Dimplex heat pumps used to cut carbon footprint

A Dimplex heat pump and solar thermal water heating system has been chosen for a Yorkshire home in order to cut the building's carbon footprint.

Underfloor heating was retrofitted throughout the Grade II listed house, with the heat provided by an SI 21 TE ground source heat pump, and hot water provided by a solar thermal system, with extra capacity from the heat pump available if additional water heating is required.

Ian and Becky Sheveling wanted their new home to be as environmentally friendly as possible, and the ambitious change of lifestyle was featured on the Channel 5 television programme 'Build a New Life in the Country'.

Ian and Becky moved from London and buy a farmhouse and barn on seven acres of land in Yorkshire.

The house is a large old Grade II listed farmhouse, which the couple have now substantially but sympathetically modernised, in line with the listed status of the property.

Located in the beautiful Holme Valley the couple have planted a 7,000-vine vineyard and also plan to build a winery, visitor centre and a number of 'eco pods', cabins sleeping up to six people where visitors can enjoy a break in the latest in eco-living.

All buildings will incorporate as many environmentally friendly features as possible, including Dimplex heat pumps and solar thermal water heating.

The plan is for the eco pods to achieve Level 5 of the Code for Sustainable Homes; they will incorporate green roofs and recycled building materials as well as renewable heating and hot water.

In fact, it's hoped the entire site will be carbon-neutral by 2011 or 2012.

Other 'green' features on the planning list include three wind turbines on the hills above the buildings and use of a local spring water supply to meet the site's requirements.

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