Heat, cold, knowledge: Sustainable construction meets innovative training
The training centre of the Hellweg-Lippe District Craftsmen's Association in Soest (Germany) is currently undergoing extensive modernisation at a cost of 61.7 million euros. The aim is to create a future-oriented learning environment for the skilled workers of tomorrow. A key feature of the project is the innovative energy concept, in which aquatherm's sustainable piping systems play a decisive role.
Construction began in September 2023 and is scheduled for completion in summer 2028. During the construction phase, three existing halls will be demolished one after the other and replaced by modern new buildings, while training operations continue. A fourth hall will undergo full modernisation. In addition to an optimised interior design featuring plenty of light, air, and good acoustics, the project relies on a sustainable energy concept. An ice storage system, combined with photovoltaic systems and several heat pumps, ensures efficient heating in winter and passive cooling in summer. This concept saves around 255 tonnes of CO2 annually. A special feature is the direct integration of the system technology into the training: The ice storage system is actively used in training courses as part of the Sanitary - Heating - Air Conditioning master classes.
Sustainable building technology: aquatherm as a central partner
A central component of the energy concept, planned by the Weidemann planning office in Bad Sassendorf, is the ice storage tank with a capacity of around 900 m³. In combination with three powerful brine heat pumps, each with a total output of 600 kW, this system provides heating and cooling for the building. The system is further supplemented by a gas peak-load boiler with an output of 560 kW, which provides additional heating power during particularly cold temperatures. The total plant volume comprises 25,200 litres of a water-glycol mixture that ensures efficient heat transfer and optimises the overall performance of the system.
The entire central system technology for the individual components of the energy concept consists of pipelines from aquatherm, particularly aquatherm blue. Around 600 metres of the system, with pipe diameters ranging from 32 to 250 mm, were used. The pipelines are insulated with either rubber or glass wool, depending on the specific requirements. The installation was carried out by Metternich Haustechnik from Windeck-Rosbach, which has been using aquatherm pipes for over 25 years.
The aquatherm blue piping system, made from the corrosion-resistant plastic polypropylene (PP), is characterised by its high level of self-insulation - particularly compared to thin-walled metal pipes. This means that aquatherm blue is less prone to condensation formation at low temperatures on the source side, as is the case with the system in Soest. "In addition, the complex control technology requires the installation of many temperature sensors. This is easy to achieve with aquatherm blue using weld-in saddles - with other systems, a T-piece has to be placed every time," explains Frank Euteneuer, Managing Director Sales at Metternich Haustechnik. "Additionally, it simplifies processing enormously that we are dealing with only one material and one system across all pipe dimensions."
Further advantages of aquatherm blue at the Soest training centre
The decision to use aquatherm blue at the Soest training centre is based on several key product features:
- High energy efficiency: The low thermal conductivity of aquatherm pipes minimises energy losses and maximises system efficiency.
- Corrosion resistance: aquatherm blue, made from PP, is resistant to corrosion and deposits, ensuring a long service life.
- Simple and safe installation: Thanks to their exceptional welding properties, aquatherm pipes and fittings merge into a homogeneous, material-tight unit. The pipe and fitting are briefly heated with tools specifically designed for this purpose and then easily joined together.
- Sustainability: aquatherm products are made from environmentally friendly materials, contributing to resource conservation.
Result
With its modernisation, the Soest training centre is relying on an innovative and sustainable energy concept that combines forward-looking technologies with practical training. The integration of ice storage, heat pumps, and photovoltaic systems significantly reduces CO₂ emissions, while the aquatherm blue piping system impresses with its unique product properties and ease of processing. This not only creates a modern learning environment but also serves as a showcase project for sustainable construction.
