Sable Projects

17th Century Manor House, Steyning, West Sussex, BN44

Complete Plumbing & Heating System Installation – Heritage Property

Project Overview

Project Type:

This large-scale project involved a full plumbing and heating installation across a multi-bathroom, four-wing manor house.

Location:

17th Century Manor House, Steyning, West Sussex, BN44

Client Goal:

Deliver high-volume hot water, zoned heating, and efficient system control within a listed structure — without compromising on aesthetics or craftsmanship.
The outcome is a robust, future-proof system that delivers luxury comfort and performance while honouring the building’s period design.

Scope of Work

Water Supply & Boosting: Installed a Duty Point Scuba Tank to ensure stable, high-pressure water delivery throughout the entire property.

Hot Water System: Fitted three Joule unvented cylinders providing balanced hot water supply to seven bathrooms and multiple outlets.

Heating System: Integrated three air source heat pumps alongside two oil-fired commercial boilers for a hybrid, high-efficiency solution.

Underfloor Heating: Installed a Maincor UFH system across the lower floors for discreet, even heat distribution.

Radiators: Over 90 cast iron radiators were installed on the upper floors to maintain a classic heritage aesthetic.

Bathrooms: Completed full plumbing installations for seven luxury bathrooms, including concealed pipework and premium sanitaryware.

Incoming Water Mains: Upgraded the incoming mains supply to meet the property’s increased water demand.

Commissioning: Fully tested, balanced, and commissioned all systems for long-term reliability and performance.

The Process

1. Design & Planning

We worked closely with the client, main contractor, and conservation specialists to create a design that achieved modern performance without compromising the property’s listed status.
Detailed heat load calculations, zoning layouts, and CAD schematics ensured accurate sizing of the heat pumps, cylinders, radiators, and plant components.

2. Installation

Upgraded the mains and installed a Duty Point Scuba Tank for consistent pressure.
Connected three unvented Joule cylinders in parallel for uninterrupted hot water.
Integrated a hybrid heating setup combining renewable and oil-fired systems for load balancing.
Installed Maincor UFH on the ground floors and cast iron radiators on upper levels.
Completed plumbing for seven bespoke bathrooms, ensuring concealed pipework and flawless finishes

3. Testing & Handover

All systems were pressure-tested, flushed, and commissioned to manufacturer standards.
The client received a full system walkthrough — including operational guidance on the hybrid heating system, heat pump controls, and oil boiler interface.

Challenges & Solutions

Listed Building Constraints:

We carefully routed pipework around original beams, stonework, and flooring to preserve historic details.

Complex Plant Integration:

Engineered a compact, multi-level plant layout to accommodate three heat pumps, two oil boilers, and three cylinders within a limited space.

System Balance:

Developed a hydraulic control strategy to balance renewable and traditional heat sources seamlessly.

High Water Demand:

Ensured strong, consistent water pressure through the Scuba Tank and upgraded mains system.

Outcome

The completed system provides the perfect balance between heritage and innovation:

High-pressure, reliable hot water across all wings and bathrooms

Even, efficient heating via UFH and cast iron radiators

Reduced running costs through hybrid renewable integration

Long-term durability and serviceability within a listed environment

This project demonstrates how Sable Projects blends craftsmanship, engineering excellence, and modern technology to deliver complex installations in heritage homes — where precision and care matter most.

Testimonial

“We trusted Sable Projects with our manor house renovation, and they exceeded every expectation. The heating system is whisper-quiet, powerful, and perfectly balanced across this large old building. Chris and his team respected the property’s character while delivering a cutting-edge solution. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.”