Underfloor heating brings new life to 14th-century Great Barn

15 January, 2006

To provide discreet and effective heating for the restoration of the Great Barn near Newton Abbot, Robbens has installed an underfloor heating system.

As part of a requirement by DEFRA that no modern facilities should be visible following the restoration of the Great Barn in the Teign Valley near Newton Abbot, heating is provided by a specially designed Robbens underfloor system. This Grade 2 building dates from the 14th century and is now a venue for business seminars, weddings and other local events. A special design was developed for heating this huge building, which is 6 m to the tops of the walls and has a floor area of 250 m2. During installation, loops of Robbens’ multi-layer pipework were fixed in position on floor-insulation material, with the loop ends connected to two discreetly located manifolds, which are, in turn, connected to the boiler. After pressure testing, a screed was poured to integrate the heating system into the floor structure and provide a smooth surface for the final finishes. Slate has been used in all areas, except the old threshing floor, which has been covered with elm planks in the old way. To keep the lime-washed walls clear, a single manifold for the main system is located in the Round House adjoining the threshing hall. This manifold is one of the largest ever built by Robbens and serves 21 loops of heating pipe. Centralising this manifold reduced the flow and return runs to the boiler and the associated electrical wiring. A second manifold serves the underfloor heating in the adjoining listed building, which houses the new kitchen and toilets.

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