Thanks to an immense amount of hard work and meticulous planning, Tris and Hannah have transformed a poorly insulated 4 bedroom property into a stunning home nestled in the slopes of a remote valley. It feels like a tree top sanctuary.
System: 13 kw Kensa Evo ground source heat pump with slinky ground collectors
Additional measures: Underfloor heating, high insulation levels, double-glazed windows, solar panels and battery storage
Funding received: £7500 from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The Ground Source Heat Pump
Using renewables was a priority for Tris and Hannah; they wanted their home to be future proof. They chose to install a Kensa Evo ground source heat pump over an air source alternative as they didn’t want a visible outdoor unit. With 2 acres of land surrounding the property, there was ample space for slinkies (pipework that collects the ambient heat from the ground as their heat collector), but the garden was situated on a steep slope. Undeterred by this, they made the bold choice to landscape the garden into terraces so the pipe work could be laid properly. This is now a beautiful wildflower meadow.
The Plant Room
A disused store room at the rear of the house was extended to become the plant room for the Kensa Evo unit and cylinder which now houses the ground source heat pump, hot water cylinders as well as a Tesla battery charging unit for the solar PV.
Underfloor Heating
Minimalist, clean lines feature throughout their stylish home so underfloor heating was a smart choice. The Kensa ground source heat pump provides underfloor heating throughout the property which keeps their home at an ambient temperature, as well as supplying hot water to their stunning bathrooms (as well as a cheeky outdoor shower for rinsing off after trips to the nearby beach).
Applying for the Boiler upgrade scheme was a relatively easy process because they were renovating an existing property with a valid EPC. It allowed Hannah and Tris to claim £7500 towards the cost of the installation of their ground source heat pump.
Tris and Hannah’s ambitious renovation has transformed a once poorly insulated house into a modern, energy-efficient haven, seamlessly blending into its natural surroundings. By prioritising renewable technology and thoughtful design, they have created a sustainable home with underfloor heating, efficient insulation, a water bore hole and a ground source heat pump system. Their vision and ambition is truly inspirational.
Built using locally sourced granite, beautiful beams of Douglas Fir and eco-friendly hemp, this bespoke home not only celebrates architectural creativity, but embraces sustainable living. A Mastertherm ground source heat pump provides heat for both underfloor heating and radiators.
System: Mastertherm Inverter driven ground source heat pump with 3 bore holes.
Additional measures: Underfloor heating, high insulation levels, double-glazed windows and solar panels.
Funding received: £7500 from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The Building Design
These creative homeowners adopted a hands on and innovative approach, selecting locally sourced materials and pushing the boundaries of traditional home building practices. By empowering local tradespeople, they drew on their talents and inspired them to bring this remarkable home to life. The interior of their home is framed with expertly crafted Douglas fir, which not only provides structural support, but also serves as a stunning piece of art. The home’s façade is constructed using locally sourced granite, valued for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and significant thermal mass. A composite of hemp, a rapidly renewable material, and lime was employed for the interior walls, offering improved insulation to maintain optimal warmth within the home. Expansive double-glazed windows offer panoramic sea views while optimizing solar gain. The combination of Douglas Fir, granite, hemp, and lime illustrates how traditional materials can work together to create beautiful, eco-friendly living spaces.
The Heating System
With ample outdoor space, the homeowners opted to retrofit a Mastertherm ground source heat pump (GSHP) as the heart of their home’s heating system. The heat pump unit and hot water cylinder are housed discreetly within the home, ensuring consistent low-carbon heating and hot water throughout the year while offering exceptional energy efficiency.
This stunning property is so much more than just a beautiful home; it’s a testament to what you can achieve when you empower people who love what they do. It offers practical inspiration for anyone considering an eco-build, showing that even the most traditional of materials can be harnessed for a greener future.