Client Situation:

The client faced difficulties balancing energy costs with maintaining comfortable temperatures across a diverse student accommodation estate.

Building complexities included high ceilings, double-height glazing, angular layouts, split-level rooms, circular windows, and large internal spaces – making consistent heating challenging.

A mix of UK and international students also meant varying comfort preferences, while rooms were often heated unnecessarily when unoccupied during lectures and social activities.

Solution: NexGen Infrared Ceiling Paper

Flexible Heating Design

Adapts to unconventional layouts, effectively heating curved architecture and windowed areas.

Versatile Application

Suitable for both ceiling and wall installation, accommodating varied spaces such as rooms with double-height glazing alongside standard ceiling heights.

Smart Sensor Integration

Works with Eye-Sense occupancy sensors to heat rooms only when in use, while CO₂ sensors maintain heating when occupants remain present (e.g. studying at a desk).

Rapid Warm-Up

Delivers heat within minutes, with occupants quickly feeling the effects of infrared warmth.

 

Client Testimonial

“Founded in 1610 by Nicholas and Dorothy Wadham, Wadham College collaborates closely with the University to deliver an education that enables exceptional students from diverse backgrounds to reach their full potential, whilst advancing world-leading research.  The College is committed to enhancing its sustainability, implementing both short and long-term strategies to minimise negative environmental, ethical and social impacts.  In line with this commitment, Wadham has set an ambitious objective to achieve a carbon net zero estate by 2035, including the complete removal of gas heating.   Realising this target is a considerable challenge, as the College’s buildings, though beautiful and historic – some dating back over four centuries – were not constructed with carbon emissions and energy reduction in mind.

 

When we began evaluating how to replace the gas-fired heating to electric across our student accommodation we needed to be innovative and forward thinking.  NexGen’s infrared ceiling paper was the simple and cost-effective heating solution we didn’t expect to find.  The installation was remarkably unobtrusive.  Its discreet installation avoids pipework, boilers and structural alterations – essential for preserving our heritage buildings.   Infrared warmth is immediate, heating occupants and surfaces efficiently.  Paired with cutting edge Eyesense control, a system that detects occupancy and responds accordingly, heating waste is eliminated – reducing carbon emissions and cutting costs by a third compared to gas.  This is a substantial saving for us.  Equally important is the simplification of the ongoing maintenance.  No boilers, no pressured systems, no risk of widespread failure – any issues are isolated to individual rooms.  It is a solution that is transforming our Estates Strategy and reducing carbon emissions at the College, whilst also respecting our buildings and providing modern day comfort.”

Chris Cox, Estates Manager, Wadham College