Project team
- Heat Pump Installation & RepairATL Automation
Product Suppliers
Ducted heat pump installation for two identical new-build homes
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.
- Completed
- 2026
- Building style
- Modern
- Client
- Residential Property Developer
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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