Manor Farm House, Bristol Deep Retrofit Upgrades

INTRODUCTION


This case study examines the transformation of a large rural farmhouse in Bristol, where elderly homeowners were struggling with inadequate heating. Through the Home Upgrade Scheme 1 funding, a comprehensive solution was implemented to provide sustainable heating throughout the

property. The project, valued at £1,500,000 and completed in March 2023, demonstrates how targeted interventions can significantly improve living conditions for vulnerable residents in off-grid properties.

Project Overview

Client & Funding

Bristol City Leap commissioned this project with £15,355 allocated from the Home Upgrade Scheme 1, as part of a

larger £1,500,000 contract targeting vulnerable off-grid properties in rural

Bristol areas.

Problem Statement

The elderly homeowners

of this large rural farmhouse relied on

sporadic plug-in electric oil-filled radiators that were completely

inadequate. Several bedrooms were unusable during winter months, and

visitors would need to wear jumpers, coats or use blankets indoors.

Initial Assessment

Despite being nicely

decorated, the property was extremely cold with no central heating due to

lack of gas supply in the. area. Some rooms had electric oil-filled radiators

while others had no heating at all.

The elderly couple had owned this farmhouse for over 50 years. After their children moved out, they struggled to afford updating the building and effectively suffered in silence until a neighbour, who works for the council, recommended them for funding. Given the limited funds available and with Solar PV planned for installation in the second round of funding (HUGS 2), we were tasked with finding the most economical solution to provide a sustainable heat source for the property.

Challenges Encountered

  • The project presented several significant challenges: Large solid wall property with stone in certain rooms, requiring careful routing of new cables from the economy 7 consumer unit to each storage heater location throughout multiple levels with minimal visual impact


  • Elderly homeowners unfamiliar with modern heating technology, requiring simplified instructions and multiple demonstrations


  • Educating residents about the economy 7 system, explaining that heaters charge during night-time lower tariffs and release heat gradually during the day

The team had to return several times toreprogram radiators when residents turned heaters off, not understanding the programmed

nature of the system. These return visits became social occasions, with the elderly homeowners enjoying the company and

conversation over cups of tea.


The project required balancing technical requirements with sensitivity to the residents' needs and lifestyle, ensuring they could

effectively use and benefit from the new heating system despite their initial unfamiliarity with the technology.

Solution & Implementation

After careful assessment of the property and consideration of the homeowners' needs, we recommended upgrading the electrical consumer unit, installing a new economy 7 supply, and fitting High Heat Retention (HHR) Storage Heaters to all main habitable rooms.

Electrical System Upgrade

Two new consumer units were installed, replacing both the on-peak and the

off-peak Economy 7 units to support the new heating system.

Heating Installation

Storage heaters were installed throughout the property to replace the existing mobile heaters. In

areas where storage heaters weren't feasible, panel heaters were installed instead.

User Education

Simplified versions of manufacturer instruction manuals were created, and

multiple demonstrations were provided to help the elderly residents understand how to use and. program their new heating

system.

Technical Details

Installation Process

The storage heaters installed operate by using off-peak electricity (Economy 7) during the night to heat up and store heat in their internal bricks. This heat is then released gradually throughout the day, providing consistent warmth while taking advantage of lower night-time electricity rates.

This approach was particularly suitable for this off-grid property where gas central heating wasn't an option. The solution provides whole-house heating while being energy-efficient and cost-effective for the residents.

Outcome

All works were successfully completed by March 2023. The property now benefits from a comprehensive heating system that provides warmth throughout all rooms, making previously unusable spaces comfortable again. The elderly homeowners can now enjoy their entire home

regardless of season, and visitors no longer need to wear outdoor clothing indoors.


This project demonstrates how targeted interventions can significantly improve living conditions for vulnerable residents in rural, off-grid properties. The solution implemented was not only technically appropriate but also sensitive to the specific needs and circumstances of the elderly residents.


The project forms part of Bristol City Leap's broader initiative to address fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency in vulnerable households throughout the rural Bristol area, with further improvements planned under HUGS 2 funding to include Solar PV installation.