Herschel Infrared contributes to BBC’s DIY SOS: The Big Build – A Home for Nathan

A life-changing transformation from DIY SOS

Herschel Infrared was delighted to support another incredible project for BBC One’s DIY SOS: The Big Build, donating its UK-manufactured Comfort infrared heating panels to help in the transformation of a family home in Bewdley, Worcestershire.

The project focused on creating a safer, more accessible and comfortable living environment for 11 year old Nathan, who lives with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Nathan experiences severe, drug-resistant epilepsy, with unpredictable seizures occurring throughout the day and night, meaning he requires constant supervision and care.

With Nathan becoming increasingly dependent on specialist care and mobility support, the family needed a home that could better accommodate his needs, both now and in the future.

Why ceiling-mounted infrared heating was the ideal solution

Over just nine days, the DIY SOS team, together with a fantastic group of volunteers, tradespeople and suppliers, came together to deliver a remarkable transformation.

One of the important considerations for Nathan’s new bedroom was the heating system. Due to the unpredictable nature of his seizures, Nathan is at risk of collapsing without warning. Traditional wall-mounted radiators presented a potential injury hazard, while his tendency to pull objects from walls meant that keeping the room free from accessible heating appliances was particularly important.

Ceiling-mounted infrared heating offered an ideal alternative, providing comfortable warmth that is out of reach and does not occupy valuable wall or floor space.

Herschel supplied two 600W Comfort infrared heating panels, and one 420W Comfort panel heater, which were securely installed on the bedroom ceiling and lobby area, positioning the heaters out of Nathan’s normal reach. Unlike conventional radiators, infrared panels deliver radiant warmth directly to people and surfaces rather than relying primarily on heating circulating air. When ceiling-mounted, they provide a comfortable spread of warmth from above, helping create a welcoming environment without the need for bulky radiators.

Importantly for Nathan, this solution also keeps the walls clear, reduces the risk of accidental contact with hot heating surfaces and provides greater flexibility for specialist equipment, furniture and the bedroom’s integrated hoist system.

The slimline white panels blend discreetly into the ceiling, complementing the new bedroom without drawing attention away from the room’s carefully considered design.

Quick, straightforward installation

With the entire DIY SOS transformation taking place in just nine days, ease and speed of installation were essential.

Herschel’s Comfort infrared panels are designed for straightforward professional installation, using a single central mounting bracket for secure wall or ceiling fitting. The panels require no pipework, radiators or plumbing connections, making them a practical option for renovation projects where installation time and disruption need to be minimised.

The heating is controlled using a Herschel iQ MD2 thermostat, allowing the temperature to be regulated and heating schedules programmed to suit the family’s daily routine.

Proud to be part of another DIY SOS transformation

Herschel has been fortunate to support a number of other DIY SOS projects, and the Bewdley transformation was another opportunity to contribute to a hugely worthwhile cause.

With every aspect of the renovation thoughtfully planned around Nathan’s needs, the choice of heating was more than simply keeping the room warm. It was about creating an environment that was practical, comfortable and better suited to the challenges faced by Nathan and his family.

The ceiling-mounted Comfort panels demonstrate how infrared heating can provide a valuable alternative to conventional radiators, particularly in homes where accessibility, available space and the positioning of heating appliances are important considerations.

Herschel is incredibly proud to have played a small part in this extraordinary project and support the work carried out by the DIY SOS team and the many volunteers and businesses whose generosity helped make the transformation possible.

Watch the full episode on BBC One and BBC iPlayer: DIY SOS The Big Build – A Home for Nathan

Contact our team to find out more about our UK manufactured Comfort infrared panel heaters and how infrared can bring comfortable warmth into your home.

Discover the other inspirational DIY SOS projects that the Herschel team has contributed towards here.