Compiled by Tanya Olckers with technical input from The Fourways Group
Student accommodation today is about more than just a place to sleep. It’s about designing resilient, energy-smart environments that support modern living. Brooklyn House in Pretoria’s academic heartland sets that new benchmark.
The integrated heating system. All images supplied by The Fourways Group
\When you are housing 297 students, it’s important to ensure that not only is the living space comfortable for them, but that it is also sustainable. The Fourways Group jumped in with both feet when they got the chance to assist on new development Brookly House in Pretoria. And they have both technical know- how and book smarts.
Central to this is a future-forward hot water solution powered by a collaboration between Alliance Direct Heat Pumps and Solar Heat Accumulators, working in perfect synergy.
Appointed by developer Mile Investments, and with wet services design by WFP Consulting Engineers and architecture by Boogertman + Partners, the project required a system that could meet high daily hot water demand while reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
The system installed:
- 4 x 80kW Alliance Direct Heat Pumps
- 2 x 15 000L Solar Heat Accumulator Tanks from Solar Heat Exchangers
Brooklyn House is the vibrant home to 297 students.
With a 320kW total heating capacity, this solution guarantees a consistent 60°C temperature within the accumulator tanks, ensuring hot water is available day or night, rain or shine. With so many students in one residence, this is of great importance.
The innovation lies in the combination of technologies. Alliance’s heat pumps extract ambient heat from the environment, drastically reducing energy consumption. Instead of heating water directly, energy is transferred to Solar Heat Accumulator Tanks, which capture and store the heat. This indirect heating method protects the longevity of the heat pumps and maintains energy efficiency over time.
The results? Up to 70% savings in water heating costs, reduced strain on electrical grids, and reliable, efficient service to hundreds of students.
Compact, quiet and highly efficient even across South Africa’s variable climates, this system is tailored for high-density urban projects with limited plant space without sacrificing reliability or sustainability.
Together, Solar Heat Exchangers and Alliance deliver integrated heating solutions that offer developers, engineers and contractors a smarter way forward: durable systems, lower operational costs and long-term sustainability.
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- The system guarantees 60°C temperature.
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- An exterior view of Brooklyn House.
Solar Heat Exchangers, Alliance and the Fourways Group combine smart heat pump innovation with durable accumulator technology, delivering future-proof, energy-saving solutions backed by nationwide support and proven reliability.
