When Joe Roberts moved into his new home, it required a full new heating system. In order to reduce the environmental impact of the property, he took the opportunity to replace the obsolete gas fired boiler system with an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) and Unico Heating, Ventilation & Cooling  (HVAC) system. This would not only provide heating and hot water, but also offered the versatility to cool the home over the summer.

The property in Worcestershire is an 85 square metre, 1980 standard build detached home with equal floor space on each level. There are two double bedrooms, a single bedroom and a bathroom upstairs. At ground level there is a hallway, kitchen and a large dining/living which takes up the majority of the space. The home already featured double glazed windows, a loft space fitted with 200mm loft insulation and cavity wall insulation. Having good insulation in place from the outset was important and enabled accurate heat loss surveys and highly accurate system sizing to be carried out with a thorough understanding of how heat would transfer through the accommodation.

With expertise in renewable technologies in his professional capacity at Bell Plumbing Supplies and with ability to install the new system himself, Joe selected a Worcester Bosch ASHP with weather compensation that for added efficiency, adjusts its performance automatically based on external weather conditions. He chose the Unico HVAC system, which he knew would integrate perfectly with the heat pump and was ideal for retrofitting into a home of his type and age.

With a 4.5 kW house heating and cooling load, the compact 1218 Series Unico Air Handling Unit with a chilled water coil was specified and installed out of the way in the loft space. The fully insulated and sound attenuated small flexible supply ducting delivers conditioned air via multiple branches to room outlets on the two floors. It has been conveniently routed above ceilings and inside cavity walls with its small diameter and flexibility making it simple to install. There was also no need to pull up floorboards to get rid of old heating system pipework, so overall the installation caused minimal disruption.

In total, 13 round ceiling mounted room outlets feature throughout both levels of the property. All the outlets are finished in white, integrating naturally with the newly decorated rooms and totally discreet in appearance. “Friends who visit actually assume that the outlets are ceiling spotlights and are surprised when they are told that they blowing conditioned warm or cooled air around our home,” says Joe.

Whilst traditional heating and cooling systems effectively distribute warm or cooled air into a room unevenly, the Unico system works on the aspiration principle, with the room outlets delivering  conditioned air into each room at a consistent temperature with no more than a +/-1ºC variation, no drafts and no cold or hot spots. It operates with minimum noise too as Joe explains: “ Once the Unico System was set up to the requirements of our home, it has run quietly in the background of our day to day life, causing no noise disruption and is scarcely noticeable to the eye either.“ A major interior design benefit of the installation for Joe was the ability to remove all the old radiators, freeing up wall space for new bookshelves to accommodate an extensive library collection.

Perhaps the most important advantage of the Unico system for Joe, however, is its versatility. As a three-in-one system, its ability to provide cooling and ventilation alongside heating for the home gives it year round functionality. Cooling and ventilating in the summer allows windows to be kept closed, ensuring pollen and other pollutants cannot invade and diminish the indoor air quality. With the ability to remove 30% more humidity than conventional air conditioning, condensation build up on windows has also been significantly reduced. “Our clothes are also successfully being dried in the jet stream of the room outlets, which is an unexpected benefit,” adds Joe.

Running the Unico System with the ASHP has enabled the creation of a truly energy efficient heating and air conditioning system. The Unico System maintains a comfortable 18ºC temperature throughout the whole house. Joe says:” Energy saving comes from the efficiency of the Air Source Heat Pump and the overall design of the installation which is running at an efficiency of 350%.”  For additional economy, a Mixergy intelligent hot water cylinder has also been installed. Located in the loft alongside the Unico Air Handler, this has allowed an existing airing cupboard to be used for a new shower, extending the existing bathroom.

Joe comments: “The system is designed to be as efficient as possible and it is nice to prove that a standard 1980s built home can have a heat pump and be fitted with a Unico System to provide heating and hot water very efficiently, with no improvements to the insulation. It has been faultless in operation. We will also add solar power and battery storage in our transition to a greener lifestyle.”

In conclusion, this installation has provided many benefits in terms of embracing sustainability, the versatility of heating and cooling with a single system, ventilation and moisture reduction resulting in a much fresher and more pleasant indoor environment and offering much improved interior design freedom. “You don’t need to have a new build home to realise the benefits of a Unico Heat Pump installation!” Joe confirms.

Located on the 15th floor of the elegant Hyatt Regency Hotel on the Albert Embankment in London, the Lebanese and Japanese-inspired Mezemiso restaurant was opened six years ago. Originally specified for its aesthetic qualities and energy efficient performance, the Unico Small Duct High Velocity system continues to provide ideal levels of air conditioning within the spectacular venue.

With its panoramic location over the Thames, Mezemiso features a stunning interior decor that mixes copper and metallic tones set against the moody blue colour scheme, creating an ambience that reflects the fusion of cultures and cuisine. Floor to ceiling windows bring in the night sky whilst extensive wall and ethereal unique atmosphere for those who are dining, enjoying cocktails or revelling in exhilarating late night DJs and musical entertainment.

Design details such as floor mosaics, fibre optic lights and stunning open fire places in the exterior bar area, cigar and shish terrace, help to create a unique and unforgettable experience where comfort is a number one priority.

For the designer and client, a key element of the specification of the air conditioning system was the need for complete integration with all the visual design elements of Mezemiso’ beautifully created interior. This included a dramatic curved bar, which mirrored the path of the Thames, as well as a bespoke wine cabinet and humidor. The installation also needed to ensure the perfect interior temperature and comfort levels for users of the venue at all times of the year whatever the occasion, especially during those warmer summer days when the interior could feel the full effects of the sun through the large areas of glazing.

The Unico System has met all these requirements, with highly discreet room outlets being the only visible manifestation of the installation. Offering highly energy efficient performance and all year round dependability, the system has been built around a condensing unit serving two Unico Air Handlers. One is located out of sight in the ceiling void above the kitchen. From there, it is connected by flexible supply tubing to virtually indiscernible high level linear wall outlets positioned on the wall above the bar.

The second unit has been installed under the floor and supplies conditioned air to designer circular metallic-finish round floor outlets. These are discreetly located in front of the floor to ceiling windows, forming the perfect complement to the marble flooring, uniquely designed hand made dining tables and copper toned chairs.

In air conditioning mode, and coping with temperatures of up to 30 degrees C on a hot day, the Unico System’s operational design means that diners are not subject to any uncomfortable drafts, or cold spots within the space. The temperature variation is no more than +- 1 degree C floor to ceiling.

There’s no doubting the contribution that the Unico System makes to the complete Mezemiso experience. It was a long term investment and, ” It’s worked well, ” according to Dillon Lingard, Chief Engineer & Security Manager. With continued routine maintenance that includes filter changes, the system will offer excellent service for years to come.

Worcester Racecourse, part of Arena Racing Company (ARC), opened its new state of the art Weighing Room in June 2024. The facility provides a modern, energy efficient environment for jockeys to get changed, make their preparations for racing and spend some time relaxing. On the upper floor there is a canteen and social area, a physiotherapy studio and warm-up room. A Stewards’ Room for weighing-in and use by race officials, together with a TV Broadcast office are situated on the ground floor. Unico System’s Small Duct High Velocity (SDHV) cooling, heating and ventilation technology was specified to provide the perfect indoor environment all year round for everyone using the facilities.

Unico System is an all-in-one system that maximises the potential of heat pumps to offer air conditioning, heating, hot water and integration with mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems (MVHR). The technology was specified for the Weighing Room as a versatile, practical and financially attractive alternative to a traditional fossil fuel-based HVAC system.

Its specification was the result of close collaboration between Worcester Racecourse & Arena Racing Company, Unico’s principal UK distributor Bell Plumbing and Unico Specialist Installation Partner, Butco of Sutton Coldfield. The overall cost and energy efficiency of the Unico System were not the only considerations and indeed sustainability was a key focus for the whole Weighing Room project. The steel frame building has been constructed on the site of the original weighing room and features a green living roof to tie in with the natural riverside landscape and provide biodiversity. Solar photo-voltaic panels capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity for the building.

The cooling capabilities of the Unico System were considered particularly important.  Throughout the summer racing season indoor temperatures within the weighing room complex can be uncomfortably high.  The ability to set draft free even temperatures, as well as providing precise instant cooling is a major benefit.

Two Air Source Heat Pumps (Vaillant aroTHERM Plus) located on the terrace outside the Weighing Room provide the renewable energy source for three separate Unico AHUs, sited in the Plant Room on the upper floor. One ground floor unit provides climate control within the male and female changing rooms through the Unico 3642 AHU whilst the Stewards Room and TV Broadcast office are served by a Unico 3036 AHU. The higher capacity third unit caters for the first floor canteen, rest/social area, warm-up and physiotherapy areas. The Unico 4860 AHU has a14-17.5 kW cooling capacity and 8.5-22.3 kW capacity for heating.

From the outset, installer Butco worked closely with Bell Plumbing’s Solutions team. They evaluated the project and subsequently proposed a truly value engineered HVAC solution that would mean significantly lower initial capital outlay and immediate lower running costs. It took into consideration the higher seasonal demand and virtually 24/7 usage of the Weighing Room over the National Hunt season as well as the projected significantly lower usage of the Weighing Room over the winter and early Spring.

Detailed calculations for heating, cooling and hot water demand were drawn up so that the most suitable and correctly sized Unico Air Handling Units and a combined MVHR unit, which would bring additional energy saving benefits of heat recovery, could be specified without any unnecessary over capacity.

Comprehensive schematic and working installation diagrams were generated with the latest CAD software by the solutions team at Bell Plumbing Supplies. Technical support was provided from start to finish of the project with Bell plumbing Supplies also addressing the evolving requirements and complexities of the project including revisions to room plans and usage. One of the challenges was how to incorporate the three Unico AHUs, the 2300m3 (Airflow Developments) MVHR unit and a (Mixergy) intelligent hot water cylinder as well as main supply ducting in the Plant Room, located in a tight area behind the canteen servery. There were significant height restrictions under the mono pitched roof, but thanks in part to the small footprint, compactness and horizontal configuration of the Unico AHUs, Bell Solutions were able to configure a layout that maximised use of the available space.

Two main central ducts, with Climaver thermal insulation for high efficiency and retention of energy within the system, lead from the AHUs and distribute conditioned air to multiple branches of Unico sound attenuated and insulated flexible supply tubing. Some 97% of system energy is retained and delivered into the conditioned spaces through room outlets. With the aspiration principle of operation, small jets of cooled or warmed air are driven at high velocity into the different areas of the Weighing Room with temperature differentials of no more than +/- 1º C floor to ceiling and no drafts. This creates an ideal environment and optimum comfort levels for all users in all areas of the building.

The lightweight, easy assembly central ductwork and the small diameter, flexible Unico supply tubing simplified installation for Butco.  The tubing could be cleverly fed above suspended ceilings and through small voids behind cavity/partition walls to all the ground and upper floor rooms, connecting with either linear or round room outlets.

Operating with extremely low noise levels (<30 decibels) and visually unobtrusive, the outlets blend into the interior decor of each room. Standard white finish linear outlets are used extensively in front of floor to ceiling windows and the canteen servery to form a conditioned air curtain that helps to keep room temperatures to desired preset levels. Round outlets have been carefully positioned around ceilings to ensure uniform delivery of conditioned air within each space, preventing hot or cold spots and maintaining a consistent temperature throughout. Indoor Air Quality levels throughout the building are also consistently high thanks to lower humidity levels and the ability of Unico technology to remove up to 30% more humidity than would be achievable with traditional air conditioning technology.

Ensuring compliance with the requirements of Building Regulations Part F (ventilation), Part L (energy efficiency) and Part O were essential requirements for the Unico proposal. Part O covers thermal efficiency, overheating and limiting solar gain through windows inside a building. The floor to ceiling windows and extensive glazing throughout the Weighing Room, coupled with the building’s high levels of insulation and overall air tightness, meant that overheating was a potential problem. This has been overcome through the levels of cooling provided by Unico.

For Worcester Racecourse management, the ability to set temperatures for each area and control the complete Unico installation remotely from an office located in the Grandstand is very convenient. An iPad with Nest programming is a low cost and very user-friendly means of setting and adjusting preferred cooling and heating levels all year round. Three compatible wall mounted smart Nest Learning Thermostats have also been provided within different areas of the Weighing Room.

Opened in time for the very popular Ladies Day meeting on June 1, the Weighing Room is in use throughout the National Hunt racing season which ends in October, and it will also have usage over the winter months. Butco met the strict timelines put in place for completion of the installation, despite interruptions caused by repeated local flooding from the River Severn.

The installation at Worcester Racecourse has demonstrated that in the light commercial sector, Unico SDHV technology is a viable environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based heating/air conditioning with a BMS system. James Tough, xxx (TBC) of Butco is positive about involvement in further Unico projects of this type: “With the support of Bell Solutions in assessing a potential project, designing the system as well as providing technical back up throughout the specification and installation process, we are confident in taking on further projects where Unico offers the best solution.”

Cliff Arnold, Bell Plumbing’s HVAC Technical Manager, comments: “We offer in-depth training and marketing support to any HVAC installer looking to get involved with Unico SDHV technology. They will then be able to give their residential and commercial customers the opportunity to consider and move to environmentally friendly heating and air conditioning systems at a time when significantly reducing carbon emissions from buildings is critical.”