The Challenge
Off-site or modular construction whilst offering several advantages over traditional
construction
such as repeatability and all-weather working, does sometimes throw up its’ own challenges and
hurdles. None more so than Rotunda, that specialises in the construction of Round Houses and
living/working
spaces.
Being a circular, open plan unit, Rotunda round houses like to make the best use of light and space
and as such have vaulted ceilings and an abundance of windows with low ledges. As well as
residential, Rotunda units can be designed as educational spaces, exercise and therapy or light and
airy offices.
With curved walls and low windows, the issue of heating the spaces created became bit of a
problem.
Joanna Hayes, Project Manager at Rotunda explained further;
“We absolutely didn’t want panel type radiators as they would spoil the clean, curved lines the rooms create and look out of place in a
contemporary structure. We automatically thought of electric underfloor heating, but as this has to
be installed under our wooden floor structure, it just wouldn’t deliver the heat required.
In addition, as the units are transported in sections and assembled on site, the UFH matting couldn’t bridge
across sections and so several separate systems would be needed”
The Solution
After Googling ‘underfloor heating alternative’, Joanne discovered that there was an ‘above ground’
electric heating systems disguised as a skirting board.
Manufactured in the UK by DiscreteHeat Ltd, ThermaSkirt is a radiant heating system that is
designed to replicate a skirting board profile. Made from aluminum, the skirting profile is heated by
a special heating cable secured to the back face. The front face then heats up and radiates heat from
a low level all around the room. Alternatively, the Skirting can also be heated by a warm water like a
traditional radiator, flowing through integral water pipes on the rear.
Joanne continues
“I was amazed to see that not only could we fit a skirting board that would also
heat the module, but it was capable of being curved to the shape of the walls”