cornish new build

	image courtesy EarthEnergy systems

Built in 2002, this timber-framed property in Cornwall uses effective design to maximise solar gain, and space heating is provided by a combination of ground source heat pump and electric flow boiler as backup.

The heated area is around 170 square metres, and heat demand is met by a 8kW (thermal capacity) heat pump. Wet underfloor heating operating at around 45 degrees centigrade distributes the heat around the house.

The house has a large paddock to the front, enabling two 50m horizontal slinkies to be installed as the ground circuit of the heat pump. Each is buried 1.8 metres (6 feet) under the paddock.

The system was supplied by EarthEnergy (link to right), and is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 40-60% against a gas-powered heating system – despite the heat pump being powered from the national grid.

The heat pump and underfloor heating system were installed as the property was built.