B Beales Developers, why heat pumps perfectly suited their barn conversions

Grant air source heat pumps are part of the specification at each of the properties on an exclusive development in the Norfolk countryside which completed in 2022. The site features six barn conversions which combine original characteristics with modern design and at the heart of each home is a renewable central heating system. In this case study, B Beales Developers explain why sustainable heating was the only solution for these properties.

For over twenty years, B Beales Developers Ltd have been constructing thoughtfully designed homes with an emphasis on detail and craftsmanship. From new builds through to property renovations, they have developed a broad portfolio of homes which are built to a high specification throughout. One of their sites, set in the Breckland countryside in Norfolk, was a luxury development of barn conversions where Grant renewable heating systems have been being installed.

Here, Claire Hendrick from B Beales Developers: 

• shares details about the development and the barns they converted into domestic dwellings
• explains why sustainability is important for each of their developments
• and goes into detail about the heating systems selected and the support received from Grant UK.

Exclusive development of barn conversions

“Steading Mews is an exciting development of six stunning barn conversions,” writes Claire. “Each barn features its own unique and distinctive character with landscaped gardens, coupled with an incredibly high specification to ensure each property offers a perfect amount of living space and an abundance of natural light. All of the spacious barns are three-bedroom properties, excepting one four bedroom plot, and they are open plan living properties ranging in size from between 2044 square feet – 3250 square feet.”

Building more sustainable properties 

“We have installed air source heat pumps in our properties previously because sustainability is important to us,” continues Claire. “As well as installing high levels of insulation throughout our homes, we have been proactive in using alternative heating systems to oil or gas boilers. This was first development where we installed Grant Aerona³ air source heat pumps. Their prices were very competitive and the quality of the Aerona³ heat pump is one of the best. Furthermore, our installer – DBR Renewables – is experienced with these units and finds them easy and straightforward to install.”

What models of Grant heat pumps are suitable for barn conversions?

Grant UK supply a range of air-to-water heat pumps which are suitable for new builds and retrofit installations, such as barn conversions. These are supplied in outputs from 4kW up to 17kW and they are available with a 7 year heat pump guarantee when installed by a G1 Heat Pump Installer (Terms and Conditions apply). The Grant Aerona³ heat pumps are available in four models, use R32 refrigerant, are very efficient and are compact in size. Meanwhile, the Aerona 290 is Grant UK’s latest generation of air source heat pump – these R290 heat pumps are available in five models, use the more environmentally friendly R290 refrigerant, are Quiet Mark approved and have a stylish, modern design. 

Aerona³ heat pumps at Steading Mews

Phase One of the Steading Mews development was completed first with an Aerona³ 10kW installed at one of the barns and a larger 13kW heat pump installed at the second barn. The Aerona³ 10kW heat pump is a single fan unit which is also Connect and Notify approved. Meanwhile the Aerona³ 13kW unit has a twin fan and, like the 10kW, is incredibly quiet when operating. Part of the award-winning range which won Heat Pump of the Year (National ACR & Heat Pump Awards 2022), all of the Aerona³ models are straightforward to install, user-friendly to control and simple to maintain.

Manufacturer support for developers

“Manufacturer support from Grant UK has been great throughout the design and installation stages,” concludes Claire. “Alongside the heat pumps, we also installed a QR hot water cylinder and Grant’s combined volumiser / low-loss header in each of the barns and the Grant Team have seen on the end of the phone, providing technical support and advice whenever we have needed it. The first two properties completed in Summer 2022 and we continued to work closely with Grant as we finished the second phase of this development.”

Resources for developers and specifiers

Grant UK are here to support developers and specifiers with providing low carbon heat pump heating systems for their projects, from multiple-property new build sites through to single dwelling developments. Please follow the links below to read more:

• please click here for further technical specifications and information about Grant air source heat pumps
• read more case studies with developers who have installed Grant renewable heating systems at their properties
• download Grant heat pumps and radiators as BIM Objects from the Grant UK BIM Library.