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Vistry Innovation Centre (VIC) | Leicestershire
Project Background
The Vistry Innovation Centre (VIC) in Bardon, Leicestershire, is one of the UK's most advanced demonstration facilities for sustainable housebuilding. Located within the Vistry Works timber frame factory, the 356,000 sq ft centre showcases a full-sized concept home featuring more than 100 innovative technologies from 54 leading suppliers, all designed to support the future of low-carbon, energy-efficient housing.
As part of Vistry's commitment to achieving net-zero ambitions and improving the performance of new-build homes, Infrared Group was selected to provide an innovative electric heating solution that aligned with the centre's fabric-first design philosophy. The objective was to demonstrate how modern infrared heating can deliver exceptional comfort while reducing energy consumption, simplifying installation and complementing contemporary interior design.
The system incorporated discreet ceiling-mounted infrared heating panels, an infrared heated bathroom mirror and a bespoke printed infrared panel in the lounge, creating a heating solution that blends seamlessly into the home without compromising aesthetics. Controlled by the SALUS Smart Control System, the installation provides intelligent room-by-room heating management with fast warm-up times and responsive temperature control.
By showcasing infrared heating alongside other cutting-edge technologies, the Vistry Innovation Centre demonstrates how modern electric heating can play a key role in delivering efficient, low-maintenance, future-ready homes that support the UK's transition towards net-zero housing.
Objectives:
Demonstrate how infrared heating can support low-carbon, net-zero ready homes through an efficient, modern electric heating solution.
Integrate a discreet heating system that complements contemporary interior design, with ceiling-mounted panels and a custom printed infrared heater that doubles as artwork.
Showcase intelligent room-by-room heating control using the SALUS Smart Control System, providing responsive heating, programmable schedules and remote app access.
Deliver a heating solution that is quick to install, virtually maintenance-free and significantly less intrusive than traditional alternatives such as heat pumps.
Provide visitors with a live demonstration of the comfort, energy efficiency and practical benefits of infrared heating within a full-scale, future-focused concept home.
Key Features:
Ceiling-Mounted Infrared Heating Panels – A combination of 550W and 580W slimline infrared panels installed throughout the concept home, blending seamlessly into the white ceilings for a discreet, modern finish.
Custom Heating Solutions – Installation of an infrared heated bathroom mirror and a bespoke printed infrared panel in the lounge, combining efficient heating with premium interior design.
SALUS Smart Control System – Intelligent room-by-room heating control via programmable thermostats, smartphone app and remote scheduling for maximum comfort and energy efficiency.
Future-Ready Low-Carbon Heating – A fast-to-install, maintenance-free electric heating system demonstrating an efficient alternative to conventional heating technologies, supporting Vistry's vision for sustainable, net-zero housing.
Discover Phase
Collaborated with Vistry and the wider project team to understand the Innovation Centre's objectives and the role infrared heating would play within the showcase of future-ready, low-carbon housing technologies.
Assessed the layout of the concept home to determine the most effective heating solution, ensuring every living space would demonstrate the comfort, efficiency and design flexibility of infrared heating.
Identified opportunities to integrate the heating system seamlessly into the home's contemporary interior, maintaining clean architectural lines while maximising performance.
Design & Development Phase
Designed a bespoke infrared heating specification using a combination of 550W and 580W ceiling-mounted panels, an infrared bathroom mirror and a custom printed infrared panel for the lounge.
Integrated the complete system with the SALUS Smart Control System, providing intelligent room-by-room temperature control, programmable schedules and remote smartphone operation.
Carefully selected panel locations to optimise radiant heat distribution while ensuring each heater blended discreetly into the home's modern aesthetic.
Implementation Phase
Completed the full installation in less than one day, minimising disruption while demonstrating the speed and simplicity of installing infrared heating in modern timber-frame homes.
Installed all infrared heating panels, the heated mirror and bespoke printed panel with precision, creating a clean, unobtrusive finish that complemented the overall design of the Innovation Centre.
Commissioned and tested the complete SALUS Smart Control System, ensuring every heating zone operated efficiently and was fully configured for visitors to experience the benefits of intelligent infrared heating firsthand.
Results
Successfully showcased infrared heating as a future-ready, low-carbon heating solution, demonstrating how it can support Vistry's vision for sustainable, net-zero homes.
Delivered a discreet, architecturally integrated heating system that blended seamlessly into the concept home, with ceiling-mounted panels and a bespoke printed infrared heater enhancing the overall interior design.
Provided visitors with a live demonstration of the comfort and performance of infrared heating, including fast warm-up times, instant radiant warmth, intelligent room-by-room control and silent operation.
Installed a complete heating system in less than one day, highlighting the speed, simplicity and cost-effectiveness of infrared heating compared with more complex alternatives such as heat pumps.
Demonstrated a maintenance-free electric heating solution with low running costs, no external units, minimal installation disruption and smart controls, making it an attractive option for the next generation of energy-efficient homes.
