18 Mar 2025

Grace Homes, the luxury property development company building homes in Northamptonshire and Leicestershire, is setting a high benchmark for sustainable living. The company has integrated air source heat pumps from Mitsubishi Electric at its Sysonby Lodge development in Melton Mowbray.

Sysonby Lodge includes a courtyard of mews-style properties, detached and semi-detached homes and ten luxury residences in a renovated Grade II-listed lodge.

Future Homes Standards

Each property has been equipped with Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan heat pump, alongside other sustainable technologies, including photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and battery storage solutions.

This approach has allowed Grace Homes to achieve the highest Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) A ratings, which align with the UK government’s Future Homes Standards.

Ecodan heat pump installations

Mitsubishi Electric has had a longstanding relationship with Grace Homes’ over 15 years

Mitsubishi Electric has had a longstanding relationship with Grace Homes’ over 15 years and has played a key role in the sustainability journey. Peter Hutorka, Construction Director at Grace Homes, said, “We spent a lot of time researching the best sort of hardware that would work for us, and we felt that the Mitsubishi Electric’s product, being a market pioneer, was really the way to go.”

As part of this collaboration, Mitsubishi Electric provided design support with detailed heating and hot water system drawings for each property, ensuring seamless Ecodan heat pump installations. The technical support team offered ongoing assistance, including troubleshooting and video consultations, to ensure smooth project execution.

Long-term partnership with Mitsubishi

The heat pumps were installed by Nigel Smith Plumbing & Mechanical Services Ltd, an accredited installer that had completed approved Mitsubishi Electric training.

Matt Smith, Project Heating Director at Nigel Smith Plumbing & Mechanical Services Ltd, said of the long-term partnership with Mitsubishi, “It’s brilliant. They’re always at the end of the phone, and if you need to call them and have a video call with them, that’s always there as an option.”

energy efficiency of the Ecodan heat pump

Ecodan heat pumps were installed in both new-build homes and a Grade II-listed lodge

During this project, Ecodan heat pumps were installed in both new-build homes and a Grade II-listed lodge. While installations in new builds were straightforward, the renovation required innovative solutions, including a banked system with five units serving the apartments remotely, which the heat pumps were able to adapt to. 

The integration of sustainable technologies, particularly Ecodan heat pumps, has become a key selling point for Grace Homes. Emily Smith, Sales and Marketing Manager at Grace Homes, noted that homeowners appreciate the energy efficiency of the Ecodan heat pump, especially the ability to use the MELCloud app for remote heating control.

Future of sustainable housing development

The homes' EPC A rating and focus on sustainability also appeal to buyers, with many prioritizing energy efficiency in their decisions. Emily explains that: “Homeowners love the idea of sustainability being built into their homes, and the EPC A rating has been a key factor in their decision to buy from us.”

The collaboration between Grace Homes and Mitsubishi Electric exemplifies the future of sustainable housing development.