Priory Church Village, Pontypridd - LST

Background

Alongside the window protector project, Contour was also appointed to supply new Low Surface Temperature (LST) radiators for the full refurbishment of Priory Church Village. The site consists of a 15-bed single-storey main unit and three smaller one-bedroom outbuildings. While the residents are considered low risk for self-harm, safety, hygiene, and ease of maintenance remained key considerations throughout the project.

The Challenges

The heating element of the project required consideration of both safety and practicality. The following challenges influenced the specification and design of the LSTs:

1. Low-risk Mental Health Environment:

Although the unit supports adults with mental health conditions, the residents were deemed to be at a lower risk of self-harm. This meant that the solution didn’t need to be fully secure in the same way as a high-risk environment, but still needed to be safe, tamper-resistant, and robust.

2. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Hygiene is a high priority in any healthcare setting. The guards needed to allow easy access for routine cleaning and maintenance, without the need for disassembly or specialist tools.

3. TRV Safety Concerns

Standard plastic TRV (thermostatic radiator valve) heads posed a potential risk, as they could be broken off and misused to harm others or cause damage. The team needed a secure, anti-ligature alternative that could withstand more challenging behaviour.

4. Integration with Refurbishment Schedule

As the heating installation was part of a wider refurbishment, the LSTs had to be accurately surveyed, specified, and delivered in line with the contractor’s timeline to avoid delays on site.

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Solution Implemented

For the heating element of the refurbishment, the customer selected Contour’s DeepClean Low Surface Temperature radiators as the most appropriate solution for this low-risk adult mental health environment. An LST radiator system comprises a radiator, a suitably specified thermostatic radiator valve (TRV), and a protective guard - working together as a complete tripart solution to ensure safe, efficient heating.

Following a comprehensive site survey, the following features were specified:

DeepClean specification for its strength, durability, and ease of cleaning - ideal for a setting where hygiene and low maintenance are essential.
Pencil-proof grilles to prevent objects from being inserted into the radiator, supporting both safety and cleanliness.
Drop-down front access panel to allow for quick access for cleaning of both the radiator and the inside of the guard.
Rounded radius edges and bullnose corners for enhanced resident safety in the event of a fall or accidental impact.
External anti-ligature TRV kits were included to replace standard plastic heads, offering additional tamper resistance and reducing the risk of misuse or injury.

While Contour carried out the initial specification, the radiators and TRVs were delivered to site first, allowing the contractor to complete the plumbing installation.

Once the radiators were in place, Contour returned to carry out a detailed site survey. This ensured all radiator guards were manufactured to precise, bespoke dimensions and included any necessary cut-outs for TRVs, flooring, and pipework.

By surveying post-installation of radiators, Contour was able to guarantee a perfect fit and streamline the installation process for the contractor. The guards were then manufactured and delivered in a second phase, arriving on time and in line with the contractor’s refurbishment schedule for a smooth and coordinated installation.

“Contour made the installation process much easier for our team. Everything arrived on time, and the service throughout was professional and reliable.

It’s clear that Contour understands the demands of working in health environments, and we’d be more than happy to work with them again”

– Sam Atkins, Carter Thomas Construction Ltd

Conclusion

The DeepClean LST radiators provided a practical and effective solution tailored to the specific needs of the adult mental health facility.

Balancing safety, durability, and hygiene, the solution supported the ongoing refurbishment without over-specifying for the environment, delivering real value for both the client and contractor.

Need Durable, Easy-to-clean Radiators for Your Setting?

Contour’s DeepClean LST radiators provide robust protection with easy access for maintenance and cleaning, making them ideal for low-risk health environments. Designed for strength, hygiene, and day-to-day practicality, they help maintain a safe and efficient care setting.

To find out how our radiator guard solutions can be tailored to meet your project’s needs, speak to our team today on +44 (0) 1952 290498, or email sales@contourheating.co.uk.