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Wendy & Ben both work for a charity that advises businesses on environmental responsibility and felt it appropriate to build an eco-friendly home.

The couple chose a timber frame construction due to its fast and efficient building method and its ability to be individually designed. They chose 300mm thick ‘breathing wall’ design, made using Masonite engineered I-beams, clad either side in strand board and filled with cellulose insulation made from recycled newspaper. The result is a super insulated, airtight shell that is highly energy efficient.

A ground source heat pump was also incorporated for its efficiency, as for every kW of electricity put in; up to 5 kW’s of energy can be extracted. This can be used to provide a supply of warm water typically between 35˚C-55˚C; which is the sort of supply temperature best suited to underfloor heating.

Ben and Wendy opted for a warm water underfloor system designed and supplied by domestic market leaders, Nu-Heat Underfloor. Warm water underfloor heating usually operates at a water temperature of 55˚C, lending itself as the ideal partner.

The Tuxworth-Twist family has lived in their property over two winters, saying: “Combining heat pump technology with underfloor heating means we are able to heat our home cost effectively and we recommend anyone thinking about building in a new home to contact Nu-Heat as they are able to offer invaluable advice about integrating the two technologies.”

Investing in energy efficiency is a wise decision as features like underfloor heating and cavity wall insulation are now more important to homebuyers than friendly neighbours, a spacious garden or a fitted kitchen, according to a study carried out by the Energy Saving Trust (www.est.org.uk).

The result of this independent research should strike a cord with all house builders – from self-builders to property developers and hopefully lead the way for more environmentally responsible methods of construction.

Care should be taken when integrating underfloor heating with heat pumps, for more information call Nu-Heat Underfloor on 0800 731 1976.

*For organisations wishing to invest in commercial or industrial heat pump installations an Enhanced Capital Allowance is available for products that satisfy the requirements of the scheme. Those products may be found listed on the Carbon Trust’s Energy Technology List at www.eca.gov.uk