Shepherd's hut heating
Project: The Shepherd's Hut Company, Devon
Shepherds huts are a unique way to spend a night in a traditional structure. Heat Mat was approached to specify underfloor heating to maintain a luxurious and cosy feel in two new Shepherds huts for a specialist craftsman, in Tavistock, Devon. The efficient 130W Underlaminate system was installed following consultation with Heat Mat’s technical experts.
The goal:
The Shepherd’s Hut Company, run by David Charrington, construct huts using traditional carpentry methods from their busy workshop in Tavistock, Devon. The design comprises of a solid wooden frame with cast iron wheels and a corrugated roof, and wood burner as the primary heat source, in keeping with traditional huts. A customer approached the company to design a large ‘complete home’ unit with kitchen, bathroom and the added luxury of underfloor heating. The result was the ‘Wayfarer’, an impressive large, single storey hut with a bedroom, ensuite, lounge, kitchen and boot room.
The Wayfarer huts are built in two parts, therefore the floor and associated accessories must be split in the centre to allow for dismantling and re-assembling at the final destination. The underfloor heating installation would need to allow for this two-part construction method.
The solution:
Mains gas and water could not be supplied to the huts so an electric system was required. The company approached their local wholesaler requesting a suggestion for a flexible underfloor heating system that was easy to divide and could be installed prior to arrival at the final location. Heat Mat was recommended, and a representative arrived on site the following day to specify the job.
Heat Mat’s technical manager also worked with the business advising on the most cost effective solution for a system to be fitted in two distinct parts, instead of covering the entire floor space. The underlaminate system and the programmable NGT thermostat was chosen. The hut base was insulated ply and 14mm engineered wood on top. The mats were installed in two zones, one each side of the hut. The kitchen and lounge area formed zone 1 and the ‘boot room’ formed zone 2.
A 50–75mm gap was required from the centre of the hut, however no deduction was made for fitting, as is often the case for specifications based on the Free Floor Area. Exact calculations and accurate plans of where the mats would finally be laid were used to specify the system. During the build a representative from Heat Mat was onsite to supervise and assist with the company’s very first underfloor heating install.
The result:
The final huts were finished to a very high standard and successfully assembled on the customer’s land in two parts. The wood burner provides heat in the lounge and together with Heat Mat’s underlaminate system, creates a cosy, comfortable space for the owner. This extra benefit is now offered as an add-on for all the huts David builds including the Wayfarer. The Shepherds Hut Company continues to work with Heat Mat when underfloor heating is required, putting the installation advice provided into practice, throughout the year. The systems are supplied by CEF in Launceston and Heat Mat's technical team continues to assist with specifications when required.
For more information about The Shepherd's Hut Company contact: David Cherrington.
info@shepherd-hut.co.uk
http://www.shepherd-hut.co.uk/
The Shepherd’s Hut Company build beautiful portable huts.
The 130W Underlaminate system being fitted.
The Shepherd's hut is built in two parts and assembled on the final site. The huts are finished to an extremely high standard.
The Wayfarer floor plan
