Peter Mintoft of Charlton & Jenrick explores the future of sustainable heating, focusing on ‘secondary’ heating appliances, and their impact on architectural practice
The importance of integrating energy-efficient solutions within architectural design has never been more critical. As environmental concerns grow, so too does the demand for sustainable building practices. Architects are now expected to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also energy-efficient and environmentally responsible. The challenge lies in balancing these demands with the need for comfort and functionality, especially when it comes to heating systems.
Sustainable heating is a key area where architects can make a significant impact. Traditional heating methods, which often rely on fossil fuels, contribute to high carbon emissions, and are increasingly seen as unsustainable. As a result, the industry is witnessing a shift towards more eco-friendly alternatives. Architects are uniquely positioned as innovators to lead this transition by incorporating the right sustainable heating solutions into their designs, ensuring that buildings are energy-efficient, low emission and future-proof.
The adoption of high efficiency-low-emission heating technologies for the primary heating system now tends to be standard practice in the design process. Heat pumps are excellent at a steady state or low change operation and can capably provide the base heat load requirements for a building. However, practical usage of spaces within the building is often anything but steady state, so a strategic secondary heating appliance allows the user to rapidly tailor the temperatures at times when needed as well as bringing far wider wellbeing benefits to the living area. Electric fires, wood-burning stoves, and gas stoves that meet stringent environmental standards offer architects the opportunity to reduce a building’s carbon footprint while still delivering effective heating solutions that can provide improved responsiveness and flexibility.
Electric heating solutions have gained traction due to decarbonisation of the grid resulting in their carbon emissions being lower compared to traditional gas and oil appliances. Additional appeal is that they are therefore zero emission at the point of use which may attract certain clients or fulfil a specific brief. Electric fires provide a versatile and clean alternative that can be easily integrated and built into various design schemes. Most units being turnkey or ‘plug and play’ minimises the need for any specialist trade other than a regular construction team. Varying from the functional and simple to the realistic, dramatic and feature rich, they offer the added benefit of being highly controllable, allowing for precise temperature management, which is essential in creating energy-efficient buildings for both residential and commercial projects.
Wood-burning stoves are another surprisingly sustainable option with a very short carbon cycle that aligns with eco-conscious design principles. Modern stoves, engineered to meet the latest Ecodesign and clearSkies level 5 standards, produce up to 90% lower emissions than open fires and 80% better than their predecessors. Teamed up with a heat pump main system, wood stoves not only contribute to a building’s sustainability credentials but also offer architects creative freedom in terms of design aesthetics. Built in or freestanding, there are a myriad of different styles and price levels to fit any brief. Providing a rapid temperature rise in a short time when a room becomes occupied, wood stoves are often paired with heat pumps to provide a very low carbon yet highly flexible overall heating solution.
When combined with high levels of insulation it’s possible to use only wood stoves for heating and when used with other systems in less insulated buildings can still displace large amounts of gas, oil or electricity from the mix. The natural appeal of wood as a fuel source and the warmth it provides will enhance the ambience of a space, making it an attractive choice for residential and commercial specifications.
Gas stoves continue to be a popular choice, especially in urban areas where access to wood fuel may be limited or less desired compared to rural areas. Aesthetically they can be built in with minimalistic looks or freestanding with character and crisp modernity. When designed and installed correctly, they can be a highly efficient and relatively low-carbon option. Efficiently heating the immediate area being occupied also has huge benefits in keeping down costs and overall dwelling emissions. Recent advances in burner and firebox technology have allowed gas stoves to become fabulously realistic and achieve higher efficiency rates while minimising emissions, making them a viable option for sustainable design. Hydrogen blending in the grid is expected to reduce carbon intensity of natural gas in coming years.
The integration of renewable energy sources with heating systems is another avenue that architects are exploring. Photovoltaic, electricity storage, solar thermal, heat pumps, and other renewable technologies can be combined with modern heating systems to further reduce a building’s environmental impact. Certain wood stoves are available that can integrate with water based thermal stores, adding to the flexibility and resilience of a building. Electric appliances can operate with very low load using the LED flame effects only – lending themselves to working with electrical storage systems. This holistic approach to design ensures that heating systems are not just efficient but are also part of a broader strategy to minimise energy consumption and carbon emissions.
A related and often ignored benefit of many wood and gas stoves is the fact that they can operate independently of the electricity grid. For areas where supply interruption may be common, having an autonomous wood fired cooking and heating appliance can be a huge bonus in a project or scheme for heat and can often make the difference between occupants staying or having to leave for the duration. A gas fired stove that can operate independently of mains or has battery control back-up is similarly useful when needs arise.
The future of sustainable heating in architecture is promising, but it requires a proactive approach. Architects must stay informed about the latest developments in heating technology, including the huge benefits of secondary heating options, and be willing to experiment with new solutions. Collaboration with manufacturers, engineers and flue system specialists is essential to ensure that the chosen systems are not only sustainable but also practical and cost-effective.
As regulations around carbon emissions and energy efficiency continue to tighten, the role of architects in driving sustainable design will only become more critical. By prioritising up-to-date sustainable heating solutions, including wood stoves and gas/electric fires, architects can contribute to a greener future while still delivering the high-quality, comfortable spaces that clients demand.
In conclusion, sustainable heating, particularly the often-underrated secondary heating appliance, is an integral component of modern architectural design. By embracing eco-friendly heating technologies and integrating them seamlessly into their projects, architects can lead the way in creating buildings that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
Peter Mintoft is managing director of Charlton & Jenrick