In-Screed Heating cables for a Passivhaus development in Kent

26-11-2015

Heat Mat’s technical expertise helped to deliver a luxurious and low-energy heating system for a Passivhaus development in Tankerton, Kent.

Oyster Reach is a contemporary high-end group of five apartments with views over Whitstable Bay. The small energy-efficient development was designed and constructed with a ‘fabric first’ approach to meet ‘Passivhaus’ standards.

Passivhaus design principles focus on low-energy consumption, retention of heat, and minimising heat loss from the building; this reduces the necessity of heating or cooling systems during the year and reliance on a secondary heat source. Masonry Frame Systems, builders of the mixed development, approached Heat Mat to provide a flexible and energy efficient heating solution for the apartments.

The Solution

Heat Mat’s Danish manufactured In-Screed heating cables were specified to complement the innovative and premium approach taken throughout the development. The VDE approved In-screed cables were installed under tiles and secured using our fixing band, before covering with 70mm of screed. NGT programmable thermostats, with energy saving capabilities, control each room.

In-screed cable being installed upstairs at Oyster Reach.

Due to the extremely well insulated nature of the property, and additional air management system the underfloor generates a low output of approximately 130W/sqm. The system is designed to allow each room to store heat within the dense screed and top-up when the ambient air drops below the required temperature.

The apartments use electricity produced from renewable sources including Solar PV panels on the roof, supporting the underfloor heating when it is required and resulting in an extremely low running cost for the inhabitants. “Conventional heating systems have not been installed at Oyster Reach; the underfloor heating is the only form of widely recognised heat generation at the properties,” says Norman Hinckes, Director of Masonry Frame Systems, the principal contractor.

The Result

Underfloor heating is the ideal choice for the occasions when these well insulated properties will be heated. Predicted energy costs are as little as £175 a year.

Oyster Reach is a collection of aspirational properties constructed and fitted with premium materials including Heat Mat’s high quality In-Screed heating cable, contributing to the provision of a superior level of energy efficiency for owners. The site meets maximum thermal performance and surpasses the requirements of Level 4 criteria of the Code for Sustainable homes. Each unit blends stylish design with the construction zeitgeist of renewable building.

Heat Mat was delighted to be part of this environmentally conscious and innovative development of luxury low-energy homes.