Grand Designs Case Study
Grand Designs Scunthorpe Invisible Infrared Heating Case Study
This ambitious Scunthorpe self-build featured on Grand Designs and combined contemporary architecture with smart, low-visibility heating technology.
iHelios infrared heating was installed within the ceilings to provide comfortable room heating without radiators or visible pipework.
The system was integrated with smart controls, solar panels, rainwater harvesting and wider home automation, helping the finished property combine modern design, comfort and lower-energy living.
The project
Danny’s vision was to create an architecturally striking home that combined contemporary design with practical, sustainable technology.
The project involved transforming an ordinary plot into a highly individual family home, with natural materials, modern architectural details and an integrated smart-home strategy.
The heating system needed to complement the design without occupying wall space or introducing visible radiators and pipework.
iHelios worked with the project to provide an invisible heating solution suited to the home’s clean interior design and wider sustainability goals.
The challenge
A conventional radiator system would have interrupted the clean interior design and reduced flexibility around furniture, glazing and wall finishes.
The project therefore required a heating system that could remain visually hidden while providing reliable comfort throughout the property.
Independent temperature control was also important so that different areas of the home could be managed according to occupancy, preferred temperatures and heating schedules.
The system also needed to work alongside the property’s solar generation and wider smart-home technology.
The iHelios solution
iHelios infrared heating was installed within the ceilings, creating an invisible heating system with no wall-mounted radiators.
The ceiling installation allowed the heating to become part of the building fabric while preserving the architectural appearance of each room.
Smart controls provide precise temperature management and allow the homeowner to operate the heating remotely.
Each controlled area can be managed according to its own requirements, helping avoid unnecessary heating in spaces that are not being used.
The system was designed to operate as part of the home’s wider low-energy and smart-technology strategy.
System installed
• iHelios invisible infrared ceiling heating
• Smart temperature controls
• Remote heating management
• Solar photovoltaic panels
• Rainwater-harvesting system
• Integrated smart-home technology
• Contemporary interior design
• Natural building materials
• Radiator-free room layouts
The result
The finished home combines contemporary architecture with invisible heating, solar generation, rainwater harvesting and smart-home controls.
iHelios ceiling infrared heating provides comfortable room heating without visible radiators, helping preserve the intended interior design.
The smart controls give the homeowner greater flexibility over temperatures and schedules, while the solar installation supports the property’s wider energy strategy.
The project demonstrates how invisible electric heating can be incorporated into an ambitious modern self-build without compromising architectural freedom.
Grand Designs infrared heating frequently asked questions
What heating system was installed in the Grand Designs Scunthorpe home?
An iHelios infrared heating system was installed within the ceilings. This created an invisible heating solution without wall-mounted radiators or visible heating pipework.
Can the infrared heating be controlled remotely?
Yes. The system includes smart controls that allow the homeowner to manage temperatures and heating operation remotely.
Why was ceiling heating selected?
Ceiling installation preserved wall space and protected the clean architectural appearance of the interior. It also allowed the heating system to remain visually discreet.
Can infrared heating work with solar panels?
Yes. Infrared heating is fully electric, so electricity generated by solar panels can contribute to the home’s heating demand when generation is available. Actual grid usage depends on solar output, heating demand, controls and any battery storage.
Can each room have its own temperature?
Yes. Separate thermostats or heating zones can be used so that rooms operate at different temperatures and schedules.
