This is a barn conversion which was carried out in 2000 on a tight budget and was funded by a mortgage from The Ecology Building Society. It is about 250m2 and originally constructed of a mixture of stone wood, chalk and flint. We learnt quite a bit during that building project and would do some things differently and have made some changes as a result. It has been our family home since we converted it.
When we initially converted the barn, we installed thermal solar panels for the hot water (no longer working!), underfloor heating downstairs and double glazing throughout. We have a ‘warm roof’ using Kingspan insulation, but we think that could be improved in due course.
About 12 years ago we installed Solar PV panels which are still performing well. About 4 years ago we installed a hybrid heat pump which we are happy with but would do things slightly differently if we were to do it again. We recently added a device that diverts excess solar power to heat the water. When the water is hot enough, the power then diverts to our EV.
Last year we added cork insulation to the gable ends of the barn which we think is working well but it is too early to tell for sure.
I enjoy playing with technology and have been able to power the home from our EV and also another mobile solar array that I use to power small festival etc.
We look forward to welcoming you to our home to give an honest view of the various things we have done to our home. Some things have worked and some we would do differently.
This home includes;
- Solar panels
- Hybrid heat pump
- Cork insulation
- Electric vehicle charging
