It’s perhaps little surprise that underfloor heating is increasingly popular amongst UK house builders and UK house buyers alike.
Long regarded as a luxurious touch (particularly in new build properties) underfloor heating is now also the sustainable heating of choice – pairing superbly with heat pumps, solar power and modern high-efficiency boilers.
So, as more and more house builders look to the floor for controllable and sustainable warmth in their homes, how are Gaia supporting them?
Capabilities
As Britain aims to meet the rising demand for housing, almost every town or city in the UK features a housing development of some size – from a cluster of bespoke new properties, to a sprawling housing estate.
The design, supply and installation of underfloor heating is typically sub-contracted to specialists who are relied upon to do so quickly, economically and to a high standard – whatever the project size.
That’s where Gaia come in. With over 35 years of experience, we’ve helped provide tens of thousands of new properties across the UK with cosy and controllable underfloor heating.
We’re able to install the ideal solution for a small multi-dwelling development – or a housing estate of hundreds of homes. Regardless, we deliver the same attention to detail, craftsmanship and unwavering dependability to both.
An example is Taylor Wimpey’s residential development in Barham, Suffolk, which featured 269 homes ranging from two-bedroom to five-bedroom houses.
In response to new regulations making gas boilers unsuitable, the project decided to use air source heat pumps to feed wet (hydronic) underfloor heating across the development. When combined with air source heat pumps, it would boost efficiency and provide a more comfortable and cost-effective solution.
We supplied, installed and commissioned underfloor heating throughout 257 properties – all on-time, on-budget and without issue.
Expertise
Underfloor heating can be achieved through both wet (hydronic) and dry (electric) systems.
Wet systems use hot water from a traditional boiler or, increasingly, a heat pump which collects warmth from the ground or air. Dry systems are powered by electricity from the mains supply or, increasingly, from solar panels on the property’s roof.
Fortunately, here at Gaia, we’re experts in both – installing wet systems, electric systems or a blend of both, depending on the needs of the developer.
As well as expert installation, we can help with the design too – advising architects and planners on the pros and cons of each system and how they can be most effectively and efficiently applied.
An example is a major Berkeley Homes development in Watford. The Eight Gardens is a residential project featuring studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, all surrounded by landscaped gardens and art installations.
As a long-standing and trusted supplier to Berkeley Homes, we were asked to design and install underfloor heating throughout.
The original design featured wet underfloor heating, fed by a centralised gas energy plant and air-source heat pumps. However, we suggested electric underfloor heating which would reduce the need for both, significantly lowering capital costs.
In addition, it minimised maintenance costs for homeowners, as well as providing quicker and more controllable heat for the homes.
Cost control
House builders and developers must carefully control costs to ensure profitable housing developments. The supply and installation of heating is one such cost they need to manage.
With decades of experience supporting developers, Gaia are frequently chosen because of the value we can deliver – with the right balance of quality, cost and dependability.
Time is money and delays can be costly. That’s why Gaia have earned the reputation for being incredibly reliable – able to supply and install underfloor heating without delay.
An example is The Perfume Factory in London.
Telford Homes turned the former Elizebeth Arden perfume factory into hundreds of new homes. The project took a strategic approach to energy, featuring passive design and efficiency measures, including wet underfloor heating and a communal heating network via air-source heat pumps and solar panels.
The developers produced a highly detailed design and sought a partner to deliver it at the lowest cost – whilst maintaining quality commensurate with the project.
Against strong competition, we were selected to design, install and commission underfloor heating systems throughout all 374 apartments.
We can help
We’re passionate about providing the best underfloor heating solution for your project. Our trusted support extends from initial planning through to completion, and beyond.
We work with architects, contractors, M&E consultants, builders, developers and homeowners on almost any scale – from individual properties to the largest housing developments.
Our dedicated team of over 40 specialists can design, supply and install electric and wet systems – offering extensive support including heat loss calculation, technical drawings, manifold and control placement, floor build-up, handover, commissioning and everything in between.
Above all, we pride ourselves on building close and long-lasting relationships with the housing developers we support.
Get in touch today to see how we can help you.
