Grade II* Listed property in Essex gets low carbon heating revamp
Background to the project
One of just under 22,000 Grade II*listed properties on the National Heritage List for England, Lea Hall, is a 1400’s-built property set with a beautiful backdrop of fields and woodland on the edge of Hatfield Heath.
Lea Hall is a substantial double moated country home set in 49, acres with a mixture of woodland, meadows, natural watercourses and mature gardens with a collection of ancillary barns.
Historic England recognises the importance of preserving these timeless buildings not just for their historic importance, but as an effective way of reducing carbon emissions and unnecessary waste on the route to Net Zero. Retrofitting heritage properties with low carbon, energy efficient technology futureproofs them, whilst setting a precedent for sustainable living.
When the site was purchased in 2017 by developer AJ Wadhams, the goal was to transform the property into a futureproofed, environmentally friendly living and working space, whilst respecting its heritage.
NIBE products used:
Key stats:
- Installed by Delta Mechanical
- Low-carbon renovation project
- Grade II* listed building
The solution to the project
A vital part of Lea Hall’s environmental upgrade project included improving the heating and hot water sourcing for the building’s vast seven-bedroom space.
Delta Mechanical was enlisted by, A.J. Wadhams & Co Ltd, to design and install a Ground Source Heat Pump system suitable to provide the full heat demand of the property. The solution chosen, with durability in mind, was a NIBE F1345 40KW. The F1345 comes equipped with twin compressor modules, which automatically balance the load of the system. This ensures better output regulation, a longer operating range, less wear and tear and high reliability.
Alongside the high spec ground source heat pump, a 500-litre buffer vessel and 750-litre hot water tank was installed to provide plenty of hot water all year round, combined with the underfloor heating and radiator set-up.
The system is also being monitored by myUplink, helping future residents take complete control over their heating systems whilst providing the ability to further improve the property’ energy efficiency. Alongside the F1345 GSHP, myUplink will enable further flexibility, remote controlling and alert setting.
To make the home as energy efficient as possible whilst preserving the look and feel of the listed property, thermal lime render was installed on the façade of the building with sheep’s wool insulation fitted within the timber framed walls. Secondary glazing was installed and ‘Glapor’, a breathable recycled glass insulating material, was laid to bolster the insulation of the ground floor. The floor was then finished with a wet underfloor heating system and lime screed.
As well as the main building, the wider scheme also includes seven Grade II listed barn conversion properties, refurbishment of a cottage and five new build units. As part of the development and A.J. Wadhams’ commitment to contributing to net-zero, all 5 of the new build homes and cottage refurbishment will have NIBE F2040 Air Source heat pumps installed.
The Results
A.J Wadhams & Delta Mechanical faced some red tape with Historic England. Lea Hall has its own moat which falls inside protected ground, and the developer needed special permission to extend the pipework from the plant room, across the garden and moat, and to the field outside the property.
The necessary archaeological evaluation and supervision required before starting any work delayed the project's timelines. However, through intelligent design by A.J. Wadhams and Delta Mechanical the impact was minimised, and the support of Historic England was eventually earned. Both teams collaborated seamlessly to keep the project on track and minimise extra costs.
Testimonial
Will Blair, Delta Mechanical UK Ltd, said: “Lea Hall presented a great opportunity to showcase how heat pumps are suitable for both new and existing properties, regardless of their age or energy efficiency rating.”
“With such a large property to heat, NIBE was the best solution on the market, providing high-end, quality products for Lea Hall. The heat pump will deliver low carbon, sustainable heat for the entire seven-bedroom property through a mixture of underfloor heating and radiators - working in such a breathtaking property was a pleasure.”
About the installer
Will Blair from Delta Mechanical was one of the first installers to go through the entire NIBE Pro Akademi journey, taking the full course from Product Training, Low Temperature Training, Heat Pump Qualification and MCS registration. He has expert knowledge in low carbon heating systems, as well as in NIBE’s own products, and was the top choice for retrofitting this large, historic property with energy efficient, sustainable heating.
He has extensive previous experience in heat pump technology as the regional manager for Nu-Heat, the UK’s leading underfloor heating company, followed by Enviro-Heat, which specialises in the installation of low carbon heating technologies.
About the developer
Founded in 1972, family-owned developer A.J. Wadhams specialises in the planning, design and building of unique luxury properties from sensitive restorations and conversions to contemporary new build homes.
With many projects involving work on listed and historic buildings, AJ Wadhams understands the importance and legacy associated with working on buildings of national importance. Holding the building at the heart of all developments, the team retains and enhances existing assets, understanding not only the history of the building itself but also its setting and context within its immediate surroundings and the wider community.
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