Gigawatt Announces Pioneering Heat Pump Retrofit In Detroit | A Model For Decarbonizing Multifamily Buildings Across America
DETROIT – Gigawatt announces today the successful completion of a landmark heat pump retrofit project at 1800 W Bethune St., a historic 99-year-old building deeply rooted in Detroit's historic manufacturing heritage. The developer, Design Build Detroit, utilized Ephoca through-wall heat pumps, an innovative technology with no outdoor compressor or refrigerant line sets. Ephoca solves the challenge of retrofitting buildings without balconies and opens doors for decarbonizing approximately 50,000 multifamily apartment units across Detroit
In Detroit, retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency is often limited by space constraints, especially in multifamily units lacking balconies,” says Belinda Gilbey, co-founder of Gigawatt.
Design Build Detroit bypassed traditional options like VRF heat pumps and mini-split systems, which were not possible due to the height of the building and the lack of balconies. Instead, they opted for a self-contained all-in-one Ephoca through-wall heat pump, efficiently heating and cooling all 123 units without the need for an outdoor compressor or refrigerant line sets.
There’s a growing trend in building design to use sleek, modern, energy-efficient solutions to solve both aesthetic concerns and space constraints. Gigawatt’s exclusive rights in Michigan to Ephoca’s cutting-edge through-wall heat pumps are the answer.
“Amid rising temperatures, air conditioning is no longer a luxury but a necessity, says Design Build Detroit owner Michael Rivait. “Investing in heat pump retrofits marks a new era of offering tenants cost-efficient heating and cooling solutions. This project not only enhances the energy efficiency of 1800 W Bethune St. but also paints a picture of a sustainable future for Detroit’s buildings, fostering a greener, more resilient urban landscape.”
“Ephoca’s through-wall heat pumps are a game-changer in energy-efficient heating and cooling in the U.S., offering a simplified installation process,” says Gilbey. “Design-Build Detroit’s decision to integrate these state-of-the-art systems demonstrates our joint commitment to providing modern, comfortable, and sustainable living spaces for tenants and the global shift towards decarbonization.”
About Gigawatt
Gigawatt is a leading provider of energy-efficient solutions, specializing in the decarbonization of multi-family and commercial buildings. Our offerings include advanced fuel-switching technologies for heating, cooling, and domestic hot water systems. Committed to enhancing building value and promoting sustainability, Gigawatt is at the forefront of developing and implementing innovative decarbonization and electrification solutions for the modern built environment. For more information, visit www.gigawattcorp.com.
About Design Build Detroit
Design Build Detroit specializes in the redevelopment and stabilization of multifamily properties, with a focus on investing in downtown Detroit: the do-it-yourself city. Over the past 30-plus years, Design Build Detroit has completed over 300 properties and has grown from being a custom framing-focused company to building energy-efficient homes and large residential projects, including senior living condominiums and multifamily apartment buildings. For more information, visit www.designbuilddetroit.com.
