The National Self Build and Renovation Centre (NSBRC) is the country’s only permanent venue for independent homebuilding advice and showcases the best building technologies and construction methods. Since becoming an employee owned business in 2014, the facility has been continuously developed to ensure the optimum visitor experience for the 1000s of self-buiders, home improvers and building professionals who attend annually. The most recent initiative has been the installation of a new Unico System Small Duct High Velocity (SDHV) system in the reception area of the venue to welcome visitors with a comfortable indoor environment whatever the time of year or the weather outside.

Air Craft, an indoor air comfort specialist and approved Specialist Partner for the Unico System, were responsible for the design and installation of the system.  Managing Director Darren Johnson believes that the all in one cooling and heating solution was the best technology to fulfil the requirements of the project. “ The beauty is Unico’s ability to provide cooling and heating from one compact  Air Handling Unit (AHU) and being able to match it with the latest environmentally friendly Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) energy source. In the summer, the 100+ square metre reception area, with its full width glazing, can be affected by elevated temperatures especially when many visitors can congregate there to register. Then in colder months the space needs heat and Unico can deliver that too.” says Managing Director Darren Johnson.

The suspended ceiling above the reception had plenty of space for the installation of a Green Series Unico MB4260H Air Handling Unit (AHU). It features the latest Variable Speed Control high efficiency fan, which is up to 62% more energy efficient than standard fixed speed motors, and Smart Control Board to ensure precise airflow control, easy commissioning and diagnostics.

One of the major advantages of the Unico System is its ability to be adapted for operation with the latest heat pump technology or other energy sources.  In this case it uses a Heat Pump coil and a Daikin Heat Pump outdoor unit, using low environmental impact R32 refrigerant with significantly lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared with other refrigerants and A++ seasonal efficiency.

To ensure compatibility between the two technologies, Unico and Daikin cooperated to develop a customised control box interface.  Air Craft used their extensive experience to ensure the required loading and technical performance for the AHU and the ASHP were carefully matched.

Aside from ensuring optimum comfort levels all year round, the Unico System also had to meet a number of other specification criteria including low operational noise with minimal disturbance in the reception area, even temperatures and freedom from draughts as well as being a visually unobtrusive installation.

Cooled or heated air is delivered into the reception area through flexible supply tubing which culminates in thirty discreet small round outlets spaced equally across the reception ceiling.

The flow of air through the supply tubing and into the reception through the outlets generates minimal noise thanks to a sound attenuating construction with its nylon tube core wrapped with insulation which also helps to reduce thermal losses. With aspiration technology, once the heated or cooled air enters the space at high velocity it creates a draught free, even environment with minimal temperature fluctuations.

The system is controlled through a standard Daikin thermostatic control which is linked to the control box. “ Multiple traditional air conditioning units would have been a totally impractical solution, because of the number of units needed and the space required to mount them. The Daikin Altherma 3 Monobloc Air Source Heat Pump does not require an indoor unit ,” says Darren.

The installation was completed by Air Craft with minimal disruption in the day to day operation of the reception area. Following rigorous testing it was fully operational in time for the NSBRC’s series of open days in May 2022.

• Installation Date: Summer 2021
• Property Type: Off gas one bedroom bungalow
• Unico System: 1218 BL1 Blower Module, S.M.A.R.T. Control, Variable Speed EC Motor, 1218 CL1 Heatpump Coil Module & Ultraviolet Lighting System for air purification
• Energy Source: Daikin Altherma EDLQ-CV3 air to water monobloc heat pump
• Controls: Nest – Pro Learning Thermostat

The aim of this project was to provide a system that delivers efficient, high-quality heating, cooling and ventilation to an existing traditional build bungalow.

The system needed to be controllable, efficient, simple, effective and affordable.  The installation is required to be scalable, in terms of application and value whilst addressing issues of ventilation, indoor air quality and possible overheating within the property.

• Householders in this property type are more likely to be elderly and less mobile
• Many householders have downsized to a smaller property, and with a lifetime of possessions means that space can be at a premium.  Radiators and panel heaters may become obstructed and this impedes heating and the flow of air within the property.
• Costly and inefficient heating systems are less likely to be used.  This results in under heated, poorly ventilated properties that may be subject to damp and mould.
• Householders often create conditions that are likely to cause issues., ie, don’t open windows, cook without lids, don’t close the door to the bathroom, hang wet washing by heaters, etc.

To meet these challenges, they turned to the Unico System.

Mid Devon District Council selected the Unico SDHV system based on its innovative design which delivers conditioned and enhanced indoor air quality.  The system integrates a humidistat controlled MEV and maintains an exchange of fresh air to the property.  The advantage of being able to locate the distribution system in the roof space.  The longer term operational benefits include the price point, the integration of known technologies (ASHP) and the potential for future installations to be delivered by the DLO.  The enhanced environmental controls maintain healthy households, reducing pressure on the local NHS and GP surgeries.  We also expect the system to be fundamental in helping with the reduction of disrepair claims as a result of damp and mould.

Fifteen in Cornwall overlooks the beach at Watergate Bay on the north coast of the county of Cornwall, UK. The restaurant offers slick, traditional Italian cuisine with a Cornish twist. The location features a high, open ceiling design and casual-chic interior with murals of pastel-colored surf scenes adorning the walls.

The developers of the property were determined to create a visual style for this new location as unique as that of Mr. Oliver’s approach to food. While adamantly determined not to copy the “faux-industrial” look of exposed metal ducting that has become so common in commercial locales, they were committed to adding a heating and cooling system that could deliver superior comfort as well as disappear into the background.

To meet these challenges, they turned to the Unico System.

The very features that make the Unico System attractive to the old home and custom home residential markets make it an optimal choice for commercial-built applications as well. The modular air handling equipment, smaller main trunk ducting and flexible supply ducting allow it to fit where conventional heating and cooling systems simply cannot.

Air handlers and the main ducting were situated outside of the main dining area and Unico System supply tubes were snaked through the sloped ceiling’s cavities to discharge conditioned air from the high side walls. The versatility of the Unico System’s terminating outlets allow it to fit seamlessly into Fifteen’s open design. Available in a slotted, 1-inch x 8-inch configuration, this version was chosen over the round 2-inch inner diameter option as it better blended with the interior’s distinctive murals.

Air distribution with the Unico System provides two additional benefits. Conditioned air gently circulates within the room’s existing air currents, eliminating the drafts that often create guest discomfort in restaurants. This gentle mixing also eliminates the phenomena of stratification (that is, alternating hot and cold spots) associated with conventional forced air systems, instead maintaining even temperatures throughout the dining room.

Not only does the Unico System practically disappear within the interior design of Fifteen, but guests and staff alike are kept comfortable during the ever-changing seaside weather. Kitchens can be frightfully hot places in which to work but, due to the open design plan and the superiority of the Unico System’s air delivery method, staff have remarked that Fifteen’s kitchen is the most comfortable they’ve ever experienced.

On the other hand, with hard-to-see visual evidence, no drafts and even temperatures, guests are hardly aware of the heating and cooling system and are not distracted from enjoying a wonderful, healthy meal in a beautiful setting.

If there were a Michelin rating for comfort, the Unico System would undoubtedly receive 3 stars.

Unico was specifically chosen by the client to provide a heating only solution for all rooms on the upper floor which would not compromise the architectural integrity of this historic building.

Due to the age and construction of the property, the installation of a conventional heating system was not possible and the owners wanted to maximise the limited wall space available for furniture.

After researching “Warm Air” systems, they found the Unico System to provide a design and solution for heating the Upper Floor of the property.

A 14kW Unico System is installed throughout the loft area to provide heating to three bedrooms including the Master Suite, Hallway gallery and a small annex with an additional bedroom and Kitchenette. The flexible supply ducts connected to discreet, ceiling mounted outlets provide the perfect comfortable environment to the entire Upper Floor.

The Unico System is connected to a Panasonic Air to Water Heat Pump which provides energy efficient heating whilst at the same time allowing the owners to benefit from the Renewable Heat Incentive payment scheme.

The system provides individual temperature control to five separate zones with variable speed operation.

The Unico System EC fan motor along with the heat pump provides extremely low running costs in this off-grid location.

Built on the beachfront at Exmouth, this property has a Unico System at its core and was featured on the Grand Designs television programme.

With a large frontage constructed from glass, the property needed a comfort system that would provide responsive and effective cooling and heating.

A 14kW Unico System is installed throughout the loft area to provide heating to three bedrooms including the Master Suite, Hallway gallery and a small annex with an additional bedroom and Kitchenette. The flexible supply ducts connected to discreet, ceiling mounted outlets provide the perfect comfortable environment to the entire Upper Floor.

The Unico System is connected to a Panasonic Air to Water Heat Pump which provides energy efficient heating whilst at the same time allowing the owners to benefit from the Renewable Heat Incentive payment scheme.

The system provides individual temperature control to five separate zones with variable speed operation.

The Unico System EC fan motor along with the heat pump provides extremely low running costs in this off-grid location.

A twenty one mini-duct Unico System with high performance central cooling and heating systems has been installed at new luxury apartments in Lancaster Gate, London.

This is a high profile development with apartments expected to sell at the higher end of the London market.

The Unico System delivers both heating and air conditioning through small unobtrusive outlets at ceiling level. The whole system operates from a heat pump and overall it delivers 3kw of energy for every 1kw input, making it extremely energy efficient.

To provide both air conditioning and heating using a heat pump as the source, the Unico System features a heat pump coil. Air is pulled across the coils to provide either cool or warm air. Each apartment has its own system, whilst some of the larger apartments have two.

The owners of this prestigious London property tasked their project manager to find the most discreet heating and cooling system which would not compromise the new interior and architectural features of this period property.

After researching “discreet air conditioning”, he discovered the Unico System which was perfect for this new living space.

During the full renovation, the ceiling was dropped slightly to allow access for the main ducts. This provided enough scope to design the system into an extremely challenging building.

Due to restraints in the building, the whole system was first designed and modelled in 3D to ensure every component would fit into the space.

Two 14kW Unico Systems were installed in the loft space with main ducts running to each of the four floors below. All supply outlets were plastered into the ceilings, leaving just discreet 50mm holes delivering the conditioned supply air.

Return air from the rooms was done through bespoke transfer grilles above the doors and returned to the Unico Systems via the central staircase.

Both Unico Systems are interfaced with Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps and controlled through the Crestron BMS System.

The Unico System provides the perfect heating and cooling solution for this high end residential property.

Built in 1890 as the first officer’s quarters on the submarine base naval station, the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, FL, has entertained presidents and dignitaries for more than 63 years, ever since President Truman established the property as his winter vacation home in 1946. Frequent visitors to the home include Thomas Edison, Edward Hayden, Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Colin Powell and Bill Clinton. The home stands as a magnificent, historical piece of architecture that serves as a museum and, at times, receives government officials for meetings and dinners.

Maintaining the historical character of the home was instrumental in the restoration process. “More than 85 percent of the historic fabric remains intact, so it was very important that we select the right HVAC system to protect the structure, our original furnishings and documentary collections. That’s why we chose The Unico System of St. Louis,” said Bob Wolz, executive director of Truman House.

The home needed an HVAC system to protect the irreplaceable artifacts, and the conventional system installed in 1990 was not doing the job. The system allowed humidity to attack the museums’ items and did not cool the 9,000-square-foot home evenly. The contractor restoring the home, Refri Air, Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, recommended The Unico System as a perfect solution to this home’s heating and cooling needs.

The installation of The Unico System took eight weeks to complete. The massive project involved outfitting the home with 300 feet of special 10-inch round PVC duct, installing custom flat and circular outlets in the floors and ceilings of the home and putting in the system itself. To allow flexibility to the cooling and heating of the home, the house is split in five zones with five air handling units and four UniChillers, completely self-contained air-to-water heat pump chillers that use chilled water circuit instead of refrigerant inside the house.

A traditional system would have required additional condensing units to achieve zoned cooling, whereas The Unico System allows individual UniChillers to work in a single area without the entire system running at full capacity. The duct was installed in the attic and the 18-inch crawl space under the home. To ensure the system was virtually undetectable, contractors ran electrical connections from the attic to the crawl space and out to the chiller plant area, hiding the ductwork with customised fittings.

Once the system was in place, a specially designed UTrap was connected to the air handling in the attic for 30 percent more humidity removal throughout the home. This extra piece was a necessity to ensure all important items present in the museum would be protected for years to come.

The Harry S. Truman Little White House presented a unique set of challenges that were met with the installation of The Unico System. “The uniform temperature throughout the house is pleasant to guests and staff and protective for our artifacts,” said Wolz. The new Unico System gives peace of mind to historians and visitors alike, who can be assured that the home, which has stood for 120 years, will remain a place to enjoy historical ambience and objects in a cool, comfortable setting.

easyHotel Group positions its properties as “super budget hotels,” maintaining inexpensive room rates by asking guests to sacrifice a little luxury space by offering smaller-sized rooms. easyHotels offer no frills – no on-site restaurants, bars, gyms, business centers or the like – allowing management and staff to focus on the maintenance and cleanliness of their utilitarian-yet-elegant accommodations.

Indoor climate control is a key factor to guest comfort. Two of easyHotel’s London locations, the flagship hotel in South Kensington and the Old Street site, use the Unico System to supply heating and cooling to their guests. The Unico System’s small duct attributes are especially suited to the budget hotel chain’s needs.

Smaller rooms means smaller areas in which to house mechanical systems. In contrast to the bulky, rigid ducting required by conventional indoor systems, the Unico System’s main trunk line takes up one-third the space of traditional systems and its flexible 2-inch inner diameter supply tubing snakes through wall cavities, allowing conditioned air to be delivered specifically where it’s needed. Additionally, round Unico System outlets are smaller, more aesthetically pleasing and less noticeable than conventional grilles. They deliver quiet, draft-free indoor comfort – the guests don’t even know that they are there.

After a thorough evaluation of the Barbican site, installing contractor KBS Services removed the existing air handling, condensing units and controls and replaced them with eight Unico Systems with zone control to deliver indoor comfort to the hotel’s three floors and 95 rooms.

Similarly, the Unico System’s low profile made it the optimal choice for the concern’s first London venture in Kensington. The hotel in Lexham Gardens features 34 rooms within 5 floors of a converted row house, and installer HVAC Group of London recommended the Unico System specifically due to its smaller size and ability to provide superior comfort.

easyHotel South Kensington’s Roger Powell states, “We needed the best for our customers within very tight budgets. The Unico System has given us just that – the best comfort solution and real cost savings over conventional systems.” The use of heat pump technology coupled with the Unico Systems’ long life expectancy also provides significant life-cost savings. Adds Mr. Powell, “The system also gave us the ability to ventilate effectively without employing a separate system” further reducing costs.

At the Old Street location, Mr. Hearn notes that the complete reconfiguration of control strategy through new thermostats and multiple temperature sensors “allows zone temperatures to be controlled by hotel management and [we] typically maintain a constant temperature of 72°F in each room” completely eliminating guest complaints.

“Simple comfort, great value” might easily extend itself to the Unico System as well.