Client brief
Designer London Developments approached Better Planet with a brief to deliver a low-carbon, energy-efficient heating solution for their new residential project in North London. The goal was to incorporate a sustainable system that would reduce running costs, be compliant with environmental standards, and support long-term building value all while fitting into a constrained urban site.
The brief called for:
- A fully electric heating system with no reliance on gas
- Stable hot water provision via Heat Interface Units (HIUs)
- Minimal operational noise and visual impact
- Long-term efficiency and low maintenance
- Coordination with existing trades on a live construction site
Our Solution
To meet the client’s decarbonisation and performance goals, Better Planet designed and installed a twin NIBE F1345-40kW Ground Source Heat Pump system, paired with a 500-litre buffer tank and seven boreholes to source renewable energy from the ground.
Key System Components:
- Heat Pumps: 2x NIBE F1345-40kW units with twin fixed-speed compressors for robust and scalable heating capacity.
- Ground Array: 7 boreholes drilled to a total of 1400m.
- Buffer Storage: 500L buffer tank to ensure consistent flow to HIUs across multiple units.
- Electrical Design: Dual 40A three-phase supplies with isolators, and sensor integration for weather-compensated control.
- Distribution: Pipework from plant room to HIUs coordinated with other trades, with strict insulation requirements to maintain a 55°C flow temperature.
Coordination highlights:
- A full risk assessment and site-specific access plan was implemented to ensure safety and avoid disruption to other works.
- Groundwork included trenching from borehole manifold to the plant room, with sand used to protect pipework from sharp flint/rocky soils.
- All drilling and pipework conformed to space and vibration management constraints typical of a London infill site.
Project Success
Despite a tight construction footprint and a complex delivery environment, the installation at 87 Sunnyside Road was completed on time and to specification, delivering a high-performance heating system tailored to the needs of modern urban living.
Outcomes:
Future-proofed: System capable of handling peak loads across multiple dwellings, while maintaining high seasonal efficiency.
Reduced operational carbon: Transitioned entirely away from fossil fuels, contributing to net zero ambitions.
Quiet and efficient operation: Heat pumps operate at just 47 dB(A), ideal for residential settings.
Design integration: Equipment layout and access designed around architectural constraints with future servicing in mind.
