John Plummer Sustainable Engineering (JPSE Construction) provides bespoke steel foundation solutions at the leading edge of the construction industry. Founded in 2020 and based in Bracon Ash and Wymondham in Norfolk, the company prides itself on delivering the highest quality, affordable prices, and the quickest turnaround times in the industry.
A Challenging Project
Early in its existence, JPSE decided to put its money where its mouth was with ‘Project Noah’s Ark’ – a chance to showcase what could be done with steel when teamed up with cutting-edge technology and innovative thinking. The project would also provide company owner and construction director Barry Heyne and wife Alison with an environmentally friendly dream home.
The first challenge was the basement. “The property is built in a category 3 flood zone,” says Barry, “so we needed to allow for that, and make sure it was watertight. We created a stainless-steel basement – never before used in construction in this country – and a lightweight frame. By using everything we have in our engineering armoury, and then considering all the service routes we needed, we had to then work out how to keep the construction as light as physically possible. And that’s what we’ve done.”
The Office and The Kitchen Sink
“Think of the development as starting with a steel kitchen sink with a house dropped in the middle of it. That is basically what this is,” adds Alison. “The ‘basin’ is made out of five-millimetre stainless steel that is bolted down to one of our screwpile-and-steel foundation sets, then insulated. The challenge was – and still is – to manage the water levels. The basement has a floating floor, and pumps are used to keep the water levels below a certain depth. Once it was in place we literally dropped three stories of house into the steel basin!”
“We built an office first – an 800 square-foot annex to the house, as a sort of trial run”, says Barry, “which gave us a chance to learn what worked, and what didn’t – knowledge we could take into the main house build. We put the basement tank for the house in the ground in 2021. We had no money to build the house, but that was a positive – it gave us three years to stress-test what we’d done, as well as developing the business: setting up the factory, buying machinery, and so on. There was still no budget for the house, but in June 2023 we decided we could get funding. Let’s do it! Sixteen weeks later, by October, we’d completed the structure, fitted it out and commissioned it.”
Electrical Expertise
In terms of electrics, the building is both complex and state-of-the-art. The property has a three-phase connection, 13.2 kW of solar installation, 17.2 kW of battery storage, a 12 kW air source heat pump, underfloor heating, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems, and air conditioning.
“The build was a guinea pig for the use of a lot of new technology, and the largest project we have undertaken,” says Alison. “There was a lot that could go wrong. But in the first phone call to Jason Peck of Excel Electrical, there was something about his manner that instilled confidence. We knew we would be listened to, and that he would work with us as the customer to achieve what we wanted. Jason instilled trust and a sense of reliability.
“The Excel team completed the electrical installation and testing for the entire build. Jason was able to provide connections with great local companies to work with us, including plumbers, and a lighting designer. Excel worked closely with Star Plumbing, getting the water pumps – critical to the success of the project – installed and operational.”
The Dream Team
“With Excel Electrical nothing was too much trouble,” Alison continues. “They listened to us, taking on board what we wanted, but also making good suggestions. For example, we didn’t know what we wanted outside the property for lighting, so Excel suggested a starting point, and gave us time. It was great to have somebody saying, ‘you don’t need to put everything in to start with. Live with it for a while. Don’t spend the money now – let’s just see how you use the space, and how we can add to it later to make it even better.’
“We are just over the moon with the whole place. We couldn’t have done it without Excel Electrical, to be honest. It was like the dream team! We now regularly engage Excel at the JPSE factory for any electrical installation or maintenance works required. We trust them implicitly. If anyone ever talks about needing an electrician, we always recommend Excel. They are brilliant.”
“Building the house was a showcase for what we do as a business,” concludes Barry, “but that’s only possible when you’re working with the right people.”
We’re here to help
To find out more about Excel Electrical and the services we offer, talk to us. We’re always pleased to advise, to test your systems and to carry out any installations you might require. We’ll arrange a convenient date and time to visit your home or business premises, and if there’s work to be done, we’ll keep disruption to a minimum.
To discuss your needs or request a visit, call us today on 01508 488007 or email enquiries@excelelectrical.co.uk
Excel Electrical: the power is in your hands.
