Keeping exposed beams while fitting a radiant ceiling

The radiant ceiling: what it brings to the room

At the other end of the scale, a radiant ceiling is a piece of current technology.

It spreads heat evenly and avoids the drawbacks that come with conventional radiators.

It is invisible, silent, and can bring energy use down considerably.

Bringing the two together

So how do the old and the new go in the same ceiling? Three approaches work:

1. Fitting between the beams: the radiant ceiling can be built between the beams, using technical insulation and heating films sized for the spaces between them. It calls for careful planning, and it keeps the beams fully in view while giving you radiant warmth.

2. Making a feature of the beams: choose materials and finishes that set the beams off against a more contemporary ceiling. Painting the beams in a tone that complements or contrasts with the rest of the ceiling works particularly well.

3. Keeping the technology out of sight: the Ceilingo radiant ceiling is designed to be minimal and to disappear entirely into the build-up, which leaves the beams doing the visual work.

Practical points

Before starting, two points are worth settling:

• Insulation: make sure the ceiling is properly insulated with R'BULL reflective insulation. That improves the performance of the radiant ceiling and protects the beams themselves.
• Talking to people who have done it: work with people experienced in both radiant ceilings and older structures, such as Ouest Plafond.