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Name: Wendy Twist & Ben Tuxworth
Project Type: Self-Build – Eco-Build
Size: 251.5m²
Floor coverings: Wood & tiles
Floors: Screed
Zones: 13

Wendy Twist and Ben Tuxworth have built a low-impact, contemporary style eco-home, marrying underfloor heating with heat pump technology to achieve what the couple describe as “a more environmentally positive way to heat the home”. Wendy and Ben both work for a charity that advises businesses on environmental responsibility and felt it was fitting to build a home employing all of the eco-friendly build techniques they knew so much about.

Ben took a six month sabbatical to work on-site while Wendy project managed the build.

The couple were armed with very little knowledge or experience how to manage a self-build project, however they felt they had enough drive and ambition to see the project through and make it a success.

Reflecting on their first-time experience building their ideal home, Wendy comments, “We knew that building our own home would be a testing and stressful experience, however we also had the added pressure of being filmed by Discovery Home & Leisure and writing a step-by-step account of our experiences for Homebuilding & Renovating – which meant both our successes and failures were documented!”

“The two biggest influences affecting the project were comfort and sustainability. Working for an environmental charity obviously helped guide the build, however we conducted additional research to make sure that we created the home that we wanted. Our investigations led us to heat pumps and underfloor heating. Heat pumps require a central heating system to operate at lower temperatures – underfloor heating typically runs at 55°C, compared with radiators functioning at between 75–85°C. Marrying the two seemed the best solution for our project, which meant all we had to do was find the right company to supply each system. Nu-Heat was highly recommended by a colleague, which led us to calling their sales team to establish
more details.”

“We were impressed with their knowledge, not only about underfloor heating but integrating it with heat pumps. We placed our order and left the installation to our plumber.”

“As well as being more environmentally friendly compared to radiators, underfloor heating was also in keeping with the contemporary and streamlined home we were trying to create. Having big metal things stuck on the wall just did not appeal.”

“Living with Nu-Heat underfloor heating is fantastic – we don’t have to worry about doors being left open as there are no drafts with this form of heating. Our home is always comfortable and, due to Nu-Heat’s design, temperature control is right at our finger tips.”

“Combining heat pump technology with underfloor heating means we are able to heat our home cost effectively. We would recommend anyone building their own home to incorporate Nu-Heat underfloor heating.”