University complex benefits from underfloor heating

Underfloor heating from Even-Heat has been selected to serve parts of the new lecture-theatre complex at Durham University. Designed and built by Laing O’Rourke, the building is on the science site and includes three lecture theatres and other facilities. The ground-floor entrance leads to the permanently staff foyer and reception areas, beyond which is the main 400 seat lecture theatre designed for groups from 150 to 400 strong. The adjacent IT Techno Café provides light snacks and a teaching space for computer-based learning. One the first floor are two tiered lecture theatres of 260 seats each. On the second floor is a flexible multiple-purpose space incorporating a 160-seat teaching room with removable seats and facilities to construct size-matched areas for seminars, conferences and business meetings. The underfloor heating serves the Techno Café and transit areas around the auditorium. The installation comprises 17 mm cross-linked polyethylene pipework loops with integral oxygen diffusion barrier laid above insulation material. The loop ends are teminated at manifolds. After pressure testing, a final screed integrates the Even-Heat into the floor structure. For maximum flexibility, the Even-Heat system is divided into zones, each with its own thermostat. The system was installed by H. Malone & Sons of Gosforth.

Related links:

• www.even-heat.co.uk

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