Flexible Flueing System Meets Heating Challenge at UX Central
11/08/2003
Developers seeking to site boilers in the centre of the new UX Central apartment complex in Uxbridge for George Wimpey have solved the twin problems of long horizontal flues and falls as required by condensing boiler flues, by specifying the GulfStream combined primary storage unit from Gledhill. New UX Central Appartment Complex in Uxbridge
The new 5-storey development is creating 85 one, two and three bedroom bedroom apartments on five floors and includes 21 dwellings intended for social housing. Prices for the private apartments range from £180,000 to 310,000.
The Gledhill GulfStream appliance combines a thermal store and high efficiency condensing gas boiler in a single compact unit, and feeds an underfloor heating system. MCA Consulting Engineers Ltd designed the heating system for the development and specified the Gledhill unit because of its innovative flueing system.

The apartments, built by AWG Construction Services and marketed by George Wimpey have a standard 2.4 metre floor to ceiling height with a 100mm ceiling void to carry services.

Michael Cade senior partner at MCA explains: “The aim was to site the boilers in the compartments in the centre of the apartment block and this meant there was no easy route to flueing on an outside wall. GulfStream offers a very efficient fan-assisted arrangement with 60mm and 80mm diameter flues that can be used over a length of up to 30 metres.
“The steel girders in the ceiling void were pre-cut to accommodate the flue and Gledhill worked with us to carry out special tests to ensure that the flue would work effectively. We produced detailed drawings of every apartment to show the contractors precisely the route the flue should follow - including the girder cuts - and the whole concept worked extremely well.”

The Gledhill GulfStream was the first appliance to close couple a condensing gas boiler with a thermal store to achieve maximum efficiency with a footprint of just 595mm. Delivering mains pressure hot water at up to 35 litres per minute and rapid response central heating, GulfStream has proved a popular option with apartment developers because of the flexibility it offers in siting the unit.
The steel girders in the ceiling void were pre-cut to accommodate the flue.