Bucks Hill - Sustainable Design

Originally built around 1780, Callipers Hall, Hertfordshire is undergoing a sustainable renovation. Set within nearly 17 acres of landscaped gardens and a lake, the property consists of a main house, stable barn, coach house and a soon-to-be indoor pool.

Many steps were taken to achieve the client’s brief for a net zero carbon estate through strong collaboration with a highly effective team.

The first step in the process was to create an accurate energy model of the proposed main house using TAS, a high-quality dynamic modelling software for building simulations and thermal analysis. A baseline of numbers was gathered, and various energy strategy options were discussed until deciding on the optimal solution.

Two centralised ground source heat pumps will provide renewable heating and cooling via a total of 9-200m deep geothermal boreholes and for underground water extraction. An improved building envelope for all buildings has been designed to enhance the thermal efficiency.

Finally, a ground mounted PV array is to be installed near a new lake that will support the main incoming supply with battery storage.