GDHV: Compliant ambient network solution for large mixed-use development projects

The Zeroth Energy System, from GDHV, features at the Harbour Lofts regeneration project – a complex boutique development in Poole’s historic Quayside.

Acorn Property Group acquired the site in 2016 already aware of a number of challenges regarding the regional compliance, in terms of aesthetics, and the requirements for on-site renewables.

It was obvious that a traditional heating system would not meet the carbon performance required for the building. The restrictions on what could feature on the exterior of the building also limited their options for a suitable low-carbon heating solution.

Thermal & Acoustic Solutions Ltd, specialists in building regulations and compliance, were contracted to work with Acorn to find a solution which would see the project through to fruition.

The Zeroth Energy System delivers a low carbon, energy-efficient heating system alternative

The Zeroth Energy System, designed by GDHV in collaboration with key residential developers, was the ideal solution to address the issues around installations on the exterior of the building and the low-carbon energy delivery.

The ambient network system of water-to-water heat pumps can provide hot water, heating, and cooling to the apartments whilst minimising heat distribution losses we often see in buildings with traditional heating systems.

The central loop of the Zeroth Energy System runs at 25^oC, a significant reduction from the 80^oC of a traditional high-temperature system, reducing heat loss by up to 90%. 

Addressing heat loss through intelligent design significantly improves the energy efficiency of the system. The specification of low carbon plant and internal air source heat pumps make this a highly compliant system with low carbon output. The flexible design of the Zeroth Energy System promises to deliver on the external space restrictions and Harbour Lofts became a flagship project for this innovative system.

As part of the process, GDHV took Thermal & Acoustic Solutions and Acorn to visit the demo system in Ireland. Here, a fully functional rig replicates how the system would perform in a live environment.

The purpose-built mini testing block consists of individual pods that represent rooms in an apartment with a variety of emitters. The pipework was left exposed so the heat loss could be demonstrated.

The facility offers visitors an insight into how the flexibility of the system allows for future reconfigurations or connections to different energy sources or district networks.

The Zeroth Energy System helps deliver the exclusive, high specification apartment design to suit the modern Quayside lifestyle

Within Harbour Lofts, the large floor to ceiling windows, balcony and open plan design of the apartments are the foundations of the bond with the history and nature of the surroundings. The clean and modern feel of the apartments emphasises its views.

The Zeroth Energy System is not simply a solution offering design freedom by keeping the heating distribution out of sight. Through reductions in the heat loss of a building, the system presents the end-user with lower energy bills and a low-carbon energy supply. Green credentials are fast becoming an important selling point for aspiring homeowners.

Learn more about this collaborative project and how the Zeroth Energy System can benefit your next residential or mixed-use development project via the downloadable guide, or contact a GDHV HVAC specialist to discuss your needs further.