Paparoa Street by ATL Automation

Ducted heat pump install

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Working alongside a Christchurch residential developer, ATL delivered identical Rinnai ducted heat pump systems for two newly built two-storey homes, providing discreet, energy-efficient heating and cooling with a clean architectural finish.

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Residential New Build | Ducted Heat Pump | Christchurch

Working alongside a respected Christchurch developer, ATL delivered identical ducted heat pump installations for two newly built two-storey homes. Following a referral from Rinnai, the project required a high-quality, repeatable solution that complemented the clean architectural design of each property.

Designed to deliver discreet, whole-home comfort, each system was carefully planned and integrated into the build while maintaining the clean architectural aesthetic of the homes. Working alongside the builder and HVAC design specialists, our team completed the installation, commissioning and balancing of both systems, ensuring each home received the same high-quality finish and consistent performance.

The completed homes now benefit from quiet, energy-efficient heating and cooling that provides year-round comfort while remaining almost invisible within the finished interiors.

The Brief

As the homes shared the same floor plan, the goal was to create a repeatable ducted system design that could be installed consistently across both properties without compromising performance or aesthetics.

To achieve this, the system needed to:

Provide efficient year-round heating and cooling.
Remain largely hidden from view, preserving the home's architectural design.
Deliver balanced airflow and consistent temperatures throughout the upper floor.
Operate quietly with minimal visual impact inside the living spaces.
Utilise the same engineered design and product specification across both homes for installation consistency and long-term reliability.

Each home's ducted system was designed to provide balanced airflow and climate control to the upper-floor living spaces, including:

Master Bedroom
Master Walk in Wardrobe
Bedroom 2
Bedroom 3
Bedroom 4

The Solution

ATL delivered the installation, commissioning and balancing of the Rinnai ducted heat pump systems for both homes. Working closely with the builder throughout construction, our team ensured each installation was completed to the same high standard, delivering consistent performance and a seamless finish across both properties.

Smart Airflow Design

One of the most important stages of any ducted installation happens long before the plasterboard is installed.

Every ducted system starts with a detailed HVAC design. For this project, ATL worked alongside The HVAC Shop, who completed the engineered airflow design and supplied the ducting components. Working from these detailed calculations, our team installed, commissioned and balanced each system to deliver the intended performance.

The design included:

Room-by-room heating and cooling loads
Airflow calculations
Duct sizing
Supply grille placement
Air balancing requirements

Rather than simply dividing airflow equally, this design process ensures each space receives the correct volume of air for balanced comfort throughout the upper floor.

Installed During Construction

To achieve a clean, hidden finish, much of the installation took place while the homes were still under construction.

Working alongside the builder, our team installed the indoor unit, ductwork and ceiling grilles before the plasterboard was fitted, allowing the system to be fully concealed within the roof space while providing easy access for commissioning and testing before handover.

Working Around the Structure

As with many new builds, the biggest challenge wasn't the equipment—it was the building itself.

Timber framing and roof trusses meant some ceiling grille locations needed to be adjusted during construction to work around the home's structure while still maintaining the designed airflow.

By coordinating with the builder during framing, our installers were able to reposition outlets where required without compromising performance or the home's finished appearance.

Clean, Minimal Finish

With the installation complete, the ducted heat pump system integrates seamlessly into the home's modern interior. Visible components are kept to a minimum, with only the supply outlets, two return air grilles and the wall-mounted controller on display—allowing the heating and cooling system to remain largely hidden while delivering exceptional comfort.

To complement the interior design, ATL combined two outlet styles throughout the home. Slim linear grilles were selected for the master suite and walk-in wardrobe, providing a refined architectural finish, while round ceiling diffusers were used in the remaining bedrooms to deliver quiet, balanced airflow. In total, six supply outlets were carefully positioned to ensure consistent comfort across the upper floor.

The system also incorporates two centrally positioned return air grilles, helping maintain balanced airflow and efficient circulation throughout the upper floor.

The finished installation provides:

Discreet, architecturally sympathetic design
Clean, uncluttered walls and living spaces
Quiet, energy-efficient operation
Balanced airflow and consistent comfort throughout the upper floor

The Rinnai outdoor unit was positioned neatly alongside the home's hydronic underfloor heating unit, creating a tidy and practical services area that maintains the property's clean exterior appearance while allowing easy access for future servicing and maintenance.

Why Choose a Ducted Heat Pump?

For homeowners seeking discreet, whole-home comfort, a ducted heat pump is one of the most effective heating and cooling solutions available. Unlike traditional high wall units, a ducted system is concealed within the ceiling space, distributing conditioned air evenly through subtle ceiling grilles to create a comfortable, consistent temperature in multiple rooms throughout the home.

Ducted systems are particularly well suited to new builds, where they can be designed alongside the home's layout to maximise efficiency, airflow and aesthetics. With quiet operation and a clean, uncluttered finish, they provide year-round comfort without compromising your interior design.

Benefits of a Ducted Heat Pump

Whole-home heating and cooling from a single system
Hidden installation with only discreet ceiling grilles visible
Quiet, energy-efficient operation
Balanced airflow and consistent temperatures between rooms
Simple control with a modern wall-mounted controller
Ideal for new builds and major renovations
Improved comfort without multiple wall-mounted indoor units

Considering a ducted heat pump for your new build or renovation? Learn more about how ducted systems work, their benefits and available options on our Ducted Heat Pumps page.

Project Snapshot

Location : Christchurch

Client : Residential Property Developer

Project : Two-storey residential development (2 identical homes)

Services Provided

Ducted Heat Pump Installation
Commissioning
Airflow Balancing
Builder Coordination

Planning a New Build?

If you're building a new home, the framing stage is the ideal time to design a ducted heating and cooling system.

Our HVAC specialists can work with your builder to create a solution that's efficient, discreet and perfectly matched to your home.

Talk to ATL about a ducted heat pump for your new build.

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“We have worked with Automated Technologies for nearly 10 years. They have been our Electrical and Mechanical Sub-Contractor on most of our major Christchurch and Rangiora projects, as well as our go to Electricians for our smaller jobs. During this time they have been fantastic to deal with. Their response time is excellent and the quality is AA+. They have a can do attitude and work with us if any unexpected issues arise. I would highly recommend them.”

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