The centre is operated in partnership with DPH Darlington, a family-owned plumbing and building merchant established in 2008. Following a major redevelopment of its premises and the launch of the 4D Centre two years ago, the site has now been upgraded to a full Sustainable Home Centre, combining Daikin’s heat pump expertise with DPH’s long-standing presence in the local plumbing and heating market.

The 4D Centre brings together a Daikin showroom, a dedicated training facility and a two-storey kitchen and bathroom exhibition supported by an on-site bespoke joinery workshop. Designed as a practical space for homeowners, installers and industry professionals, it offers hands-on access to modern, energy-efficient systems, including live demonstrations of Daikin’s low-carbon technologies.

DPH Darlington's move into the Sustainable Home Centre model reflects a wider shift among merchants and installers towards supporting local decarbonisation. The new facility will host regular installer training, product demonstrations and homeowner open days, helping tradespeople gain certified skills while giving consumers the chance to see complete systems in context. Its two-floor showroom and joinery workshop allow customers to understand how low-carbon heating integrates with the wider design and finish of a home.

Karen Perry, Head of Sustainable Home Centres at Daikin, said the partnership would help accelerate the region’s transition to low-carbon heating by giving installers and homeowners direct access to products, technical guidance and practical training.

Dave Cooper, owner of DPH Darlington, said the area had been slower than other parts of the UK to adopt renewable technology, partly due to limited training opportunities and a lack of homeowner awareness. He said the 4D Centre would give both groups the chance to see and understand the technology first-hand, helping to build confidence and support skills growth across the region.