Coastal self-build benefits from Grant integrated heating system

This article was originally published in issue 49 of Passive House Plus magazine. Want immediate access to all back issues and exclusive extra content? Click here to subscribe for as little as €15, or click here to receive the next issue free of charge

The technologies were carefully combined to work together as part of an integrated heating solution, with solar PV also installed to run the heat pump using renewable electricity.

Sustainability was at the heart of the design for this beautiful single-storey home, which was built by Rob and Janice McConnell on the site of an 18th-century mill.

Winner of RTE’s Home of the Year last year, the timber frame home was designed by 2020 Architects and features stunning high ceilings, large windows to take in the views, and polished concrete floors.

The top priority in choosing a heating system was to keep things simple.

“I really wanted one supplier for all our heating requirements and loved the idea of working with an Irish company to provide the heating technologies for our home. The heating design process was very straightforward, I sent my house plans through to the Grant team and they calculated the heat loss requirements for each room and provided a fully integrated heating solution including specified heating technologies for the property,” said Rob.

A 13kW Grant Aerona3 R32 air-to-water air source heat pump was specified as the main heat source for the property. This unit has also been recognised for its quiet operation by the internationally acclaimed Quiet Mark.

To support the system, a pre-plumbed and pre-wired Grant hot water cylinder was chosen for hot water storage within the home, and Rob selected Grant Uflex underfloor heating to be installed throughout the property to heat individual rooms. A thermostat was also installed in each room for zoned heating throughout.

“Our previous home was heated by oil and having now moved to an air-to-water heat pump, I have really noticed how the heat pump provides a level, constant heat throughout the house so it always feels warm and comfortable. Having solar PV means that I can also run the heat pump using renewable electricity during the day or take advantage of using a night-time rate for electricity so it’s a win-win situation”.

Barry Gorman, national renewable energy sales manager at Grant commented, “We are delighted to have provided a bespoke home heating system for the McConnell’s selfbuild home. Designed to work together, the Grant Aerona heat pump combined with Grant Uflex underfloor heating provides a highly efficient, low carbon heat solution which complements the sustainability focus of this beautiful home”.

Visit grant.ie for more information on Grant’s range of innovative heating solutions. Follow Grant on Facebook and Twitter @GrantIRL or Instagram @grant_irl, and to learn more about the home on Instagram @coastalbuildNI.