École Saint-Coeur-de-Marie

Modern Comfort, Classic Character
Heating Upgrade

Older schools were built for durability. Thick masonry walls, large classroom windows, and high-temperature perimeter convectors designed for a different era of energy use.

At École Saint-Cœur-de-Marie, the existing heating system reflected that history. The school has been operating a traditional high-temperature hot water loop with convector layout paired with an aging boiler plant. Functional, yes. Efficient by today’s standards? Not quite.

This renovation was about more than replacing equipment. It was about transforming how the building heats itself.

From High Temperature to High Efficiency

The original system operated at elevated water temperatures, typical of legacy school construction. While dependable, it limited efficiency and left little room for modern energy optimization strategies.

The new system shifts the building into a new generation of heating performance:

  • Condensing boiler plant

  • Low-temperature hydronic design

  • Improved seasonal efficiency

  • Reduced energy consumption

  • Future-ready compatibility with advanced heat sources

By lowering system temperatures and leveraging condensing technology, the school now benefits from higher combustion efficiency and significantly improved operational performance.


Radiant Perimeter Comfort — Wall to Wall

One of the key design goals was maintaining the architectural rhythm of the classroom perimeter.

Rather than breaking the line of radiation with short segments, we supplied continuous radiant convectors running wall to wall, complete with:

  • Dummy sections

  • Custom end pieces

  • Seamless transitions

The result is a clean, uninterrupted aesthetic that blends into the building envelope. This allowed the school to preserve the classic school character while delivering modern comfort.

This continuous design also ensures:

  • Even heat distribution

  • Reduced cold spots near glazing

  • Improved occupant comfort

  • Quiet, draft-free performance

Students and staff feel steady warmth along the perimeter without the temperature swings typical of high-temperature systems.


A Subtle but Powerful Transformation

From the outside, the building remains familiar. Inside, however, the mechanical backbone has been completely modernized.

The shift from high-temperature convectors to a condensing boiler with continuous radiant perimeter heating delivers:

✔ Higher efficiency
✔ Lower operating costs
✔ Improved comfort
✔ A clean architectural finish
✔ A future-ready hydronic platform

This project is a perfect example of how thoughtful terminal design can elevate both performance and appearance without compromising the character of an existing school.

Project Info
Client

École Saint-Coeur-de-Marie

Location

Ripon, Quebec

Type

School

F-type - Panel Radiators

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