Priory Church Village, Pontypridd - LST

Background

Alongside a window protector project already underway at the site, Contour was appointed to supply new DeepClean Low Surface Temperature (LST) radiators for the full refurbishment of Priory Church Village. A 15-bed single-storey main unit with three smaller one-bedroom outbuildings. The residents were assessed as low risk for self-harm, but safety, hygiene and ease of maintenance remained key considerations throughout, shaping every decision that followed.

The Challenges

The heating element of the project required consideration of both safety and practicality. Four considerations shaped the specification from the outset:

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.

DeepClean LST radiator fitted within Priory Church Village

Solution Implemented

For the heating element of the refurbishment, Contour's DeepClean Low Surface Temperature radiators were selected as the most appropriate solution for this low-risk adult mental health environment. An LST radiator system brings together a radiator, a suitably specified thermostatic radiator valve (TRV), and a protective guard as a complete tripart solution. Each element specified to answer one of the challenges above, working together for 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.

Radiator and window protector at Priory Church Village

Whilst Contour carried out the initial specification, the radiators and TRVs were delivered to site, 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

Priory Church Village now has radiator guards and TRV protection built for exactly the environment they serve. Durable and tamper-resistant where it counts, straightforward to keep clean day to day, and specified without excess.

It's a solution that met the clinical need and the contractor's programme in equal measure, and one that reflects how Contour approaches every project: matching the spec to the setting, not the other way round.

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.

FAQs

How is an anti-ligature TRV kit fitted without affecting valve performance?

The kit fits externally over the existing thermostatic radiator valve, replacing only the vulnerable plastic head. The valve mechanism itself is untouched, so temperature control is unaffected — the kit adds tamper resistance without compromising how the radiator is regulated.

How are DeepClean radiator guards surveyed to guarantee a precise fit on site?

Rather than working from initial design drawings alone, Contour surveys after the radiators themselves are installed, capturing exact as-built measurements. Guards are then specified to those precise dimensions, with cut-outs built in for TRVs, flooring and pipework, so there's no on-site trimming or adjustment needed at install.

Do the pencil-proof grilles on DeepClean guards restrict heat output?

The grille pattern is designed to block objects being pushed through while still allowing sufficient airflow around the radiator, so heat output isn't meaningfully compromised by the added protection.

Can maintenance staff access the radiator for cleaning without removing the guard entirely?

Yes. The drop-down front access panel opens for full access to both the radiator and the inside of the guard, so routine cleaning doesn't require disassembly, tools, or taking the guard off the wall.