Having enjoyed numerous holidays in the Inner Hebrides, Torsten Mansonn, who spends much of his time in England and Gothenberg, was delighted when a plot close to his favourite spot – Sleat in Skye – came up for sale.
He bought the land and with the help of architect Elena Kindelan, came up with a design for a spectacular home that takes full advantage of its wonderful location. The house was then built by local builders and tradesmen and completed last year.
Although Sleat is regarded as the garden of Skye and known for its mild climate, one of the challenges Torsten faced was finding a heating system that would ensure a comfortable temperature all year round – even in extreme weather conditions – as until he is in a position where he can move to the area on a full-time basis, he is letting out his home, Skye Window House, as a luxury holiday let.
When researching an off-grid heating system for the three-bed, two-bathroom house, which has floor-to-ceiling windows and impressive coastal views, he was keen to find a solution that would ensure a comfortable indoor environment and reliable hot water, whatever the outside temperature.
After extensive research into renewable heating technologies, he chose an NIBE heat pump system, and approached local specialist and NIBE VIP installer Lochaber Renewables for advice.
Graham Moss, director at Lochaber Renewables, met him to discuss the unique requirements of the project, and went on to specify, design and fit an NIBE F1245 ground source heat pump (GSHP) and exhaust air package.
As well as harnessing renewable heat from a 150m external borehole to provide reliable space heating and hot water throughout the year, thanks to the NIBE FLM module the system also uses a heat recovery and air recycling system to ensure temperature-controlled ventilation.
Graham said: “The Skye Window House has been built to a very high efficiency spec: with huge double-glazed windows downstairs and upstairs, extensive insulation and underfloor heating throughout. However, with such a high level of heat-loss protection and glazing, proper ventilation was also a key concern. The addition of the NIBE FLM exhaust air module means guests benefit from a consistent supply of fresh air, while the house stays warm and comfortable in all weather conditions.”
Torsten said: “Before the installation, I’d done a lot research into renewable heating technologies and providers – and it was NIBE’s expertise and track record in the industry that really stood out. I’m half Swedish, so I knew the company has a long heritage of products that stand up to extreme conditions, and that’s exactly what we need in a place where the outside temperature can fluctuate between bitterly cold and very warm.”
The system is now fully up and running and is providing efficient, readily available and cost-effective hot water and heating for the house and its guests. It’s also equipped with an online monitoring and control programme that allows both Torsten and Graham remote access to the system via a secure login.
“From a logistical point of view, the system is far lower maintenance and cost-effective to run than other off-grid alternatives, like oil.”
The installation is also eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, which means it can generate ongoing payments for the heat the GSHP produces.
“I live there on and off and hope to move to it permanently. Letting helps the cost of the build,” said Torsten.
The eco-friendly house offers luxury living on a grand scale with beautiful aesthetics throughout and high-quality fittings and fixtures including a Gaggenau kitchen, wood-burning stove, luxury bathrooms with a drench shower and a cast-iron roll-top bath, three bedrooms and floor to ceiling windows which offer panoramic views of Knock Bay, Knock Castle, the majestic Sound of Sleat and in the distance, the spectacular Knoydart mountains.
Contact: www.skye windowhouse.com