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Set within the grounds of a listed Georgian property, The Coach House has undergone a deep retrofit to restore its character, provide modern living and entertaining spaces, and dramatically improve energy performance. Owner Dave Smith, who lives in the main house, wanted to create the perfect place to accommodate overnight guests – and the results are truly spectacular.
Having previously experienced overnight summer temperatures of up to 40°C in The Coach House’s bedroom, Dave knew he wanted to address both heating and cooling performance in his renovation. The project therefore combines advanced insulation in the walls, roof and floors with carefully chosen renewable technologies and – at its heart – the versatile Unico HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling) system, delivering a beautiful home that’s comfortable all year round.
The Coach House is within the curtilage of a listed property, which demanded a sensitive approach
The Unico System’s 1218 air handling unit was selected for its efficiency, quiet operation and ease of installation. From the main unit, the system splits into small-bore ductwork, which is seamlessly integrated with the building’s design. In the rooms, discreet round outlets were chosen that align with the downlights – minimising impact on the heritage aesthetic.
Safegas of Wetherby, a local Unico Specialist Partner, managed the installation – overcoming challenges such as structural repairs and space constraints by designing a balanced system that uses creatively-routed flexible ductwork. The Unico unit is linked to a Daikin split air conditioning system, with the external unit on the adjacent outside wall.
The Unico System delivers pre-conditioned air via discreet ceiling-mounted ducts that blend with the spotlight arrangement
“It made perfect sense to consider an all-in-one solution that could heat and cool both rooms effectively, rather than specify separate underfloor heating and air conditioning systems,” says Dave. “This also meant there was less risk of damage to the property than with a traditional wet heating system.”
The Coach House now serves as a comfortable, relaxed and energy-efficient retreat, complete with a modern entertainment area and guest accommodation. The property has extremely low day-to-day costs, with Dave estimating The Unico System uses just 500 watts of power – an impressive figure, given the 300m³ volume being heated or cooled.
The Unico 1218 air handling unit and primary duct work in situ in a mechanical room
“Safegas were a really good fit for the project and came up with solutions that worked extremely well,” says Dave. “They coordinated the job carefully with Unico, Bell Plumbing, Daikin and other suppliers to ensure smooth installation and commissioning.” It’s quiet in operation, too. “You hardly know it’s there, which is the highest compliment I can give,” says Dave.
The finished project perfectly demonstrates The Unico System’s potential for retrofitting listed buildings and other heritage properties. Now there’s no need to compromise: Unico’s proven system can help you preserve the character and charm of historic homes, while taking advantage of cutting-edge HVAC technology.
| The Unico System provides perfect home climate control from a small-duct, high-velocity renewable HVAC solution that’s efficient, discreet and suitable for both new build and retrofit applications. For advice on your project visit The Unico System‘s website or call 01384 422094 to speak with the Unico team’s technical experts. |
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