HEATING, VENTILATION & AIR CONDITIONING INTERIORS


(UFH) truly shines. Thanks to its large surface area and compatibility with lower water temperatures, UFH is widely regarded as the most effective partner for heat pumps. Operating at fl ow temperatures typically between 35°C and 45°C, it allows heat pumps to run at their optimal effi ciency, or Coeffi cient of Performance (COP). To put this to the test, Energy House


2.0, a research facility at the University of Salford, compared the performance of different heating systems across an entire room. Among the factors assessed was spatial air temperature, which provides an accurate measure of comfort by revealing variations across the whole space, rather than relying on readings taken near a single thermostat or heat source. The results were striking and UFH


and regulatory changes on the horizon, heat pumps have quickly become the leading low-carbon heating solution for new homes. To achieve their full potential, however, they need to be paired with heating systems designed for lower fl ow temperatures. This is where hydronic underfl oor heating


delivered the most even temperature profi le, with virtually no variation across the room, compared to as much as 4°C with some systems and 2.2°C with traditional radiators. Performance improved even further when UFH ran continuously, rather than intermittently, underlining its real world effi ciency. Of course, comfort is about more than just average air temperature. How quickly a system warms up, how it behaves during off periods, and its running costs


SPONSORED FEATURE


Zoning gives self-builders the power to set different temperatures for each room


all shape the overall experience. A low running cost is less appealing if thermal comfort only arrives late in the evening. The research shows that UFH strikes the best balance of comfort, consistency and effi ciency. When viewed holistically, the cost difference compared to other heating options is relatively small. Additionally, because UFH is completely hidden within the fl oor, it allows complete freedom in interior layout and integrates seamlessly with almost any fl ooring material. In this way, underfl oor heating delivers effi ciency on two levels, providing true thermal comfort while maximising usable space.


Chris Stammers is portfolio manager at BEAMA’s Underfl oor Heating Group


Karta named Winner at SBID International Design Awards


F


or decades, most resilient fl ooring has relied on plastics and petrochemical, materials that


are carbon intensive to produce and diffi cult to recycle at end of life. As millions of square metres are fi tted globally each year, the environmental cost grows. Karta was founded to offer a better way, and, this year, that mission was recognised internationally. Karta’s Recycled Leather Series has been named Winner in the roduct Design: Flooring & Floor Coverings category at the SBI International


Design Awards 2025, recognised over long established brands such as Amtico and Polyfor. Judged by industry experts and shaped by a public vote, the award honours products that combine design excellence with meaningful environmental progress. ach arta fl oor begins with circular materials. The Recycled Leather Series diverts leather offcuts from landfi ll, re- engineering them into a durable, tactile core. A FC-certifi ed wood fi bre layer makes use of timber offcuts that would otherwise be wasted, while a cork backing, harvested without felling a single tree, provides comfort and removes the need for underlay. The surface pattern of every plank


is created using patented super-HD print technology and an archive of real timber built over three decades by Ted Todd and Woodworks. With no


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recolours and no repeats in 20 boards, these fl oors preserve the authentic tone, variation, and character of real timber. A plastic-free Karta Plated® topcoat delivers AC5 performance for commercial and residential use. This award recognises that sustainability, performance, and beauty can coexist. Explore the Recycled Leather Series -


request a free sample box online or by phone.


   arafl oorso


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