PHPD looks at how a development in Norfolk is integrating low carbon heating into the build.
Nestled in the Norfolk countryside, a collection of historic barns is undergoing a striking transformation. Meadow Grange, a fivehome development by B Beales Developers Ltd, blends 17th-century architecture with 21st-century low carbon heating.
The site, located near the market town of Holt, comprises of a series of traditional red-brick granary barns. These are being sympathetically redeveloped across two phases into five individual residences. With the first two homes now completed, the project offers a real-world example of how renewable heating technologies are being deployed effectively in characterful new builds.
For B Beales Developers, sustainability isn’t an afterthought, it’s a core factor of every decision. “Over the past few years, we’ve always specified low carbon systems,” explains Claire Hendrick from the company. “But with the Future Homes Standard due to come into force, we’ve made sure that Meadow Grange not only meets current requirements but is well prepared for the changes ahead.”
With this in mind, the homes have been built with triple glazing, high levels of insulation, and no connection to the gas grid. Instead, every property is served by a Grant Aerona R290 air-to-water heat pump, ensuring efficient, sustainable heating and hot water from day one. This isn’t the first time B Beales have turned to Grant UK. The relationship began in 2022 at their Steading Mews development and has since evolved into a trusted specification partnership. The first two barns completed at Meadow Grange include a two-bedroom and a three-bedroom property, both single-storey, with each fitted with a 9kW Aerona 290 unit and Grant’s Aerona Smart Controller.
Installation was handled by Thetford-based King and Gale Services, who are part of Grant UK’s G1 Installer Network. Director Steven Gale was impressed by the simplicity of the install process and the functionality of the system. “This was our first time fitting the Aerona 290 and its Smart Controller,” says Steven. “It’s a quality bit of kit. The user interface is really intuitive, and the diagrams help guide you through set-up. Plus, with the WiFi-enabled Smart Hub, we can monitor the system remotely, ideal for offering homeowner support without needing to visit site.”
Each install used Grant’s tailored Heat Pump Installation Pack P, designed for a Direct S-Plan configuration. These packs streamline the ordering and installation process, helping developers and installers ensure compliance and best practice from the outset.
One of the development’s key challenges was preserving the barns’ character while integrating modern systems. “We’ve reused as much of the original red brick and building materials as possible,” says Claire. “It was important to us that these felt like homes with history, not just replicas.” Aesthetics were an important consideration for this development and this extended to the heating design. The Aerona 290 is compact and discreet, with low operating noise that suits the peaceful setting. All models are MCS and Quiet Mark accredited, with outputs ranging from 4kW to 15.5kW, offering flexibility for developers working across a range of building sizes.
Critically, the unit uses R290 refrigerant – a low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) alternative that is both more efficient and more environmentally friendly than traditional heat pump refrigerants. As regulatory and planning pressures increase, this kind of foresight will prove vital.
Support
One of the standout aspects of this project has been the ongoing support provided by Grant UK’s in-house teams. From early-stage design to commissioning, their involvement has helped ensure the smooth integration of the heat pump systems.
Grant’s Specification Team worked with B Beales and the installers to design the full heating layouts, specifying all components to suit each dwelling. Steven Gale and his team also attended a dedicated R290 training course in Norwich, hosted by Grant UK, to ensure they were fully up to speed with the technology. “We had great support from Grant throughout,” Steven notes. “Their technical team were always available. When I had a couple of questions while installing the Smart Controllers, I got a response right away. And they even came to site for final checks before handover. That kind of backup makes a real difference.”
Phase two
With the remaining three homes set for completion before the end of 2025, Grant UK will once again supply the heating systems – this time including hot water cylinders and underfloor heating alongside the Aerona 290 units. For Claire and the team at B Beales Developers, it’s a natural continuation of the successful formula already in place. “We’re really pleased with how phase one has gone. Buyers are increasingly asking about energy performance and heating systems, and we’ve been able to offer homes that are ready for the future, without compromising on style or comfort.”
The Meadow Grange development is a timely example of how rural new builds and conversions can embrace low carbon heating – without losing their identity or appeal. With legislation pushing the industry further towards net zero, solutions like the Aerona 290 offer developers a compliant, efficient, and proven pathway forward.
As phase two progresses, Grant UK will continue to work closely with the project team – helping to deliver homes that combine heritage charm with the very latest in renewable heating.
For more details on Grant UK visit www.rdr.link/dbg022
