Millhanger Farm: Simplicity & Sophistication

Introducing the Butterfly Plan residence at Millhanger Farm, a unique architectural marvel inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. Crafted from timber and brick and crowned by a tiled roof, this structure stands out in its sprawling 35-acre setting. The estate was brought to life through a collaboration with the highly esteemed design firm Yiangou Architects and the renowned landscape experts Colson Stone Practice, ensuring the highest standards of quality and credibility.

At Millhanger Farm, we are committed to designing for comfort, sustainability, and efficiency. Our approach to the project, in close collaboration with Finchatton, was no different. We engineered a design that embodies simplicity and sophistication and prioritises sustainability, intelligently incorporating Mechanical, Electrical, and Public Health (MEP) services throughout the estate.

Renewable Resilience

To bolster sustainability efforts and reduce reliance on traditional energy sources, the Mechanical and Electrical Systems incorporated renewable energy technologies. The estate uses technologies like Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) and Photovoltaic (PV) Systems. By leveraging renewable energy sources, our Client has lowered operating costs, decreased carbon emissions, and contributed to a more resilient and sustainable built environment.

The integrated Photovoltaic (PV) System enhances energy efficiency by generating clean, renewable electricity directly from sunlight. This reduces reliance on the grid, lowering household energy costs and providing long-term savings. By offsetting electricity consumption, the system makes the home more sustainable and environmentally friendly, contributing to a lower carbon footprint. With the potential to export surplus energy back to the grid, homeowners may also benefit from additional savings. They can enjoy a modern, eco-conscious lifestyle with a home designed for lower energy bills and greater sustainability.

Illuminating Efficiency

We coordinated our services with the advanced lighting control system, enabling residents to tailor lighting levels to their preferences and achieve optimal illumination.

The system's flexibility to adjust the brightness allows for increased comfort and contributes to significant energy savings. This thoughtful approach to the lighting scheme reduces energy consumption and promotes sustainability.

Optimised Airflow

A decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV) system was implemented to ensure a compliance-based approach.

The dMEV system offers a continuous background extract ventilation solution, that can boost its operation, as necessary, to reduce the risk of condensation and dampness. The system delivers a flexible, zoned ventilation solution throughout the development, with each unit independently capable of boosting operation.

It enables independent control of the dMEV in each bathroom, kitchen, and utility room. Allowing for customised airflow based on the air quality needs of each space. This approach optimises comfort and minimises energy waste by providing precise airflow where and when needed.

Efficiency Meets Elegance

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) were used as the primary heat generation source to raise Domestic Hot Water (DHW) and provide space heating to the property.

The GSHP system extracts heat from the ground through a network of buried pipes in the adjacent paddock area. This process is highly efficient as it draws heat from the stable temperatures below ground, maintaining consistent efficiency even in cold weather conditions.

By leveraging this renewable heat source in parallel with a high-performance building fabric, we designed a system that reduces reliance on fossil fuels, minimises the property’s carbon emissions and contributes to environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, adopting this system reduces climate impact and improves local air quality by eliminating on-site combustion.

Efficient, Stylish, Comfortable

The property's primary heat emitter is a Wet Underfloor Heating System (WUFS). It presents numerous advantages over traditional radiators, such as providing a uniform heat distribution throughout the space. This results in a consistent temperature from floor to ceiling, enhancing comfort and eradicating cold spots commonly encountered with radiators.

Due to the large surface areas associated with WUFHs, they operate at lower operational temperatures than radiators. This characteristic makes them well-suited for use with GSHPs, thereby promoting increased energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions.

This system also ensured that no valuable wall space was taken up, which gave the interior designer greater flexibility to achieve the Client's vision. Overall, WUFH provides an efficient, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing heating solution that meets the Client's expectations.

Conservation Achieved

A statutory target of 125 litre/person/day is required by the Local Planning Authority to prevent the undue consumption of water; however, the careful selection of sanitary fittings and fixed appliances has achieved a water efficiency consumption of < 110 litre/person/day.

Water-efficient fittings will help minimise the energy input associated with the property's generation, storage, and hot water supply.

Achieving Net Zero

The development has the inherent capability to achieve net zero in operation. By strategically using GSHPs for hot water and heating, energy-efficient lighting and controls, photovoltaics, and electric car charging, the development aims to minimise carbon emissions.

Not only does it reduce its environmental footprint, but it also empowers the residents to actively participate in promoting its sustainability.

Conclusion

With a focus on prioritising thermal comfort, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, water conservation, and the seamless integration of renewable energy sources, our Client, Finchatton has curated living spaces that not only meet residents' discerning needs and expectations but also mitigate environmental impact, minimise embodied carbon emissions, and champion long-term sustainability goals.

Finchatton, Yiangou Architects, Earlsgate and RHB Partnership LLP's collaborative efforts have been instrumental in shaping Millhanger Farm's design, including its functionality, comfort, and sustainability.

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