The Unico System features in P&H Engineering

Posted on 14th June 2023 by jomorgan

The Big Chill, Unico discusses the demand for cooling systems in P&H Engineering

As the effects of global warming become more apparent in the UK, with temperatures in the summer months reaching uncomfortable levels, air conditioning and radiant cooling systems are increasingly in demand. It is therefore a subject that plumbing and heating engineers are likely to asked about in the coming months and years.

Read more about why Unico sees small duct high velocity (SDHV) systems to be more likely to be considered as an alternative to conventional air conditioning systems.

Check out the article below

PHE23.P18_22_COOLING.V2 – TS

If you are interested in discovering more on the Unico System then get in touch with our solutions team on 01384 422094 or email us.

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Commercial Installation

Posted on 10th June 202228th October 2025 by stewart

Commercial Installation

Installation of the Unico System Small Duct High Velocity (SDHV) System

Unico carried out a commercial installation at the NSBRC building to showcase their excellent new SDHV Systems in the commercial and professional setting!

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-builders, 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.

Improve indoor air quality with the Unico System

Air Craft

This is an an indoor air comfort specialist and approved Specialist Partner for the Unico System. They 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). It also being able to match it with the latest environmentally friendly Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) energy source is great. In the summer, the 100+ square metre reception area, with its full width glazing. It can be affected by elevated temperatures especially when many visitors can congregate. Then in colder months the space needs heat and Unico can deliver that too.” says Managing Director Darren Johnson.

How We Did It

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. 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. In this case it uses a Heat Pump coil and a Daikin Heat Pump outdoor unit. We were also using low environmental impact R32 refrigerant with significantly lower Global Warming Potential (GWP).

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.

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.

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Residential Renovation

Posted on 13th May 202228th October 2025 by stewart

Residential Renovation

A core heating and cooling solution for a residential renovation

Installation background

Installation Date: Spring 2022
Property Type: Renovation of 1990s four bedroom detached family home in Dorset. Unico provides heating and cooling to first floor
Unico System: 1218BL1 Blower Module, Variable Speed EC motor, 1218 CL1 Heat Pump Coil
Energy Source: Daikin Altherma Low Temperature Split Air Source Heat Pump
Controls: Nest Home Automation System and Pro Learning thermostat
Additional Technology: Underfloor Heating System to ground floor, intelligent hot water tank for precise hot water delivery, energy saving battery storage utilising low cost overnight tariffs

Discreet climate control

Solution

The specification of Unico System for the installation has demonstrated how this technology can form the core heating and cooling solution for a home renovation project based on renewable heat pump technology.
The property has undergone a complete renovation. Energy saving loft and cavity wall insulation was already installed and the owners wished to dispense with the ageing gas boiler, microbore pipework and wall hung radiators. These were to be replaced with a new system featuring renewables and electricity only. With the expectation of higher temperatures and hotter, less comfortable nights in the years to come, investment in an all in one system that can use renewable energy for heating, cooling, ventilation and indoor air quality throughout the year was the ideal solution.

Compatibility

The compatibility of the system with renewables was essential and a Daikin Altherma Low Temperature Split Air Source Heat Pump was selected as the matching energy source. The heat pump is linked to the space saving horizontal Unico 1218 Air Handling Unit situated in the loft and features variable fan speed motor, a Smart Control Board for precise airflow control and a Heat Pump Coil module. The main central duct connects to the air handling unit, feeds the flexible supply duct tubing before emitting conditioned air into the bedrooms through discreet round ceiling outlets.

To further maximise the energy efficiency of the installation, battery storage technology, running on low cost overnight tarrifs, stores electricity for lighter duty appliance power consumption during the day. To meet hot water demand precisely and exactly on time, an intelligent hot water tank has been installed.

The Unico System features air filtration to remove larger particulate from the indoor air. For additional continuous protection from airborne viruses and bacteria, complementary bi-polar ionisation technology has also been specified.

Space saving roof space installation

Advantages

All year round heating and cooling solution
Convenient use of the loft space for the compact air handler, ductwork and flexible supply tubing is a key in retrofit renovation projects
Lightweight modular ductwork promotes safe, easy handling and time savings during installation
The air handler isolates noise and vibration with sound deadening insulation, allowing installation immediately above the main bedroom with no risk of noise disruption
The flow of air through the supply tubing and into the room through the ceiling outlets generates minimal noise
Wall space freed up with the removal of radiators
Once heated or cooled air enters the bedroom it creates a draught free, even environment with minimal temperature fluctuations
Removes 30% more humidity from the air compared with conventional heating and air conditioning systems, improving air quality and preventing the formation of damp and mould

Improve indoor air quality with the Unico System

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Ventilation & Air Conditioning to be Popular in UK

Posted on 20th September 202128th October 2025 by maddie

The Unico System features in P&H Engineering for their expertise on Ventilation, HVAC and AC systems!

Despite the predictions about global warming, it has taken a global pandemic to bring focus on Indoor Air Quality.

Unico Systems have already helped so many in the USA. However there has been a sharp increase in the amount of UK residents, Businesses Owners and Organisations that have realised the importance. Unico are prepared to help you with Air Conditioning, HVAC and Ventilation Systems in their homes, restaurants and warehouses!

Why Unico Systems?

With UK wide deliverable installation you are always guaranteed to find a professional near you. We tailor bespoke Designed solutions to suit you!

We have worked alongside historic buildings in the UK and USA. From our work at The Truman White House in Florida to the Historic Berkshire Barn in the UK! We can retrofit and provide Ventilation, HVAC and Air conditioning solutions for you!

P&H Engineering

Check out the article below

https://issuu.com/jpp01/docs/phe16_lowres/18

If you are interested in discovering more on the Unico System please contact our solutions team on 01384 422094 or email [email protected]

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Fifteen Restaurant Cornwall

Posted on 9th January 202028th October 2025 by stewart

Fifteen Restaurant Cornwall

Superior Comfort

A restaurants most important priority is their diners comfort and experience, with excellent coastal views and beautiful interior when it comes to the interior of this establishment we had to come up with the best design possible!

Benefits

Even, draft-free temperatures
Quiet operation
Zone control options
Discreet supply outlets
Flexible design and installation

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

Jamie Oliver, of Britain’s Channel 4 documentary series “Jamie’s Kitchen”, began the Fifteen restaurant brand in 2002 with a flagship location in London. The name is derived from the celebrity chef’s apprenticeship program of training fifteen disadvantaged youth in the culinary arts and service management industries.

Unico System Fifteen Restaurant Interior

Overview

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-coloured 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.

Strategy

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.

Results

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.

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Self Build Exmouth

Posted on 1st January 202028th October 2025 by kirk

Self Build Exmouth

Cool Atmosphere for a Grand Design

Unico System - Exmouth Self Build -large open plan living space with large floor to ceiling windows and an example of a ventilation HVAC system in the UK

Benefits

Even temperatures across the rooms
Very quiet
Discrete supply outlets
Flexible design and installation

“We decided to have air-conditioning at a very late stage of the build and presented Unico with a serious challenge! They concealed the system exceptionally well and, with so much glazing in the property, it is inconceivable to see how we could have managed without it…”

Unico System - Exmouth Self Build - image of a kitchen space in a modern living space with ventilation system shown by Unico.

Property Owner

“We believe we ended up with the Rolls Royce of systems. The system is very quiet – you would hardly know it was there.”

Julie Veysey

Background

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.

Solution

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.

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Lancaster Gate Apartments

Posted on 18th October 201928th October 2025 by kirk

Lancaster Gate Apartments

Luxury Cooling & Heating

We offer premium products and solutions by creating and designing systems that perfectly solve issues out clients have. This client required a space conscious and elegant solution making use of our luxury systems.

Unico System - Lancaster Gate Apartment - installation of a kitchen ventilation system

Unico System - Lancaster Gate Apartment - close up to one of the ventilation ports

Benefits

Energy Efficient
Even temperatures across the rooms
Very quiet
Discrete supply outlets
Flexible design and installation

“The Unico System provides design freedom to decorate an interior without having to consider the clutter of radiators or pipework.”

“There is less than 2°C temperature difference floor to ceiling.”

“The system is suitable for installation benefitting all types of rooms found in an apartment.”

Unico System - Lancaster Gate Apartment - Interior Image of large windows casting light across a wooden floor.

Unico System - Lancaster Gate Apartment - outlside of the property showing white brick decorative terraced property

Background

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 increase of your property value is seen consistently in the UK, when you invest in Climate control and HVAC Systems.

Solution

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.

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