Five-Star Climate Control: Mitsubishi Electric & The Europe Hotel | Case Study
An award-winning Irish hotel overcomes legacy infrastructure challenges with a discreet, future-proof climate control system to blend elegance, energy efficiency and guest comfort.
Framed by Ireland’s highest mountain range and overlooking Lough Léin, The Europe Hotel & Resort is one of Ireland’s leading luxury destinations. With almost 200 guest rooms and suites, multiple dining venues, a world-class wellness facility and a major conference centre, the hotel places guest comfort at the heart of everything it does.
As part of a multi-million-euro redevelopment programme, the hotel sought a climate control solution that would improve guest comfort, reduce environmental impact and lower operating costs. Working alongside Mitsubishi Electric and Diamond Quality Partner, Brian Scully Services, the resort embarked on a phased upgrade of its HVAC infrastructure to deliver a future-proof solution befitting a five-star destination.
“We were looking at the whole thing of the green agenda and the comfort of our guests. Then the bottom line; the economics of the whole thing and the running costs and the Mitsubishi Electric systems come out on top,” said Michael Foley, Director of Engineering for Killarney Hotels Ltd and Maintenance Manager for The Europe Hotel & Resort.
The Challenge: Overcoming Legacy Infrastructure and Regulatory Demands in an Operational Resort
Delivering a modern HVAC solution within a long-established luxury hotel presented a number of challenges. Years of expansion had created irregular spaces, limited ceiling voids and restricted service routes, while installation work had to be completed with minimal disruption to hotel operations.
Stephen McGrath, Area Sales Manager at Mitsubishi Electric, explained: “An existing building that’s operational is always going to be a much more difficult install than a new build.”
The solution also had to support the hotel’s sustainability ambitions, comply with evolving F-Gas regulations and provide discreet operation without compromising guest experience.
Kevin Scully, Managing Director of Brian Scully Services, said: “We were confident from the outset that our experience and technical know-how, coupled with that of Mitsubishi Electric and their innovative product portfolio, would result in a unique customised solution that would satisfy the project’s demanding criteria.”
The Solution: Future-Proofing Comfort with Mitsubishi Electric Hybrid VRF (HVRF) & R32 Technology
The project centred on the installation of Mitsubishi Electric’s Hybrid VRF (HVRF) technology, including the first application of Mitsubishi Electric’s 50kW (21HP) R32 heat recovery outdoor unit.
Using low-GWP R32 refrigerant, the system delivers a significantly lower environmental impact compared to previous-generation VRF technologies while helping future-proof the hotel against changing regulations.
A key advantage of Hybrid VRF is that refrigerant is removed from occupied spaces and replaced with water between the Hybrid Branch Controller (HBC) and indoor units. This eliminates the need for refrigerant leak detection in guest bedrooms, reducing installation complexity while maintaining the highest standards of safety and comfort.
“HVRF is the ideal solution for hotels,” said Stephen McGrath. “It enables the use of low GWP refrigerants like R32 while using water as the secondary heating and cooling source, removing the need for leak detection in bedrooms.”
The project incorporated a range of Mitsubishi Electric technologies throughout the resort, including HVRF systems in guest bedrooms, air conditioning systems across hotel spaces, heat pumps within staff accommodation and heat recovery ventilation solutions.
Seamless Aesthetics: Custom Furniture Integration for Complete Discretion
To maintain the hotel’s luxury aesthetic, Brian Scully Services worked closely with the furniture design team to create bespoke joinery that concealed indoor units completely from view.
“We met with the furniture design team and they were able to design a bespoke fitted furniture solution that concealed the complete unit as part of the vanity unit, basically making it invisible while still being comfortable in the room,” said Kevin Scully.
Advanced Remote Monitoring and Precision Bedroom Climate Control
The system also provides advanced controls, allowing guests to manage room comfort easily while enabling the hotel’s maintenance team to remotely monitor system performance from a centralised platform.
Trusted Expertise: Collaborating with Diamond Quality Partner Brian Scully Services
The success of the project was built on a long-standing partnership between Mitsubishi Electric and Brian Scully Services, an Irish-owned family business with almost 40 years of industry experience and specialist installation expertise.
In 2025, Brian Scully Services achieved Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Quality Partner status, recognising its commitment to quality, professionalism and customer service.
“Being part of the DQP Programme with Mitsubishi Electric is invaluable,” said Kevin Scully. “They’re always on the end of the line for a query or an issue. It’s absolutely vital to have someone like Mitsubishi Electric as part of your team.”
The Results: Measurable Energy Savings, Lower Operating Costs, and Enhanced Guest Satisfaction
The completed installation has delivered exceptional results for both guests and hotel management. The system provides quiet operation, responsive room-by-room temperature control and improved energy efficiency throughout the resort.
“The energy bills; there was a marked improvement on those. The overall energy consumption on a room-by-room basis is definitely quite noticeable on the bottom line,” said Michael Foley.
Guest feedback has been equally positive.
“The most positive return we’ve seen is the feedback from our guests. The comfort of the rooms, the comfort of the suites,” he added.
The adoption of low-GWP R32 refrigerant technology has also helped future-proof the property against upcoming regulatory changes, providing long-term operational confidence.
In conclusion: Delivering Five-Star Engineering to Match Five-Star Hospitality
The Europe Hotel & Resort project demonstrates how innovative engineering can support luxury hospitality without compromising sustainability, aesthetics or guest comfort.
Working within the challenges of an existing building, Mitsubishi Electric and Brian Scully Services delivered a discreet, intelligent climate control solution that enhances the guest experience while reducing environmental impact and operating costs.
“We are very, very pleased and very satisfied with the system. I would have no hesitation in recommending it to any establishment,” concluded Michael Foley.
As he summarised: “Brian Scully Services and Mitsubishi Electric operate on a five-star basis. You cannot sell five-star if you don’t have five-star backing it up.”