Lappa Valley Visitor Centre

Overview:

Lappa Valley is a much-loved visitor attraction nestled in the Cornish countryside just outside of Newquay. Best known for its charming fleet of narrow-gauge and miniature trains, the park offers a variety of family-friendly activities—from soft play to mini-golf and trampolines.

In early 2021, Lappa Valley embarked on an ambitious £1.2 million expansion project to create The Engine Shed, a new visitor centre featuring a café and two modern soft play areas. Thermal Earth was chosen to deliver a renewable heating solution that would align with the site’s environmental values while providing efficient comfort for guests year-round.

​

Challenge:

The challenge was to provide a reliable, energy-efficient heating system for a large, newly constructed visitor centre in a rural location—without relying on fossil fuels. The system needed to ensure consistent comfort across different areas, including the café and play zones, while maintaining low running costs and minimal environmental impact.

Solution:

Thermal Earth designed, supplied, and installed a vertical ground source heat pump system tailored specifically for The Engine Shed’s heating demands.

At the heart of the system is a MasterTherm AQ60i ground source heat pump, delivering between 7–35kW of output. The design includes six vertical boreholes, which draw renewable energy from the ground to efficiently supply heating and hot water throughout the building.

The system is paired with underfloor heating, providing even and comfortable warmth—ideal for busy family environments like cafés and play spaces.

System Features:

• 1 x MasterTherm AQ60i Ground Source Heat Pump
• 6 vertical boreholes
• Underfloor heating system
• Renewable energy design and full system integration by Thermal Earth

Key Benefits:

• Sustainable, renewable heating solution
• Consistent comfort for visitors and staff
• Low running costs compared to conventional systems
• Quiet and efficient operation
• Reduced carbon footprint for a greener attraction
• Future-proof system supporting Lappa Valley’s environmental ethos

Results: 

The new heating system has made The Engine Shed both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, ensuring that visitors enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the year. The project demonstrates how renewable energy can be seamlessly integrated into leisure and tourism facilities without compromising comfort or character.

The Engine Shed officially opened at the end of October 2021, marking a milestone in Lappa Valley’s ongoing journey toward sustainability and innovation in visitor experiences.

Client Feedback / Quote: 

“We’re thrilled with how seamlessly the new heating system integrates with The Engine Shed. It’s efficient, sustainable, and perfectly aligns with our goal of making Lappa Valley an environmentally responsible destination for families.”

– Management, Lappa Valley