The Long Shop Museum Case study
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The Long Shop Museum in Leiston, Suffolk, is a unique heritage site housed in one of the country’s earliest purpose-built industrial buildings. Dating back to 1852, it was originally part of Richard Garrett & Sons’ engineering works and became the first flow-line assembly building for steam engines. Today, the museum preserves a rich industrial legacy and showcases historic locomotives, fire engines, and engineering artefacts.
Sustainable heat pump upgrade for Suffolk’s Historic Long Shop Museum
The project took shape as part of EDF’s Leiston Net Zero initiative, a community-focused effort to promote clean, energy-efficient technologies in the local area. EDF offered a full grant for the heat pump installation at the museum. “It was a fantastic opportunity,” Fraser explains. “We knew we wanted to move away from gas, and the funding meant we could take action without delay.”
EDF directed Fraser to Clima-Tech, a Daikin D1 Business Partner. Installer Ashley Shemmings surveyed the site and quickly identified Daikin’s Monobloc air-to-water heat pump as the ideal solution. “The museum needed quiet operation, a compact unit, and compatibility with the existing underfloor system,” Ashey explains. “The EDLA model ticked all the boxes - low noise, small footprint, and designed for low-temperature systems.”
“The heat pump is far more efficient, and the control system means we only use what we need, when we need it.”
Fraser Hale, Director of the Long Shop Museum
Installation without interruption
The project was completed in just two working days. “Clima-Tech were fantastic,” says Fraser. “They planned thoroughly and made sure everything was done right the first time. Once the install began, it was quick, clean, and seamless. The system was up and running immediately.”
Smarter control for volunteer-run spaces
As a volunteer-led organisation, flexibility and remote management were crucial. The new Daikin system is app-enabled with the Daikin Onecta App, meaning volunteers can turn on the heating from home before school visits or public events. “It’s brilliant,” Fraser says. “We don’t have to be on-site to prepare the space. It’s more convenient and very energy-efficient.”
Substantial energy savings
While hard numbers are still being compiled, Fraser estimates a 60% reduction in energy use compared to the old gas setup. “It’s not just about cost savings,” he adds. “It’s about energy input. The heat pump is far more efficient, and the control system means we only use what we need, when we need it.”
A trusted team and technology
Fraser credits the success of the project to two things: a trusted installer and a proven product. “I already knew Clima-Tech from a previous role, so I trusted them. Daikin’s reputation speaks for itself. Together, they delivered exactly what we needed.”
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Daikin Altherma 3 M
An air-to-water low-temperature monobloc heat pump ideal for the needs of your newly built house