At GHS, we believe great engineering isn’t just about kit, cables, or controls—it’s about people. We were so proud to partner with Spark Community Centre, a local charity that is doing incredible work for the community. While the project might seem small on paper, it truly reflects what we love most: using smart, sustainable solutions to support organisations that make a real difference.
The Challenge: A Building That Was Too Hot, Too Cold, and Just Not Right
Spark had just opened its first shop, coffee lounge, and communal area in a 1990s building—exciting news for both Spark and its visitors! However, the space had some serious environmental challenges.
The building was sealed tight, with no gas supply, no external wall penetrations allowed, and no ventilation. In the winter, the only heating came from two big 6kW air curtain heaters and a few portable units, which were expensive to run and left large cold zones. In the summer, the space overheated early in the day, with no airflow to provide relief.
They also had a new podcast studio, food prep area, fridges, and a manager’s office, all of which added their unique challenges regarding heat, airflow, and usability.
To make things trickier, we could only work when Spark was closed to protect some of the vulnerable members of their community. Challenge accepted.
The Solution: Smart, Sustainable, and Simple
Over three carefully planned weeks, we transformed the space using a bespoke blended system that balances comfort, efficiency, and ease of use.
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MVHR Ventilation: We installed a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries heat recovery ventilation unit, drawing fresh, cool air from a shaded back room to avoid heat gain and keep energy usage low.
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Infrared Heating Panels: 15 ceiling-mounted IR panels (plug-and-play, zero maintenance, 25-year lifespan!) now deliver zoned heating to specific areas like the coffee lounge, meeting space, and craft corner—only heating what’s needed when needed.
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Smart Controls: Wi-Fi programmable switches and mobile access mean Spark’s team can manage the environment from anywhere, without being on-site.
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Custom Ducting and Air Movement: We rerouted heat from the back of the building toward the windows, improved airflow in the podcast studio without noise pollution, and even created a heat-trap over the fridges to reduce thermal buildup in the kitchen.
The Result: A Space That Works—And Works for Them
Now, Spark Community Centre enjoys:
✅ Constant, comfortable temperatures
✅ Fresh air and improved air quality
✅ No complaints about heat or cold
✅ Lower energy use—saving up to £413 a month in the winter
✅ A podcast studio that can be rented out year-round
✅ A back-of-house area that’s pleasant for volunteers
Best of all, you wouldn’t even know we were there. All the tech is hidden neatly in the ceiling, leaving Spark’s entire retail and café space untouched.
Why We Loved This Project
We love working with businesses and organisations of all sizes, but there’s something extra special about helping local charities like Spark. These are the people who are out there changing lives. So, if we can make their spaces more comfortable, efficient, and stress-free, we know we’re doing our part, too.
We’ll always be proud of this project because it’s about more than what we installed; it’s about who we installed it for.
Need Help with Your Space?
Whether you run a charity, a shop, a school, or a business, we’re here to help make your environment more comfortable and efficient. Contact us at www.ghs.me.uk to see how we can support your space.
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