Context

This nursey in the south of England wanted to replace ­­four old MDF covers to allow for optimum heating whilst having ‘child-proof’ guards. Contour Heating provided a new cover to enclose all four radiators using a sleek design that reduced the risk of staff and pupils catching themselves on the corner of the cover. The new cover provided a continuous run that covered up the pipework in between each radiator.

Requirements

Due to this project being a nursery, cleaning and maintenance was important, especially because the radiators were near a kitchen and in the dining room. Access to cleaning and maintenance was therefore key. The new covers were to be wall-mounted so the cleaners could mop the floor beneath.

The project brief also required the radiators to have a more robust cover compared to the existing ones, and one that would prevent children from posting small items such as pencils and crayons through the grilles.

Solution

Light grey radiators were installed wall-to-wall for best heating levels. These were made bespoke to fit the walls of the nursery.

Cleaning and maintenance access were optimised with a wall-mounted design so that cleaning underneath the radiator guards was quick and simple to do. These radiator guards had a base coat so that children couldn’t touch the pipework and burn their fingers.

The grilles are punched directly into the sheet material using a 5mm-wide tool, too small for items such as pencils and pens to pass through them. This makes the cover easier to clean because there are no proprietary grilles for dust and dirt to get stuck whilst reducing the risk of fingers being trapped.

A light grey colour (RAL 7035) was used for the radiator covers to soften the look. This has been found to improve attention and inspires feelings of positivity, creating a constructive learning experience within the nursery.

Outcome

The bespoke radiator covers that Contour supplied and fitted with a team of installers delivered a hygienic and safe solution for the nursery. With the radiators being wall-mounted with pencil-proof grilles so that items weren’t trapped, and the risk of injuries was reduced. The colour psychology used for the light grey design improves children’s attention and offers a modern simple design.

Contour helped transform the overall look of the room by changing the worn out and old-looking covers to a new, contemporary-looking cover which fits in well with the décor of the room.