UK – Viessmann & Matrix Energy Systems were the winners of the domestic air source project of the year as announced at the National ACR & Heat Pumps Awards in Birmingham last night. The winners landed the award for their Gatton Barn farm project.

The project started when the Davies family approached installer Matrix Energy Systems, as they had an even greater than normal need for reliable heating and hot water system due to their son’s 24 hours a day care needs. The family further requested that their two storey barn conversion be future proofed against rising fuel prices, and for it to be as carbon neutral as possible.​

Before this time, Gatton Barn Farm had previously been an open barn without insulation or a heating system, while the barn conversion saw it become a living area, care facility and home for the four members of the Davies family, as well as having additional space for two carers who live permanently on site.
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The farm’s location, in close proximity to wildlife, trees and ground shading, meant air source heat pump technology was chosen rather than a ground source. This choice for air source heat pump technology also fulfilled Mr Davies requirement for a delay free installation, as it avoided the necessity of planning permission.

In addition to seeking a low carbon emissions system, the Davies family prioritised comfort as a key factor for the project, due to the amount of time Daniel spends on the floor. The family also expressed a wish for the system to have intuitive controls – switching to the best available technology whilst being robust and reliable.

Various different sources were considered in the initial stages of the project, however air source heat pumps, supplemented by solar thermal and PV technology were considered to be the most viable option for the site.

The jury also highly commended Geo Warmth Mitsubishi Electric Renewables Solution, while the following projects were also finalists: Abel Environmental Services Ltd –  Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan Off Grid, Be Green – Rebuild of Existing House, RA Brown Heating – NIBE Heat Pump in Norfolk, Stiebel Eltron – National Trust Installation, Stiebel Eltron – Castle Howard Installation, Stratford Energy Solutions – WPL 25AS