Case Study - Mr & Mrs Wilkinson - Barn Conversions for Holiday Accommodation

Renewable energy takes centre stage in barn conversion project

• Ground Source Heat Pump
• Heat recovery system
• Underfloor heating
• Rainwater harvesting system

Jennie and Ronnie Wilkinson have been farmers in Durdar, south of Carlisle for many years. As part of their plans to diversify elements of their busy farm, they decided to embark on a barn re-development project. The goal was to create a three bedroom property suitable for holiday letting. Jennie Wilkinson explains: “as we are getting closer to retirement age, we felt it wise to consider new ways to generate income using the assets currently available to us. Being located in one of the beautiful parts of the country, we decided to convert some of our barns into holiday accommodation.”

Renewable energy was a key consideration

Environmental considerations have been important in the running of the farm for many years. “We have been involved in farm stewardship schemes with DEFRA and we grow Willow which is turned into biofuel. So it was pretty clear from the start of the barn conversion project that renewable energy would be a key consideration. “When we started looking into the many options available, we found the process quite daunting and stressful. When you are involved in a self build project there are so many tiny details to consider, and when you add the complexities of looking at renewable energy technologies into the mix, we were quite overwhelmed.” Jennie and Ronnie met Islam Pearson from EcoLogicLiving, who provided a full service in the design, installation and maintenance of renewable energy solutions.

EcoLogicLiving took care of everything

“It was clear from the start that Islam knew exactly what he was doing. He helped us decide on the best options available for our situation. He did all the calculations to show exactly how much we would save on energy bills and over what time period. We had enough on our plates with the rest of the build so Islam’s help in all this was invaluable to us. It was also Islam who made the recommendations on the best technologies to choose for our situation. He carefully looked at every aspect of the building, and matched that with our needs and objectives,” said Jennie.

Ground Source Heat Pump provides 100% of heating and hot water requirements

The major component of this project is a Ground Source Heat pump which is the most efficient way of running the new underfloor heating system. A heat recovery system was also installed, which will save up to 80% of the heat normally lost through trickle vents, windows and doors, and create a much healthier atmosphere in the house and make the building much more efficient. The final piece of the project is a rainwater harvesting system.

“The in-house installation team at EcoLogicLiving took care of everything. They were polite, helpful and clearly very skilled. Islam was also very hands-on during the installation process. He made sure every detail was considered. If there was anything we queried or were concerned about, it was dealt with immediately and without any quibble or fuss. We quite missed them when they all left.” While the project is still fairly recent, energy saving and carbon footprint figures are not yet available. However, Jennie has remarked on the difference already made from the underfloor heating.

No more hot or cold spots in the barn

“In barn conversions you often get cold and hot spots from traditional radiator based heating systems. The underfloor heating makes the new conversion feel warm everywhere. The heat is directly underfoot, so you don’t get the feeling that heat is being wasted up the rafters. We’re very happy with it. “Not only were Islam and his team very knowledgeable and skilled in the entire end to end process involved in renewable energy, they were also very passionate about their work and genuinely believe in the products and services they recommend,” added Jennie.

A fully comprehensive service

EcoLogicLiving offers everything relating to renewable energy, from property assessment, grant advice, system design and installation through to servicing and after care service. The business is owned by Judy and Islam Pearson who set up EcoLogicLiving after their experiences in property development. “By choosing renewable energy sources households and businesses will be protected from the fluctuations of fuel prices. Renewables can save up to 65% of ongoing energy bill, with the added bonus that you’re doing your bit for climate change.

Renewables can save up to 65% of ongoing energy costs

EcoLogicLiving is one of the few companies in the North of England that can provide a full service. “From when a customer starts thinking about a renewable energy technology solution and selecting a product or technology,” Judy explained, “right through to installation, maintenance and servicing, we can help. We want our customers to get the solutions that exactly fit their needs and give them the maximum savings. You need never go anywhere else.” EcoLogicLiving doesn’t just focus on one technology. We design, supply and install heat-pumps, biomass boilers, solar thermal, solar photovoltaics, heat recovery, underfloor heating and rainwater harvesting. It also has partnership agreements with a number of top quality brands so it can find exactly the right solution and price point for every customer. “We’re not just trying to fit our product to their need,’ said Judy. “We go to them, see what they need and find the best solution for each individual.” Assistance in grant applications It’s not just products that EcoLogicLiving can help with. It can provide advice and information on grants, funding and renewable energy in general. “We want to provide a knowledge base,” explained Judy. “It’s part of our added value. It’s a bit of a minefield trying to look at all the grants that are available, which might be the best for you and how you apply. We can guide you through that process and make sure you get the best deal.”