This year (2012) we have undertaken another renewables project for Ben Cunliffe Architects. This time the project was a domestic renovation in Underbarrow, the Lake District. As Mcs approved installers, this project was yet another chance to demonstrate our skills in renewable heating solutions. This installation involved a bore-hole groundsource heat pump,  ground loops, plant room, underfloor heating and four bathroom installations. 

During this project the existing heating system was a traditional boiler with radiators, designed for a single story bungalow. Designed by Ben Cunliffe Architects this single story dwelling was to be completely renovated, in its place, the creation of modern and contemporary House split over two floors. Quite simply, our role was to advise on the installation of a sustainable heating technology, suitable for this modern and contemporary new home.

The new heating system consisted of a bore hole ground source heat pump, ground loops, plant room and underfloor heating throughout. As part of the renovation Ben Cunliffe had designed four modern and contemporary bathrooms that were installed by the Wheildon team. This has been yet another challenging and enjoyable project from Ben Cunliffe Architects. For more information on ground source heating please refer to the renewables section on the website.

Testimonial

 We first approached Wheildon’s in 2009, from a recommendation. We tendered them for our Lake House project, which was going to be anything but straightforward. The can-do attitude of the company impressed us from the outset. On one project alone, Wheildon’s presided over a lake-source heat installation; solar heating for a swimming pool; and an LPG–based system for hot water and secondary back-ups; along with two plant room installations.

Having won our confidence, and submitting a great value tender for our next project; Wheildon’s won the Mechanical tender for a high-tech new-build house in 2011. Ground-source heating and hot water from boreholes meant this property required no reliance on a traditional back-up. Wheildon’s installed the ground-source loops, the plant room, underfloor heating and five bathrooms. In 2012 they carried out a similar, but smaller, installation in a domestic renovation project. We look forward to a continued working relationship.

Ben Cunliffe, Ben Cunliffe Architects.
For further information on Ben Cunliffe Architects please follow the link to their website: www.bencunliffe.co.uk

We have worked in association with Ben Cunliffe Architects on a number of exciting projects, each with a unique and challenging environment. So far we have installed a heat pump in a Lake for a Bespoke Country House Hotel and worked together for private clients installing renewable heating systems.

This latest project was based in Grasmere in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Nestled in the heart of the cumbrian hills, the location and remit of this project presented a unique and challenging environment. Our mission was to install a monovalent (single) renewable heating system, one system that would provide all the heating and hot water requirements for this modern and contemporary building.

Ground source heat pump.

For this project, there is not a boiler or a radiator in sight, not even solar panels. This heating system is quite literally reliant on the earths natural resources, a bore hole ground source heat pump. This is not the cheapest renewable heating technology, however, as this would be the only method of providing heating and hot water, the technology had to be both reliable and sustainable. A bore hole groundsource heating system can provide this.

This has been an exciting and lengthy project. In addtion to the ground source heat pump and associated pipework for the ground loops, our engineers installed a plant room, and plumbed five modern and bespoke bathrooms, consisiting of four ensuite bathrooms and a main bathroom. This project required a high level of skill and a dependence on reliable renewable technology, this is only achieved when using the right people with experience  in the renewable heating industry.

Testimonial

We first approached Wheildon’s in 2009, from a recommendation. We tendered them for our Lake House project, which was going to be anything but straightforward. The can-do attitude of the company impressed us from the outset. On one project alone, Wheildon’s presided over a lake-source heat installation; solar heating for a swimming pool; and an LPG–based system for hot water and secondary back-ups; along with two plant room installations.

Having won our confidence, and submitting a great value tender for our next project; Wheildon’s won the Mechanical tender for a high-tech new-build house in 2011. Ground-source heating and hot water from boreholes meant this property required no reliance on a traditional back-up. Wheildon’s installed the ground-source loops, the plant room, underfloor heating and five bathrooms. In 2012 they carried out a similar, but smaller, installation in a domestic renovation project.We look forward to a continued working relationship.

Ben Cunliffe, Ben Cunliffe Architects, for further information have a look on the following website. www.bencunliffe.co.uk

Project: Renewable Heating Installation – Biomass Log Burning Boiler.

Clients: Mick and Rachel Thomas
Location: Hole House, Claughton
Date: May to June 2012

Following a site survey, it was decided that the biomass log burning boiler would provide the best renewable heating solution for our clients.

Plumbing and Heating: Drain down and disconnected the old oil AGA and oil boiler. The water was capped off. Removed pipework on the heating and lift boards. Removed existing copper cylinder. Designed new pipe runs. Run new pipes for cold water to bathroom and mains pipes, fit new radiators, valves and connect to pipework. Run cables from the house to the barn.

Biomass Log Burning Boiler and plant: Following the survey, the log burning boiler and necessary plant was installed in the garage. The floor was leveled in the garage and the boiler put in position. Point the stonework on the soil stack. Fit cylinder and boiler into place. Fit flue to the boiler and breakthrough the roof. Install pipe work to boiler and lag pipes. Replace lead slate in the roof. Install pipe work to boiler dump store and cylinder. Fit hopper head and finish pipe work in boiler room for heating and hot water.

House Bathroom Renovation: Renovation of house bathroom including building joinery and plumbing work. Knock out old soil stack and replace with new, re-stone and point. Build stud work to back wall of bathroom, remove old plaster off walls, plasterboard walls and re-plaster. 1st fix and 2nd fix bathroom, build and install bathroom units.

En-suite Bathroom Renovation: Run hot and cold pipe to en-suite bathroom. 1st and 2nd fix bathroom.

Snug / Dining room: Install new radiator. Drain heating system alter pipe work hand and connect new radiator.

Utility Room and Kitchen: Knock off and re-bond utility room wall. Chase radiator pipes into the kitchen wall and re-plaster.

Testimonial

We needed to replace an old, inefficient and expensive to run oil system in a farmhouse that could be very cold but stayed warm once it had some heat put into it. Mains gas was not an option and so we contacted Wheildon’s, plumbers we have used and trusted for many years, to look at the situation and give us some advice. Living on a farm there is always some fallen wood around but there are also other family members who want some for their fires. We wanted to make use of this but are aware that we may also have to buy some in to supplement our own supply.

Wheildon’s assessed the situation and after considering ground source heating against a wood log boiler they recommended the latter and researched the best one for our situation.

Wheildon’s planned where to site the boiler and tanks and the installation itself went smoothly. The two heating engineers installing the system were very professional, polite and trustworthy. They worked hard with the project, which looks to us very complicated, taking care that all insulation within the system was up to standard and they were prepared to adapt and modify their plans if necessary. At the beginning we were anxious this system was the right one as it was a size-able investment, however with Wheildon’s workmanship and the running of the boiler so far we feel this has been the right choice.

Mike and Rachel Thomas, Hole House, Claughton.