The Renaissance Club, situated just 20 miles from Edinburgh in North Berwick, is not only renowned for hosting the Scottish Open since 2019 but also for its unique residential luxury.
Recently, this prestigious estate has enhanced its sustainability through an efficient heating solution devised by REHAU and Culbertson Renewables, ensuring that 16 new luxury homes within its vicinity benefit from sustainable energy systems that harmonize with the natural beauty of the golf course.
Innovative Heating Solution Implemented
The installation of expansive private residences within the Renaissance Club grounds brought unique challenges, notably maintaining the esthetic appeal of the environment while providing modern amenities in a remote location.
The construction effort commenced in March 2024, with REHAU's expertise enlisted in July to select appropriate products and strategies, especially as the area had no access to mains gas. The deadline was particularly tight, given the return of the Scottish Open in April, necessitating the completion of all construction activities beforehand.
CLIP-FLEX Shroud and RAUVIPEX Pipe
Key to the system were the RAUVIPEX pre-insulated district heating pipe and the CLIP-FLEX shroud system
To meet these requirements, a district heating system using a centrally located heat pump was installed, distancing around 60-to-70 meters from the closest residence.
Key to the system were the RAUVIPEX pre-insulated district heating pipe and the CLIP-FLEX shroud system, both distinguished by their thermal efficiency and ease of installation, crucial for minimizing the visual impact on the course.
Expert Collaboration on the Ground
Culbertson Renewables, an Edinburgh-based family-owned business with nearly two decades in sustainable energy solutions, spearheaded the installation. While new to underground district heating, the company effectively drew upon the expertise and technical support from REHAU and distributor Mibec, ensuring a seamless project delivery.
Craig Culbertson, Owner of Culbertson Renewables, noted, "We’ve worked with REHAU for years, but this was a step into new territory. Their support throughout the project was vital."
Efficient and Effective Installation
CLIP-FLEX system further simplified the structure, offering uses such as the ability to adapt to angle deviations
The RAUVIPEX pipe's design incorporates PUR foam insulation and a sturdy outer jacket, providing low heat loss and flexibility over long distances, ideal for district heating.
The CLIP-FLEX system further streamlined the installation, offering benefits such as the ability to accommodate angle deviations and high watertightness.
The combination of these components reduced connection times from the usual 90 minutes to just 60 minutes, representing a critical efficiency that assisted in meeting the April deadline.
Delivering on Sustainability and Performance
This successful installation underscores the importance of collaboration and the integration of innovative solutions in executing complex projects. Kenny Boyle, Area Sales Manager at REHAU, highlighted, "From offering technical advice and product-specific training, to being present on-site, we are here to support our customers every step of the way."
The project's success at the Renaissance Club exemplifies how effective partnerships and cutting-edge technology can collectively contribute to high-performing, low-carbon heat networks.
Mark Twain once called golf “a good walk spoiled,” but then again, Twain never teed off at the Renaissance Club. Set just 20 miles from Edinburgh amid the rolling beauty of the North Berwick countryside, the Renaissance Club is a place etched in the sport’s history. It’s where the Scottish Open has been held since 2019, drawing the world’s top golfers to its fairways.
But the appeal of this course extends far beyond tournament week. For those fortunate enough to live on its grounds, the Renaissance Club offers a rare blend of luxury, exclusivity, and natural splendor.
Thanks to a carefully engineered heating solution delivered by REHAU and Culbertson Renewables, 16 new luxury residences on the estate can enjoy sustainable heating, without compromising the pristine landscape that makes this course so special.
Keeping Warm on the Green
The project involved expansive private homes positioned either side of the golf course. This rural location presented challenges of its own, combined with the need to preserve the Renaissance Club’s visual appeal.
Work on the houses began in March 2024, with REHAU brought in by the project’s consulting engineer in July to specify products and consult on how barriers such as no access to mains gas could be overcome. The Scottish Open in July added further pressure to the project, as it was imperative all works be completed ahead of the event – with all its supporter stands and other event infrastructure – returning to The Renaissance Club in April beforehand.
CLIP-FLEX shroud system
The solution came in the form of a district heating network powered by a large central heat pump located 60-to-70 meters from the nearest dwelling. This system needed to deliver reliable performance and would be connected to the homes via a robust and efficient pipework network.
As part of this, REHAU recommended RAUVIPEX pre-insulated district heating pipe and CLIP-FLEX shroud system – products known for their durability, thermal efficiency, and ease of installation.
Course Management at Its Finest
The installation was carried out by Culbertson Renewables, a family-owned renewable energy specialist based in Edinburgh. With nearly two decades of experience in sustainable heating and plumbing, Culbertson Renewables was well-placed to deliver to the project’s high standards.
Yet as this was the company’s first experience with underground district heating installations, expertise and technical support from both the manufacturer REHAU and distributor Mibec, were invaluable in delivering a successful outcome.
“We’ve worked with REHAU for years, but this was a step into new territory,” said Craig Culbertson, Owner of Culbertson Renewables. “Their support throughout the project was vital, especially given the tight deadlines and the need to preserve the site’s appearance. They were always available to answer questions and offer guidance, which gave us the confidence to take on the full scope of the installation.”
REHAU’s RAUVIPEX district heating pipe
REHAU’s RAUVIPEX district heating pipe’s combination of flexibility, thermal performance, and durability was well-suited to this project. Manufactured with a fine-pored PUR foam insulation and featuring a robust outer jacket, it is designed to offer the optimum combination of low heat losses and flexibility on the long pipework runs often required for district heating projects.
Complementing this was the CLIP-FLEX shroud system, which offers practical benefits including the flexibility of accommodating angle deviations of up to 22.5° in all directions and certified high watertightness of 0.3 bar.
These component benefits significantly streamlined the installation process for the Culbertson Renewables team, helping them navigate site constraints and complete connections with greater speed and precision. While typically each pipework connection on district heating schemes is around 90 minutes, the use of RAUVIPEX and CLIP-FLEX reduced that time to just 60 minutes during the works at the Renaissance Club. This accounted for an almost-50% time saving that would prove invaluable on a project with tight deadlines, courtesy of the looming 2025 Scottish Open.
Achieving Championship Results
Beyond these technical components, the Renaissance Club installation highlights the importance of collaboration on projects of this type. Though this was a first-of-its-kind installation for the company, the Culbertson Renewables team was able to deliver a high-standard district heating system against pressing deadlines. This was supported by REHAU’s hands-on support throughout the project to help to ensure the system was delivered smoothly and to specification.
“REHAU is known not just for reliable systems and pipework in this technical area, but also for being a trusted partner,” said Kenny Boyle, Area Sales Manager. “From offering technical advice and product-specific training, to being present on-site during key stages of the installation, we are here to support our customers every step of the way."
“As this project proves, the service, the support, and the ability to adapt to each site’s unique needs is just as important as the solutions used. We’re proud to have worked alongside Mibec and assisted Culbertson Renewables to collectively deliver a high-performing low-carbon heat network on such a prestigious development.”
