A building that is protected as a historic monument, with narrow staircases and timber beam ceilings. And a modern radiant heating system? What may sound like a contradiction has become reality in a 1915 Amsterdam apartment – thanks to the Uponor Siccus 16 underfloor heating system from GF Building Flow Solutions.
Hans Steenbeek, owner of the installation company A1 Montage in Barneveld, Netherlands, was surprised at how his customer Marinde from Amsterdam found him: not through traditional advertising, but via an AI search. The query: underfloor heating with just 20 mm panel thickness, ready for direct tiling. The result: Uponor Siccus 16 – and an installation company in the Amsterdam region. It did not take long for the system to be put in place in Marinde’s kitchen, perfectly aligned with the adjacent 35 mm wooden floorboards, marking the first time A1 Montage installed the dry-fit system, supplied by GF Building Flow Solutions’ partner Nathan, in the Benelux region.
Minimal space, maximum performance
The apartment, built in 1915, is located on the second floor of a listed five-storey building overlooking the Plantage Muidergracht canal. The kitchen was to be refurbished, and the old radiator removed. The challenge: just 20 mm of space between the subfloor and the tiles. This is where Uponor Siccus 16 plays to its strengths. The panel is only 20 mm thick, ultra-lightweight, includes insulation, and can be tiled directly thanks to its high compressive strength.
Renovation made clean and easy
“This system is perfect for refurbishment projects,” says Hans Steenbeek. “It installs quickly and requires no wet screed, heavy machines or noisy milling work. Our fitters can lay it directly on the existing floor, even on timber beam ceilings.” The aluminium surface ensures even heat distribution, and the pipes are positioned just below the surface for rapid heat transfer. Uponor Siccus 16 can be connected to both heat pumps and traditional heating systems.
A smart solution for old buildings and installers
Another major advantage is the system’s low weight. “Especially in older buildings with steep and narrow staircases, that’s a real advantage,” Steenbeek points out. “The panels are light and easy to carry – and there’s no messy milling dust or construction debris.”
Move in, feel good, enjoy.
Marinde and her partner Rens have since moved in with their dog Juca – and are very happy with the result. “The heating works great, and the new tiles go perfectly with our wooden floor,” says Marinde. Since the apartment is part of a listed urban area, it remains classified as Energy Label C due to local building regulations, even after the renovation. The couple is now looking forward to their first summer in the modernized home.
Advantages of Uponor Siccus 16 – the dry-fit underfloor heating system
- Panel thickness: 20 mm
- Total system height: 28 to 36 mm
- Approx. 3 kg per square meter
- Can be installed directly on existing floors, including timber beam ceilings
- Dry installation, ready for immediate covering with laminate, vinyl, parquet or tiles
- One-person installation – no milling, no heavy equipment
- High heat output with 150 mm pipe spacing
- Even heat distribution via aluminum surface
- Pipes close to surface for fast heat response
- Featuring Uponor Quick & Easy connection technology
- Tried and tested Uponor quality and service