Built for the Dementia Car Partnership, this 2-storey building has its whole multi-function ground floor of nearly 600 m2, including toilets and hallways, heated by an Even-Heat system.
John Lau of design consultant Humphrey & Partners of Killingworth, explains, ‘Full comfort conditions are assured, while the complete invisibility of the Even-Heat system combines safety with ease of use for everyone, including wheelchair users. Virtually all the wall and floor space is available for use.
A solid-floor construction was used. During installation, loops of 17 mm cross-lined polyethylene pipework with integral oxygen diffusion barrier were laid above a layer of insulation to prevent downward heat transfer. Loop ends are terminated at discreetly located manifolds and connected to the flow and return of two gas-fired condensing boilers, each rated at 85 kW.
After pressure testing, a final screed was applied, integrating the pipework into the floor surface and providing a smooth, even surface for the final floor finish.
For control purposes, the system is divided into seven zones, each with its own Even-Heat Zonepack manifold station, which modulates the flow of warm water to the pipework loops in response to individual room thermostats.
