Having pioneered hydronic underfloor heating since the early days of central heating in New Zealand, in addition to the residential solutions we have offered our team has worked extensively with mechanical consultants and mechanical contractors to deliver heating solutions for commercial buildings and schools. With the growing adoption of air-to-water heat pumps, a new opportunity has emerged: using the same underfloor infrastructure for radiant cooling, enabling year-round climate control.
The Benefits of Underfloor Cooling
Underfloor cooling offers a unique advantage, radiant cooling delivered low to the floor. While it may not drastically lower room temperatures, it significantly enhances comfort, especially in ventilated spaces with open doors and windows. This is particularly beneficial for environments like daycares, schools, and cafes, where frequent foot traffic and open access are common.
Another key benefit is the system’s ability to mitigate solar gain. In buildings with hard surfaces such as polished concrete, solar energy absorbed during the day is typically released into the space well into the evening. Underfloor cooling helps absorb and dissipate this heat before it affects indoor comfort, making it ideal for sunny New Zealand conditions.
Pioneering Projects and Technical Development
One of our earliest hydronic cooling projects was at Haswell Residential College in 2015. Engaged by Aurecon, we supported the design and supply of underfloor pipework, manifolds, and heat sources for four new residential units. These systems provided both heating and cooling for bedrooms and living areas.
This project was a learning milestone, especially regarding design, performance calculations, and controls. For this project, we supplied room humidity sensors, condensation sensors, manual switches for heating/cooling changeover, and Programmable thermostats
These components ensured condensation prevention during cooling by maintaining floor surface temperatures above the dew point. Additionally, a 0–10V signal to the heat pumps for humidity control, optimizing cooling output.
Following the success of this project, we also assisted Aurecon with the King Edward Barracks Redevelopment project and supplied underfloor heating/cooling pipework & manifolds to the Iwikau Building, Aurecon’s new offices in Christchurch.
Innovation in Controls: The Smart One Thermostat
Our experience with early projects laid the foundation for developing the Smart One Thermostat. Collaborating with an OEM manufacturer, we created a solution capable of delivering underfloor cooling nationwide. In 2020, we launched the Wi-Fi-enabled CHSMART1 (Smart One Thermostat), which, in addition to the standard features required of a central heating thermostat, also features:
- Built-in heating/cooling changeover
- 0–10V humidity control
- Dew point calculation
These features ensure precise control and safe operation of underfloor cooling systems.
Expanding the Cooling Range
To complement our underfloor solutions, we’ve recently introduced hydronic fan coil units, further evolving the Smart One Thermostat to include fan speed control. This makes it the most advanced thermostat in New Zealand for managing all hydronic heating and cooling applications.
