Craig Gilhome
Finalist
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Craig Gilhome
Please tell us about a project you are particularly proud of – what was the problem and how did you solve it for the customer?
Over the past year or so I’ve been working with a family who owned an old farm complex, and on the farm was an art gallery. The family knocked down the art gallery and, in its place, built a 4 bed, 4 bath new build, 350sq metre, 18 room property – very much a ‘Grand Designs’ project.
As the new house was on the site of a farm, there was lots of land, which enabled the homeowners – who had done a lot of research! – to opt for a ground source heat pump as the heat source for their new build. I worked on installing their heating and MVHR system.
This was an extremely high specification job, for a very knowledgeable homeowner, who only wanted to use the highest quality products. For me, it was a great opportunity to integrate different technologies together to achieve great building efficiency.
A consideration was that one of the future residents, for medical reasons, took a 40 min shower each day, which needed to run at 40°C. When I’ve been monitoring the system, it’s showing that around half of the energy usage is going on hot water, where usually this would be more around 20%. If it wasn’t for this, this property would be achieving even greater money savings, however it was crucial for me to listen to the needs of the homeowner and put a system in place that would work for their requirements. So, where it could perform better theoretically, I feel it’s current performance, based on this knowledge, is something to be proud of.
Tell us about the products you selected for the job
The ground source collector was situated in a field in front of the new house. The homeowner had taken advice directly from a professor of energy modelling of the building environment, who has advised CISBE in the past. It made sense as they had the space to use. The ground temperature was 9.40°C and estimated ground thermal conductivity is 1.70 W/mK.
I chose a NIBE S1156 ground source heat pump and at the same time considered using it with the NIBE PV-T collector, which is an innovative heat source used with NIBE ground source heat pumps – it removes the requirement for a ground collector array and produces electrical energy that can be used to work a GSHP. However, I eventually just went for the heat pump as it was a huge field and due to the owner’s connections, I had access to labour to help dig!
I’d originally spec’d the NIBE 1155 GSHP, but NIBE had just launched the 1156 and it was an improved version – better refrigerant and improved controls.
I chose the manufacturer NIBE throughout where I could, as I wanted everything integrated – NIBE controls in the heat pump can control other accessories too (the MHRV units, extra climate systems, co sensors, and the zone temperature sensors). Via this app I can monitor the data too using the uplink, meaning I can keep an eye on the system for my client. The assumed SCOP is 5.02.
I ensured rigid ducting was used throughout and to avoid potential cross contamination of stale air, I left a min 2000mm clearance between the extract and outdoor air duct terminals.
In total there was around 800m of pipe in the ground with the collector split into 4 x 200m loops. This went into a manifold in the field, which I then fed underground, and under the house, to the plant room. I used 40mm collector pipe to.
The architect had chosen where to situate the plant room – which ended up getting smaller and smaller with not a lot of room in the end, but I got the job done.
For the MHRV system I chose 2 x NIBE ERS S10-400 units to supply ventilation, set up to extract from the kitchen, utility room, bathrooms, and supply air to the living areas and bedrooms. This has a high temperature efficiency up to 90% and low energy consumption.
I used a branch type system, not radial, because of the layout of the joist system, using plastic duct work. One unit serviced the ground floor, and one serviced the upper floor, and both were placed in the plant room. The client was extremely knowledgeable about MVHR and was very interested in the install – it’s given them fresh clean air and a nice luxury environment.
I split the system into two zones and used the NIBE extra climate systems to enable the mixing valves to mix the temperature to each different zone according to what the client wanted, all controlled by the central controller in the heat pump. The design flow temperature on the ground floor was 30°C and on the first floor it was 35°C.
For underfloor heating, I chose VPS, based in Glasgow. I’ve used them for years and trust them. It’s unbranded and they just offer a really good service. All manifolds, pipe and overlay board came from there too.
There were two UFH zones – ground floor and first floor. The UFH on the first floor was overlay onto a timber floor, with a 20mm board and 6mm of latex screed. The floor finishings were a mix of wood and carpet, so I calculated the heat loss based on the floor finish resistance, to make sure the different floor surfaces delivered the same temperature. For this I calculated the heat loss then the watts per square meter to calculate the heat released by each surface area. The ground floor was into screed with tile floor finish.
I ended up installing a 500l cylinder whereas usually I would have chosen a 200l model. This was because I calculated back from the number of litres per minute of water that would be required to ensure the shower stayed warm for the length of time required each day, at a temperature of 40°C. I didn’t want them running out of water as ultimately that would make the difference between a happy and unhappy client! The heating system was filled to VDI 2035 water treatment standards.
I fitted an IMI expansion vessel as in my opinion they are the best and most reliable vessels in the industry providing the customer with a product that will do its job without needing to be replaced for a long time.
All the pipe work in the house is pre-insulated M (Frankische) I have used this system for many years in high-end domestic new builds and find it the best solution, also the pre-insulated pipe work looks more professional and cuts down on distribution losses.
In the bathrooms, which were all high-end porcelain and marble, I fitted electric towel rails – there was no way they would get to the temperature needed to dry towels if hooked up to the rest of the heating system.
What was different or unique about this job?
When their architect drew up the plans, he hadn’t allowed for the requirements of the MVHR system, pipe work and soil and waste. When I first went in, I recommended the best/easiest solution would be to lower the ceilings to accommodate the pipework. However, the design of the building meant that dropping the ceilings wasn’t an option – one issue was that the windows were designed to work with the height of the ceiling for example.
I called two meetings between myself, the architect, the client, the timber frame manufacturer and the MVHR designer, where we looked at the design of the timber frame and worked out how to get the system fitted around the skeleton and joists. Each person drew their own plan up for their own area of responsibility, and we pulled these together to produce a solution. The building was timber frame, with steel supports, and using the CAD drawings we decided to run the pipework through the beams and within the fabric of the building.
On a practical level, this meant that when the products arrived on site, we would need to all co-ordinate to attend site and do our bit, and I was often finding I had to slide sections into whole assembled frames to allow the next parts of the build to continue.
What was the end result for the customer?
In summary a stunning, very efficient, home that works for their requirements and also saves on energy bills.
By fitting MVHR to the building the ventilation heat losses are reduced by up to 80% meaning the energy required to heat the building is less saving money for the customer long term.
From August 2024 to February 2025 the system has used around 2000kWh, which equates to around £400 in energy bills. The running costs would be a lot lower if the hot water demands weren’t as high, but these are still results I’m happy with.
The house also benefits from solar PV and battery storage (fitted by others) which means the clients energy costs are very low.
What I would add is that I’m now spending an increased amount of time monitoring data from different jobs I’ve done and learning from these. What I’ve observed is that insulation is making so much more difference to the heat system we installers fit. It’s now at the stage where it really is part of our responsibility to each client to advise on insulation levels – and how important it is (and where the easy wins are). Lots of people are oblivious but it has such as big effect on the performance of the systems we install. Fortunately, with this build, it’s something the architect had factored in, but in most situations it isn’t.
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Dean Franklin
Please tell us about a project you are particularly proud of – what was the problem and how did you solve it for the customer?
I installed 2x multi split systems and 1x single split system throughout this beautiful home in Brentwood. This was a retrofit for an existing large property with around five or six bedrooms.
The home had exceptional heat gain coming in from the bifold, sky lights and windows. Initially the customer had approached us to discuss a solution for cooling. I explained the benefits of using the same system for heating and they realised it would be a good way to save money.
The customer had central heating previously, but their children had recently moved out of the property, and they wanted to reduce their heating bills without heating up the whole house, therefore I had to strip it all out myself. They required a custom solution that would allow them to warm up individual rooms. I explained how a HVAC solution could work in their favour and they decided to go ahead with my recommendation.
The house was immaculate and finished to the highest of standards so I knew I had to be extra tidy and clean. This is something I take pride in and know how to carry out a spotless job. The job was carried out to our standards and the customer was over the moon with how tidy and neat everything was.
Please bear in mind this is a retro fit in a luxury home. No pipework or cables to be seen, no mess at all was left and I was very happy with the work carried out by me and my team.
The house now has air conditioning throughout providing heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, keeping everyone comfortable throughout the year.
Which products did you select for the job and why?
I offered the customer three different ranges to choose from, including the Daikin multisplits Stylish air conditioning range because the property is very high end, so fitting the most expensive and aesthetically pleasing felt apt and was what the customer wanted. It was a luxury home, so only the best would be good enough. I always show the customer all the products I offer, but I recommended this specific range and they chose it.
On top of aesthetic, the customer also wanted a solution that could clean the air as well as control the temperature. As I now mention to all customers, the Daikin systems offer huge benefits to people with allergies or hay fever – the in-built filters are game changers. I have the same system installed in my house for that very reason – it cleans the air so well that there’s a noticeable difference.
Because of the pipework routes I split the system into 2x multi splits and 1x single split. The customer wanted to be able to use an app to control their system, and this stylish range from the same manufacturer, Daikin, allowed them to do that.
The POLR consumption of a larger condenser would have made the electrical work a lot harder to achieve. The customer knew about this and was happy to split the load over smaller condensers. A multi-split condenser can have multiple indoors on one condenser, so because of the property and its layout, it made sense to put two multi-splits in instead of one. Instead of dragging all the pipes from all the unites to the one condenser, therefore worked out neater and tidier.
I have an account with the manufacturer, Daikin, and ordered it directly through them. I install their range daily as I specialize in installing these products into people’s homes, in the domestic market. I choose to work with Daikin as they are engineer friendly, and because I use them so regularly and have installed so many, I know these systems like the back of our hands. They are reliable, they look good and they do a terrific job.
Tell us what was different or unique about this job? Why does it stand out?
I think it was just the standard of home that I was working in, everything was new, high-end, expensive and Ill maintained. There was no room for error and I didn’t want any visible pipework or cables. I ran all the pipework in the walls going up to the loft. I also used a cupboard and a walk-in wardrobe to store the pipes, as the location of the units is crucial in comparison to where the pipes are going because of that reason, I didn’t want to see any pipework, hence why the units Ire specifically put in the positions they Ire.
I was so pleased with the project that I recorded an advert for our business at the property. I was proud of how I installed the system and the high standards I upheld throughout, especially with it being a retrofit in such a large property. Getting the pipework from the front bedroom to the back of the house was hard work but I Int up through the loft and through the boiler room. I took an unusual route but this is what suited the customer and the aesthetic of the property best.
I have been up against every sort of problem there is, whereas on this project it Int like clockwork. The project took four days and I installed six units. I used 6 units as this was where the customer wanted them; as they had 5 bedrooms, one used as an office, and then the landing area. I did heat loss calculations on the glass and size of the room, worked out capacity to suit. I quoted the heat loss calculations at the time; therefore, I don’t have them.
And finally, tell us what the end result was for your customer?
The customer was over the moon. They couldn’t have been happier and even took part in a video/commercial that I Ire filming. The customer will save money on their electric bill and will be comfortable throughout the year in their own home. I estimate that they’ll save about a quarter on their electricity bills, especially as they’ll be able to be more selective and only heat the areas of the house they’ll be using. They also will be breathing in cleaner air which was a major concern for the customer, having suffered from hay fever and asthma her whole life.
The customer would 100% recommend us and have already used us again since the install, choosing us to kit out the cricket club they own too.
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Mark Denman
Please tell us about a project you are particularly proud of – what was the problem and how did you solve it for the customer?
This project was particularly rewarding because it allowed me to design and implement a complete HVAC system from inception to final commissioning. The customer was converting a barn, which was around 465 square metres. Working closely with the client, we were also able to incorporate his plumbing requirements to ensure that the entire system achieved peak efficiency and functionality.
The barn was a farmer’s barn that got converted into a home. The client bought the land and the barn. It was 2 floors, with 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.
The project’s uniqueness lies in its optimised integration of HVAC elements—heating, ventilation, and cooling (or air conditioning)—into a high-performance system tailored to the client’s self-build project.
The client approached this home build with dedication and entrusted us with the autonomy to design, install, and commission a HVAC solution that would meet his high standards for energy efficiency and comfort.
Our solution integrates an air source heat pump, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), and an innovative approach to climate control. We designed the system to leverage the heat pump and MVHR components to circulate and retain warm, moist air within the home when needed.
Additionally, the system includes a cooling function, with the MVHR and heat pump working in tandem to cool incoming air as required, maintaining a comfortable indoor environment throughout the year. The house was heated by Ambiente underfloor heating on the first and ground floor. We choose Ambiente as they designed all their systems now to our specifications. Across their whole company, they changed all their systems to specifications from us.
The customer had been building the house for about 2 years, we were on site for around 20 days; 5/6 on planning and designing, taking trips to the site, and the rest on the installation.
This home was built to a near Passivhaus standard, reflecting the client’s commitment to an energy-efficient and environmentally responsible residence. His goal was to create an elite HVAC system that would ensure a high-quality living environment for his family, and we believe we have achieved this standard through our tailored design and careful execution.
Ultimately, this project exemplifies our commitment to both innovation and client collaboration, resulting in a solution that balances efficiency, comfort, and environmental responsibility.
Which products did you select for the job and why?
For this project, we selected the Stiebel Eltron WPL 25 heat pump and the Brink MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) unit—two premium products in their respective fields. We installed one in the laundry room and one in the plant room downstairs, one supplying one half of the house and on the other side. It was a particularly easy install due to the open plan layout of the house, everything had been insulated, with primary pro-outside, dyna flex inside and also Armacell.
We used MVHR equipment from the brands Stiebel and Brink to allow precise control and commissioning, enabling us to fine-tune their integration to ensure seamless, efficient operation. It was situated on the ground floor, back-to-back to where the heat pump is; one side of the wall is the heat pump and the other side was the plant room. The build is still being finished but the system is all up and running. The MVHR is estimated to recycle 86-90% of the air, and the heat pump will be over 450-500% efficient too. It’s hard to say as it is only a recent install, but with the calculations we did, these figures are the estimated savings and efficiency.
These systems also provide the advantage of remote monitoring, which allows us to assist the client with adjustments and optimisations throughout the year without requiring on-site visits. This capability minimises downtime, reduces maintenance costs, and offers our clients consistent system performance without interruption. The remote monitoring feature ensures both operational efficiency and peace of mind, as the client knows that their advanced system is under continuous professional supervision.
In terms of manufacturer support, Stiebel Eltron and Brink offer excellent technical assistance, and we can work directly with CVC, a trusted supplier in Oxfordshire, for any specialised support or technical queries. Their responsiveness and expertise enhance our ability to deliver a high-quality experience for our clients, backed by reliable and accessible support.
For the client, the benefits of this system are significant. Beyond the economic advantages of low operating costs due to the system’s efficiency, the peace of mind offered by remote monitoring is invaluable. Clients appreciate knowing that their sophisticated system is managed by experienced professionals, and they can feel confident that their home environment will remain comfortable and cost-effective for years to come.
Tell us what was different or unique about this job? Why does it stand out?
Having full autonomy to design this system with the client’s needs as our primary focus was a rewarding experience for me and my team. It allowed us to truly demonstrate our capabilities in developing tailored, high-performance energy systems.
This project was especially meaningful as the client was not only building their own home but also prioritising energy efficiency, sustainability, and renewable technology from the ground up. We believe we successfully met these objectives by aligning our work with the high standards of the project. The residence, a beautifully converted barn, was crafted to an exemplary standard and demanded an HVAC system that matched both its quality and environmental goals.
The project spanned over 12 months, during which the client built what he envisioned as his “forever home.” This extended timeline allowed for close, continuous communication, ensuring that our work progressed seamlessly alongside the build without causing delays.
In total, we spent around four weeks’ worth on man days on this project, working around the client and his finances.
Overall, this project reflects our commitment to creating sustainable, client-focused solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
And finally, tell us what the end result was for your customer?
Customer thus far has been extremely happy with the work undertaken and the communication and help we have provided them. We are still working with the client now as they finish off some elements of the home, early results are fantastic with the house working really well and good consistent heat throughout the building.
As it’s a new building and the customer hasn’t lived in the property before there is no comparison as such for a cost saving but the system is performing even better than we expected at around 580% efficient.
We’re looking forward to getting into the depths of winter and seeing this system stretch its legs and seeing and feeling how comfortable this home will be for the client and their family. The customer would work with us again in future and recommend us to friends and family.