PSA designed mechanical and electrical services for 115 homes at the Harker housing estate in Carlisle. The development features 12 different dwelling types, including affordable housing options. Our engineers created standardised designs and specifications that could be replicated across future developments. The solution incorporated a mix of traditional and renewable technologies including gas heating systems, solar assisted heat pumps (SAHP) for hot water, solar PV installations, and infrastructure for EV charging. The development will provide residents with comfortable, future-proofed homes that are both cost-effective to run and environmentally considerate.
CLIENT: Hartfell Homes and Development Ltd.
LOCATION: Carlisle, Cumbria
VALUE:
SERVICES: Mechanical & Electrical Design
CLIENT OBJECTIVES
The client required comprehensive mechanical and electrical engineering designs for 115 homes across 12 different dwelling types, including affordable housing units. The primary objective was to develop standardised specifications for each home type that could be efficiently rolled out to future developments, ensuring consistency and quality across the portfolio. The client sought a balance between initial installation costs and long-term running expenses for homeowners, whilst incorporating renewable technologies where practical. The client wanted to future-proof the properties with provisions for electric vehicle charging and energy-efficient solutions, whilst ensuring the homes remained affordable and attractive to potential buyers in the Carlisle market.
OUR SOLUTION
PSA developed a comprehensive engineering strategy that balanced current building regulations with forward-thinking design elements. We collaborated closely with the client to understand the specific requirements of each of the 12 home types and created detailed specifications that could be standardised across its future developments. Our engineers designed hybrid systems that integrated traditional gas heating with renewable technologies, maximising efficiency whilst maintaining affordability for home buyers.
Key design elements included:
- Solar assisted heat pumps (SAHP) to power the hot water system
- Solar photovoltaic arrays sized appropriately for each dwelling type
- Electric vehicle charging infrastructure to future-proof properties
- Comprehensive lighting, power and data network installations
- Television and satellite distribution systems
- Underfloor heating solutions for ground floors complemented by radiator systems for upper levels
THE OUTCOME
When completed the Harker estate will provide 115 quality homes that meet both current regulations and future energy requirements. The client now has a portfolio of standardised designs that can be efficiently implemented across its upcoming developments throughout the region.
Image courtesy of: Manning Elliot & Hartfell Homes & Developments Limited
