Press Release

    Architects choose VELUX solar collectors for King's College Cambridge

    28 January 2010

    Architects, Bland, Brown & Cole, have chosen VELUX Solar Collectors for the important conversion and modernisation of Market Hostel for King's College, Cambridge, in a bid to improve the building's sustainability by providing a high proportion of its hot water needs.

    The project includes the complete reordering of the internal spaces of the listed building, while upgrading its overall energy efficiency. As well as installing ten VELUX solar collectors into the Market Hostel's south-facing roof, the plans include fitting of bespoke double glazed windows, roof and wall insulation, high efficiency boilers with trace heating to all outlets.

    Part of the VELUX Solar Hot Water System, the slim-line solar collectors are designed to integrate into the roof, using a standard flashings kit just like a roof window and all fittings are neatly concealed to ensure an uncluttered and visually attractive roofline and design. The collectors are available in four different sizes to provide maximum flexibility for architects and builders.

    John Cole of Bland, Brown & Cole, comments: "Our objective is to elevate the sustainability of the historic King's College building to the highest standards while preserving its original character. The VELUX solar collectors fit this brief perfectly, helping to fulfill a large proportion of the huge demand from the students for hot water, while integrating into the roof as a neat, well detailed package."

    Kevin Brennan, head of sustainability, VELUX Company Ltd, comments: "Over the past five years the national quest to improve the energy efficiency of our building stock has picked up pace, with Government directives placing the issue high on the building design agenda. In response, VELUX is now making its presence felt in the solar energy market through its unique, integrated and simple to install Solar Hot Water System.

    "We are extremely proud that our solar collectors are to be associated with this fine building at King's College, playing an important part in its future."

    The full VELUX Solar Hot Water System uses solar energy to provide up to 70% of a building's hot water requirements. It is already being incorporated into public buildings, as well as new and existing homes across the UK and Ireland.

    Unlike other products on the market, VELUX offers a complete package that includes all the necessary components. The entire integrated system is supplied as a single stock item, ready to be installed and is easy to specify and simple to order.

    The solar thermal system is covered by an exceptional manufacturer's guarantee, the solar hot water tank is guaranteed for 10 years from the date of manufacture and the VELUX solar collectors and flashings are guaranteed to comply with the standard home warranty of 10 years, offering reassurance to architects, builders and home owners alike.

    The VELUX Solar Hot Water systems will be on display at London's EcoBuild, Earls Court, 2nd- 4th March and Grand Designs Live, ExCeL, 1st -9th May 2010, as well as at the Self Build Show in Belfast on 11th and 12th February.

    For further information visit: www.carbon-neutralhome.co.uk