop was also actively being used for stage design and set construction.
Our team carefully coordinated the installation around the Playhouse’s production schedule, ensuring the works caused minimal disruption while being completed safely and on time.
The Result
The new heating system was successfully completed on schedule in August 2024, restoring heating to the workshop areas.
Leeds Playhouse was delighted with the finished installation, particularly with how effectively the warm air heating system heats the large open-plan workshop.
Rather than simply replacing the existing boiler system, we designed a heating solution specifically suited to the large, open-plan workshop environment.
The combination of warm air heating, destratification and localised infrared heating has provided Leeds Playhouse with a modern, flexible and effective heating solution that works particularly well for its busy stage production workshops.
