Grade 2* Listed Church, Kemptown

This is a Grade II listed Gothic revival church situated in the heart of Kemptown, not far from the seafront. LEAF were asked to give some retrofit advice on this church because the expenditure on heating was very high. Each heritage building is very different and needs an individual approach. However, even simple things like overhauling and draught proofing the entrance and lobby doors makes a difference. Here they needed draught proofing, re-hung and introducing assisted opening rather than being propped open all the time.

We discussed the real inefficiencies of the existing gas boiler or in this case more than one boiler and hot air heat emitters. We introduced the possibility of a hybrid heating system which uses electricity for heating supplied by a heat pump which in turn is supplemented by energy from Photovoltaic panels. A small combi boiler to be used only at times of peak demand. Heat emitters could be better situated to provide targeted warmth to the building users as opposed to the situation at present where warm air is blown in at high level and immediately lost to the roof space.

Photovoltaic panels have been introduced to other listed churches in Brighton and hove and given that church roofs benefit from such a raised position. PV panels can be a really useful tool in reducing energy costs when used in conjunction with an efficient heating system and improved insulation.

We also discussed how to carefully introduce secondary glazing to stained glass windows. Secondary glass can be detailed with very narrow frames thereby not obscuring views of the historic glass and it can be removable and shaped to fit  contours. The space between the old and new lass would need to be ventilated to protect the leadwork and glass behind.