MVHR Installation in a Bespoke Eco Home near Nutbourne Vineyards, Pulborough, West Sussex

Tranquil Pulborough Setting: Nutbourne Vineyards and Local Charm

Nestled along Gay Street, a serene country lane in Pulborough, West Sussex, this bespoke eco home sits adjacent to the esteemed Nutbourne Vineyards estate. The location offers picturesque views, surrounded by orchards, hedgerows, and the rolling Sussex countryside.

The hamlet is renowned for its celebrated vineyards—Nutbourne, Nyetimber, and Ambriel Sparkling—all within walking distance, making 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, offering ample countryside escapes. This setting perfectly complements a high-performance, future-proof home.

A Unique Bespoke Home with Global Inspiration

Constructed 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.

The new build is handcrafted with rich details. Homeowners sourced timbers and furnishings globally, creating a home that feels both refined and grounded in natural materials. Features include carved beams, hardwood floors, and custom cabinetry, reflecting their global taste and commitment to quality. The interior boasts a high-end kitchen, multiple bathrooms and wet rooms, and a warm, open-plan layout designed for both beauty and functionality.

Sustainability is integral to the design. Two air-source heat pumps manage heating and hot water throughout the property. Additionally, a bat roost was incorporated into the new double garage, providing a safe habitat for wildlife displaced by the original building.

Why a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery System Was Essential

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 while supplying filtered fresh air to living areas and bedrooms. Simultaneously, it recovers heat from the outgoing air to pre-warm incoming fresh air, reducing energy waste and enhancing the efficiency of the heat pumps year-round.

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. The MVHR system quietly extracts steam and odors at the source, maintaining dry, fresh, and balanced air throughout every room.

A Quiet System, Engineered for the Space

The ventilation system was designed in harmony with the home's layout from the outset. Detailed planning mapped airflow routes through walls and ceiling voids, with meticulous attention to vent placement, airflow balancing, and acoustic control.

To preserve silence and aesthetics, ducting was concealed behind timber paneling, within dropped ceilings, and through purpose-built joinery. Inline silencers and acoustic baffles minimized airflow noise. Vents were carefully balanced during commissioning to maintain gentle positive pressure, preventing drafts or uneven airflow.

Control panels and boost switches were integrated by the electrical team, seamlessly connecting with the home's broader energy system. The result is a ventilation system that is intuitive, invisible, and highly effective.

Seamless Integration with the Build Team

This project required close collaboration among trades—from carpenters crafting enclosures for ducting, to builders creating necessary openings, and electricians managing controls and connectivity.

The ventilation system was retrofitted during the later stages of construction, necessitating precise timing and coordination. Despite this, the entire system was installed with minimal disruption. Upon completion, only flush-mounted air grilles in each room remained visible, with all other components discreetly operating in the background.

One Year Later: Quiet Comfort and Clean Air

Twelve months post-installation, the MVHR system underwent its first comprehensive maintenance and rebalancing service. Filters were cleaned, flow rates checked, and minor adjustments made. The system performed flawlessly.

Homeowners reported consistently fresh air, absence of condensation even during the coldest months, and stable temperatures throughout the house. From the kitchen to the most remote loft corners, airflow remains balanced and unobtrusive.

This level of performance—quiet, reliable, and energy-efficient—underscores the value of MVHR systems in modern countryside homes.

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, from reclaimed brickwork to the integrated bat habitat, reflects the homeowners' commitment to sustainability and comfort.

The MVHR system 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 discreetly.

For anyone planning a bespoke countryside home, this project illustrates that effective ventilation is about more than just air—it's about protecting and enhancing everything you've worked to build.

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