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There are new floor coverings being developed all the time for use with underfloor heating and the rapid advance of technology means that the energy-saving qualities of underfloor heating are being enhanced all the time. One of the most recent noted uses of innovative floor coverings came earlier this month in Romford, Essex, when the new MyPlace Youth Centre revealed that it has been using FlexiDry floor screed in conjunction with its state-of-the-art underfloor heating system.
The £5 million youth centre in Havering has been designed with energy-efficiency in mind and aims to be the greenest building in the region and one of the only zero-carbon buildings in Britain. Built in a distinctive caterpillar shape, it not only uses a highly energy-efficient underfloor heating system, its use of the fast-drying floor screed has reduced the need for polythene floor coverings and enables the heating system to do far more with less by conducting heat more evenly and without heat loss, reducing both carbon emissions and heating bills.
As well as the heating system, other green innovations in the building include the use of Glued Laminated Timber for the roof instead of steel beams, the very best in wall and roof insulation, and the sourcing of renewable energy systems. MyPlace is a national initiative for the construction of state-of-the-art youth centres throughout the UK. The groups support team ambassador Sir Steve Redgrave says that “young people need exciting places where they can just be themselves and safe places where they can access support and grasp opportunity. Places where we can offer positive challenges. Places that say “you are important; we care.”
