WerkHaus
is built on an exposed concrete slab that is fitted with radiant hydronic tubing.
Keeping with the multi-functional design theme, the sauna woodstove not only
heats air, but also heats water that flows through a compartment attached to
the stove. The hot water runs through the tubing in the concrete floor, heating
the concrete and equipping the structure with a second heating method. Since
car work requires Philip to lie on the floor underneath cars, the warm concrete
provides a bit of luxury to this otherwise uncomfortable task. The propensity
of concrete to store heat for a long period of time allows Philip to save money
and energy by not burning large quantities of wood. Wood is a renewable fuel
source and is less harsh on the environment than other oil-derived fuels. Facilitating
energy conservation, hot water for the radiant system is stored in a tank in
loft to be utilized when the woodstove is not in use.