System: 2 x MasterTherm AQ22i
Sector: Agriculture / Tourism
Location: Brecon
Key Features: Ground source heat pump
Date: 2017
Overview:
Farmers Welsh Lavender is a picturesque farm and visitor centre located in Brecon, with a strong ethos for sustainability. Originally a sheep farm, owners Nancy and Bill diversified by planting lavender in 2003, now producing their own skincare range and welcoming day visitors and overnight guests. The farm sought low-carbon heating solutions for both its office and residential farmhouse.
Challenge:
The farm required reliable heating and hot water for both the office and farmhouse. A unique challenge arose as a public road separates the two buildings, preventing a single centralized system with connected trenches and pipes. The solution needed to respect the site’s landscape and sustainability ethos.
Solution:
Two separate ground source heat pump systems were installed to meet the farm’s requirements:
System features:
- Office building: MasterTherm AQ22i, 2–7 kW output, compact enough to fit under stairs or in a storage cupboard.
- Farmhouse: MasterTherm AQ45i, 7–22 kW output, providing efficient heating for a larger property.
- Vertical ground collectors (boreholes) used to avoid digging under the public road.
- Both systems eligible for Domestic and Non-Domestic RHI payments, supporting return on investment.
Key Benefits:
- Low-carbon, sustainable heating system supporting farm’s green ethos.
- Compact system design fits small spaces without impacting interior layouts.
- Vertical boreholes allow full functionality despite site constraints.
- Separate systems provide independence for office and farmhouse operations.
- Eligibility for RHI payments offsets initial investment.
- Reliable and efficient operation for both commercial and residential use.
Results:
- Both buildings receive consistent heating and hot water from renewable sources.
- Farm continues to operate sustainably while expanding visitor and commercial offerings.
- RHI payments provide financial support, aiding the farm’s long-term investment in low-carbon technology.
Client Feedback / Quote:
"This project allowed us to maintain our sustainability goals while ensuring our visitors and team are comfortable. The ground source heat pumps have been a perfect solution for our farm’s unique layout." – Nancy & Bill, Owners
