About
Dan Housego Cricket Centre (DHCC) is the brainchild of former professional cricketer Dan Housego, who played for Middlesex and England, dedicating his career to fostering the next generation of cricket talent. Located at Wokingham Cricket Club, the centre offers a state-of-the-art, standalone indoor cricket training facility with five full lanes, serving players of all ages and abilities.
KCP is a leading provider of smart building solutions, renowned for designing and delivering sustainable, energy-efficient systems through their innovative Conqora suite. Their expertise encompasses infrastructure automation, energy management, and advanced network services, all driven by a commitment to smart, energy-conscious innovation.
Introduction
Dan Housego envisioned an indoor cricket centre that could offer year-round training, overcoming the limitations of the British climate and existing facilities, which were often school-affiliated or weather-dependent. To bring this vision to life, Dan Housego Cricket Centre partnered with KCP to create a cutting-edge, sustainable training hub tailored for players, schools, and the local community.
Challenges Faced
Before working with KCP, DHCC faced several challenges that needed to be addressed:
- Limited Access to Facilities: Without their own indoor facility, training was heavily restricted by seasonal weather, hindering year-round growth opportunities.
- Lack of Sustainable Solutions: Building a high-specification, energy-efficient facility was essential in ensuring long-term affordability and environmental responsibility.
- Technology Integration Gaps: DHCC required advanced, automated systems for lights, energy management, safety, and future enhancements like ball-tracking technology.
Solutions Provided by KCP
KCP delivered an end-to-end solution for the Dan Housego Cricket Centre. Their approach was holistic, combining sustainability, automation, and high-tech systems. Key aspects of the solution included:
Smart Infrastructure
- Installation of a fully automated lighting system that conserves energy by turning off when not in use.
- A Wi-Fi-enabled smart control system for seamless operation of building facilities.
- Innovative Fire Safety Technology: In collaboration with C-Tec, KCP installed a cutting-edge fire safety system that integrates smoke, heat, and voice alarms into a single comprehensive solution. This advanced system ensures maximum safety and compliance with modern fire regulations, marking it as one of the first of its kind.
Sustainability
- Implementation of a solar-powered energy system to reduce reliance on the national grid. The smart solution currently powers the lights, sockets, and other building utilities efficiently.
- Plans to scale the solar capacity with additional panels during the summer, aiming to make DHCC 100% energy self-sufficient.
Customised Finishing
- Installation of external lighting, fire exits, and protective equipment cages to create a safe and functional training environment.
- Ventilation solutions to maintain high air quality within the facility.
Implementation
The project was managed entirely by KCP, from design consultation to installation and final handover. The DHCC team, new to facility management, relied on KCP for guidance at every step. KCP ensured seamless execution, providing a turnkey solution inclusive of fire safety, health and safety compliance, and even signage work.
Results
KCP’s smart solutions transformed Dan Housego Cricket Centre into a world-class facility, delivering tangible results:
- Energy Efficiency: The entire building operates on a low-energy consumption rate of approximately 21 kilowatts, underscoring KCP’s commitment to sustainable practices.
- Automation: The lighting system reduces operational costs and improves user convenience through automatic on/off controls.
- Complete Support: From initiation to implementation, KCP provided expert support, ensuring all systems were functional, integrated, and future-ready.
- Community Access: The new facility enables schools, clubs, and individuals to train regardless of the weather, broadening access to quality cricket coaching.
Next Steps
KCP and DHCC aim to build on their achievements by enhancing the centre’s sustainability and technological capabilities. Future plans include:
- Expanding solar energy capacity to achieve complete independence from the power grid.
- Adding advanced ball-tracking technology to provide detailed shot analysis and playback, enhancing the training experience.
The partnership between KCP and Dan Housego Cricket Centre demonstrates the power of smart solutions in delivering sustainable, high-tech infrastructure. With a shared vision for innovation and excellence, they’ve redefined cricket training possibilities, setting a standard for independent sports facilities.
Download the case study HERE.
