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Henco’s Sustainable and Smart Solution for a Centuries-Old Farmstead
How do you combine modern installation techniques with a thorough renovation and extension of an old farmhouse? In Nazareth, a long gable farmstead—first documented on a Ferraris map from 1777—is being transformed into a unique interplay of heritage and modern living comfort. Henco took on the challenge: delivering a high-performance heating system that fully meets today’s energy requirements. The solution? Underfloor heating using concrete core activation in combination with geothermal energy, for sustainable and comfortable warmth.
Architecturally, the project is without a doubt a technical and creative feat. “Legally, we had the option to demolish the non-compliant farmhouse and rebuild, but we were determined to preserve the appearance and soul of the authentic structure,” says architect Eva De Hert. “That led us to a timber frame extension, designed to integrate as naturally as possible into the environment while maintaining the historic charm. By designing the extension’s foundation as a concrete tub, partially beneath the existing structure, we were able to avoid moisture issues and thermal bridges. As a result, the existing building envelope will partially function as a canopy over the new home, helping to prevent overheating. The attic remains an open, covered outdoor space where the original roof structure and Boom clay tiles remain visible.”
Det är så här vi gör skillnad
I den snabbt föränderliga världen av värme och kyla visar Henco vägen. Med fokus på kvalitet, innovation och hållbarhet tar vi oss an uppgiften varje dag. Som en sann partner till installatörer och grossister, och med de bästa lösningarna för slutanvändaren. Men hur ska vi då kunna göra skillnad?
Högkvalitativa material
De avancerade Pexc-Alu-Pexc-rören ger optimal värmefördelning och lång livslängd.
Henco as the Backbone of the Heating System
“Indeed, nothing is standard in this project,” laughs Henco expert Tom De Craemer. “The differences in floor levels and the number of heating circuits required quite a bit of additional pressure loss calculation. But it was exactly that technical challenge that made this such an engaging project for our team. We’re happy to prove that Henco solutions can make a difference not only in new builds, but also in complex renovations.” With an innovative underfloor heating system using concrete core activation, connected to a Henco PE-Xc pipe network, the thermal mass of the home is optimally used. In combination with geothermal energy, this ensures a stable indoor climate with low energy demand. Eva De Hert: “I was glad that we could realise the concrete core activation without bringing in an additional engineering firm. Henco demonstrated that they had all the necessary expertise in-house, making that extra step unnecessary.” Henco PE-Xc pipes were used for the underfloor heating, with a spacing of 10 cm (except in a separate office room, where 15 cm was applied). The MDK manifold ensures even heat distribution throughout the entire home.
Sustainable Sanitary Comfort and Smart Water Management
Sustainability is a common thread throughout this project. In addition to efficient heating, the domestic hot water system was also optimised. The heat pump provides hot water to the home via an integrated hot water tank, ensuring energy-efficient and seamless production without unnecessary losses. A notable aspect was the reuse of groundwater wells discovered during excavation. Through a recovery system, rainwater is collected and used together with these wells for garden irrigation. Additionally, wastewater is treated locally via the ECOZ® system—an IBA (individual wastewater treatment unit) that purifies domestic wastewater in a percolation field (reed bed). This circular approach to water management fits well with the original function of the farmstead. Tom De Craemer: “Finally, a good ventilation system is essential for a comfortable and energy-efficient indoor climate. In this project, we opted for a type D ventilation system with heat recovery, using a Dantherm HCV500. Type D is also required for effective cooling, as it ensures optimal air quality while minimising energy losses.” Ultimately, the energy performance level (E-level) of this project will be well below the legal requirement. The façade will be finished with PlatoWood, a vertical timber cladding in various widths and thicknesses with open joints. The planned green roof will provide not only visual and ecological value, but also serve as a sound buffer from the nearby E17 motorway.
Also an Aesthetic Choice
Tom De Craemer: “For concrete core activation, we always choose a robust and durable pipe that can withstand concrete environments and efficiently transfer heat at low supply temperatures. For this project, we specifically used our PE-Xc multilayer pipe without an aluminium core, as it’s ideal for embedding in concrete. Our RIXc pipe offers faster heat output but can be more prone to notching when placed in reinforcement meshes.” In the upper floors, traditional underfloor heating will be installed in the screed. Heat is generated by a ground-to-water heat pump powered by three deep vertical boreholes. This low-temperature system further enhances the efficiency of the underfloor heating. Besides functional benefits, concrete core activation also offered an aesthetic advantage. Eva De Hert: “The underfloor heating is integrated directly into the concrete slab, with 18 cm of foam glass insulation underneath. After sanding and polishing the concrete slab, the aggregate becomes visible—an effect that beautifully complements the character of the home and the final floor finish.”
Successful Renovation Through Collaboration
Conclusion? This project proves that deep renovations and modern installation techniques can go hand in hand seamlessly. “That’s only possible thanks to strong collaboration, and for that we’re grateful to Tom and the Henco team,” Eva De Hert concludes. “The client is also very hands-on in this project, which demands extra time and attention. We’re very happy that Tom continued to support this complex project from A to Z with patience, guidance, and professionalism.”
