Smart Renewable Heating for a Self-Build in Morpeth
Client: Self-Build Homeowner
Location: Morpeth, Northumberland
Project Type: Self-Build Residential Property
Overview
For a self-builder in Morpeth, creating a warm, efficient, and sustainable home was a top priority. From the early design phase, the homeowner worked closely with Geowarmth to find a heating and energy solution that would future-proof their investment, reduce long-term costs, and support a low-carbon lifestyle.
As a result, Geowarmth designed and installed a complete renewable energy system built around a highly efficient ground source heat pump, underfloor and radiator heating, and a smart solar-plus-storage package — all tailored to the specific needs of the new home.
The Solution
To deliver a reliable, low-carbon, and cost-effective heating and energy system, Geowarmth implemented the following technologies:
• Heating & Hot Water System:
At the heart of the system is a market leading NIBE S1156-13 ground source heat pump, chosen for its quiet operation, outstanding efficiency and superior Swedish build quality. This was paired with a 300L Megacoil hot water cylinder, ensuring ample hot water supply for the household.
• Ground Collector:
The system draws renewable energy from the ground via a ground collector array of seven 100m loops, providing a consistent and sustainable source of energy whatever the weather all year-round.
• Heat Distribution:
A carefully designed heat distribution system combines 1,400m of underfloor heating pipework on the ground floor for maximum comfort with radiators on the first floor, all operating with a maximum flow temperature of just 40°C in the coldest conditions — ideal for optimising heat pump performance and minimising running costs.
• Solar PV & Battery Storage:
The roof-mounted solar array includes 12 x 445W solar panels, supplying renewable electricity to the home. Excess power is stored in a 13.5kWh GivEnergy battery, reducing reliance on the grid and increasing self-sufficiency.
• Electric Vehicle Charging:
To further support the homeowner’s move toward sustainable transport, a GivEnergy EV charger was also installed, allowing the vehicle to charge using home-generated renewable electricity.
Why This Approach?
As a self-builder, the client had the unique opportunity to design the property from the ground up. Therefore, it was the perfect scenario to implement a fully integrated renewable system, tailored for both energy efficiency and long-term comfort.
Key Benefits of the Integrated System:
✅ Outstanding Efficiency & Comfort:
Thanks to the low-temperature heating design, the ground source heat pump operates at peak efficiency — providing consistent warmth throughout the home.
✅ Long-Term Savings:
In the long run, ground source heat pumps offer some of the lowest running costs available — especially when combined with solar and battery storage.
✅ Future-Ready Design:
With an EV charger and intelligent battery storage, the home is equipped for modern, low-carbon living — ready to handle future energy demands and technologies.
✅ Low Environmental Impact:
By using renewable energy from the ground and sun, the property drastically reduces its carbon footprint compared to traditional fossil fuel systems.
✅ Maximised Self-Consumption:
Because the system includes solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging, the homeowner can make full use of the energy they generate — reducing bills and increasing independence from the grid.
Customer Outcome
Today, the homeowner enjoys a modern, efficient, and fully renewable home that meets their lifestyle needs — now and into the future. With ultra-low running costs, complete control over their energy use, and zero reliance on fossil fuels, they have successfully created a truly sustainable self-build.
Geowarmth Heat Pumps Limited continues to support self-builders and homeowners across the North and Scottish Borders with bespoke renewable energy systems that balance comfort, efficiency, and sustainability.
Thinking about building your own eco-home?
Speak to the team at Geowarmth to explore how we can design a smart, low-carbon system tailored to your project.
