The conversion incorporates the following sustainable features

Renewable Energy Sources

Ground source heat pumps provide under floor heating and hot water for two of the conversions

Solar panels provide hot water for all remaining homes, combined with high efficiency gas combi boilers

Passive (none powered) extract ventilation systems used in bathrooms and en-suites

Sewage from the completed homes is dealt with by solar powered treatment plant on the site

Low energy light fittings have been installed throughout

Sustainable design and materials

All south (sun) facing elevations contain glazed doors for maximum natural heat gain into main living spaces

All bricks are either reclaimed and re-used from the existing building or neighboring derelict barns

Existing window frames have been refurbished and upgraded with double glazed inserts

Existing roof tiles and ridges have been stripped, sorted and re-fixed wherever possible, with only the shortfall being made up in new tiles

Existing walls have been lined with insulated plasterboard and loft spaces insulated to exceed current building regulations for thermal insulation

Doors and other joinery items produced from sustainable timber

All surplus excavated rubble has been stockpiled and re-used on site

Ecology

The existing moat and pond remain natural focal points for the wildlife living at the conversion site; cars and parking has been kept remote from the outdoor living spaces and water features.

Coots, moorhens, ducks, water voles, rabbits, kingfishers, finches, swallows, wagtails and tits are all resident at Barn Hill. The shared pond and moat is stocked with carp, bream, rudd and roach.