HISTORIC DUBLIN BUILDING HEATED BY INVISIBLE MODERN TECHNOLOGY 

Rather than modifying the building itself, the project team harnessed the power of nature beneath it. Deep below the Trinity College campus, an advanced geothermal system now powers a network of ground-source heat pumps. 

With 21 boreholes reaching depths of 175 meters and over 3.5 kilometers of underground collectors hidden beneath the courtyard, the system provides nearly carbon-free heating. An added feature—desuperheaters—allows the heat pumps to produce domestic hot water, further increasing efficiency. The entire plant room, housing three geothermal heat pumps WPG with a total capacity of 188 kW, is located underground, ensuring it does not interfere with the building’s appearance. With the implementation of the new heating system, energy consumption for heating has been reduced by 40%, while the building’s carbon footprint has decreased by as much as 75%. 

When you walk past Rubrics, you won’t see the slightest indication that beneath your feet lies one of Ireland’s most advanced geothermal installations. Once the project was completed, the entire area was restored to its original state—grass regrew, and history remained untouched. 

Rubrics now proves that it is possible to preserve architectural heritage while embracing modern sustainable solutions. This project sets a precedent for restoring protected buildings worldwide, showing that history should not be an obstacle to progress but an opportunity for innovation. 

If you are looking for a way to sustainably heat a historic or architecturally sensitive building, contact us. Together, we will find a solution that honors the past and builds the future.