MVHR Installation in a Bespoke Eco Home near Nutbourne Vineyards, Pulborough, West Sussex
Bespoke MVHR System for an Eco Home in Pulborough, West Sussex
Tranquil Pulborough Setting: Nutbourne Vineyards and Local Charm
Nestled along Gay Street, this bespoke eco home sits adjacent to the esteemed Nutbourne Vineyards estate in Pulborough, West Sussex. The location offers picturesque views of orchards, hedgerows, and rolling Sussex countryside.
The hamlet is renowned for its celebrated vineyards—Nutbourne, Nyetimber, and Ambriel Sparkling—all within walking distance. This makes it a haven for English wine enthusiasts. Beyond the vineyards, the area boasts scenic walking routes, cycling lanes, and two charming pubs across the fields.
Nearby attractions include Petworth House and the RSPB Pulborough Brooks. This setting perfectly complements a high-performance, future-proof home designed by Ernest Air Cooling’s MVHR specialists in West Sussex.
A Unique Bespoke Home with Global Inspiration
The new build sits on a plot where an older cottage once stood. The original structure was meticulously dismantled by a reclamation company, allowing materials to be reused elsewhere.
This handcrafted home features rich details throughout. Homeowners sourced timbers and furnishings globally, creating a refined space grounded in natural materials. Features include carved beams, hardwood floors, and custom cabinetry that reflect their global taste and commitment to quality.
The interior boasts a high-end kitchen, multiple bathrooms and wet rooms, plus a warm, open-plan layout designed for both beauty and functionality.
Sustainability is integral to the design. Two air-source heat pumps for heating and cooling manage temperature and hot water throughout the property. Additionally, a bat roost was incorporated into the new double garage, providing safe habitat for wildlife displaced by the original building.
Why MVHR Was Essential for This Pulborough Eco Home
With high-end finishes, tightly sealed construction, and a focus on longevity, indoor air quality was paramount. A mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system was the natural choice—not just for comfort, but to protect the home’s materials and structure.
MVHR continuously removes stale air from bathrooms, kitchens, and utility spaces. Simultaneously, it supplies filtered fresh air to living areas and bedrooms. The system recovers heat from outgoing air to pre-warm incoming fresh air, reducing energy waste and enhancing heat pump efficiency year-round.
Most importantly, the MVHR system manages moisture effectively. In a home this airtight, with multiple bathrooms and a busy kitchen, humidity could pose challenges. Without proper ventilation, moisture could affect delicate wood finishes or cause condensation issues.
Our MVHR installation in Pulborough quietly extracts steam and odors at the source. This maintains dry, fresh, and balanced air throughout every room.
Custom MVHR System Design
Ernest Air Cooling designed the ventilation system in harmony with the home’s layout from the outset. Our team created detailed plans mapping airflow routes through walls and ceiling voids. We paid meticulous attention to vent placement, airflow balancing, and acoustic control.
Key design features include:
- Concealed ducting behind timber paneling and within dropped ceilings
- Purpose-built joinery solutions for seamless integration
- Inline silencers and acoustic baffles for whisper-quiet operation
- Balanced airflow distribution with gentle positive pressure
- Integrated control panels with boost switches
The result is a professional ventilation system that is intuitive, invisible, and highly effective.
Seamless Integration with the Build Team
This Pulborough project required close collaboration among trades. Carpenters crafted enclosures for ducting, builders created necessary openings, and electricians managed controls and connectivity.
Ernest Air Cooling’s ventilation system was retrofitted during the later stages of construction. This necessitated precise timing and coordination with other trades. Despite this challenge, our entire system was installed with minimal disruption to the building schedule.
Upon completion, only flush-mounted air grilles in each room remained visible. All other components operate discreetly in the background, exactly as planned.
For other self-builders or architects considering eco home ventilation in West Sussex, our MVHR installation services for passive and low-energy homes are tailored to fit projects across Sussex and surrounding areas.
One Year Later: Proven Performance
Twelve months post-installation, Ernest Air Cooling’s MVHR system underwent its first comprehensive maintenance and rebalancing service. Our technicians cleaned filters, checked flow rates, and made minor adjustments. The system performed flawlessly.
Client feedback included:
- Consistently fresh air throughout all seasons
- No condensation even during coldest months
- Stable temperatures in every room
- Whisper-quiet operation day and night
- Zero breakdowns or service calls required
This level of performance—quiet, reliable, and energy-efficient—demonstrates the value of professional MVHR systems in modern countryside homes.
Frequently Asked Questions About MVHR
What is MVHR and how does it work?
MVHR stands for Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery. It continuously extracts stale air from wet rooms (bathrooms, kitchens) while supplying fresh filtered air to living spaces. The heat exchanger recovers up to 95% of heat from outgoing air to warm incoming air.
Do I need MVHR in an airtight eco home?
Yes, airtight homes require mechanical ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and maintain healthy indoor air quality. MVHR is the most energy-efficient solution, recovering heat that would otherwise be lost through traditional ventilation.
How quiet is a professionally installed MVHR system?
When installed by Ernest Air Cooling with proper acoustic design, MVHR systems operate at under 25dB in living spaces—quieter than a whisper. Our acoustic bulkheads and silencers ensure virtually silent operation.
What maintenance does MVHR require?
MVHR systems require minimal maintenance. Filter cleaning every 3–6 months and an annual service ensure optimal performance. Ernest Air Cooling provides comprehensive maintenance services across Sussex.
How much does MVHR installation cost?
Costs vary based on home size and complexity. For a typical 4-bedroom eco home like this Pulborough installation, expect £8,000–£12,000 including design, installation, and commissioning. Contact us for a detailed quote
Project Gallery
A Home That Breathes in Harmony with the Landscape
This Pulborough residence embodies its surroundings: calm, thoughtful, and built for the long term. Every detail reflects the homeowners’ commitment to sustainability and comfort, from reclaimed materials to the integrated bat habitat.
The MVHR system installed by Ernest Air Cooling is central to preserving this vision. It safeguards the structure and finishes, supports energy efficiency, and enhances the indoor environment year-round—all while operating invisibly.
For countryside properties and energy-efficient homes across West Sussex, professional MVHR installation ensures both comfort and long-term value protection. If you’re planning an eco home where air quality matters as much as sustainability, contact Ernest Air Cooling to discuss your ventilation needs.
Planning Your MVHR Installation in Sussex?
Speak to Tim Brooks at Ernest Air Cooling to design your bespoke MVHR system. Our expert team specializes in delivering invisible comfort that protects both your investment and your well-being.