Clifftop Cottage with Ground Source Heat Pump

Rory Jenkins would walk his dog up on the cliffs at Droskyn Point, where he’d pass a cottage with a spectacular view of the beach. When he saw that the property was up for sale, he bought it. He wanted to create an eco-inspired, highly insulated, energy efficient home with sedum grass roofs and locally sourced timber cladding.

“I had never done a self-build project before, but the plot was in such an amazing location, I decided to go for it!”

Much of Cornwall is off the gas grid, so Rory had to look into alternative heating options. Oil was a no due to the fluctuating prices and he was wary of using air source heat pumps, due to the corrosion from salty air that could occur from living close to the sea.

Rory decided that ground source heat pumps presented the best solution. Kensa Heat Pumps was recommended to him by a friend who knew of many successful ground source installations they had undertaken.

Product:

Kensa specified a 15kW Twin Hybrid. This model has two compressors and a large heat capacity, with the ability to deliver hot water to 60°C. Rory also decided to install Solar PV on the rear roof to generate electricity.

There wasn’t enough land area available for slinkies, so Rory had three boreholes drilled at a depth of around 100m each to extract the low grade heat from the ground.

Declaration:

“I’m very pleased with the ground source solution from Kensa. We’ve lived in the house through one of the coldest winters we’ve had for years and have been perfectly warm.”

Key Facts:
• 300m² detached new build property;
• 3 storeys, 3 bedrooms;
• Separate office and self-contained flat;
• 15kW Kensa Hybrid Twin GSHP for heating & hot water;
• 5000kWh for hot tub;
• 3x 100m boreholes.

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