Wentworth Hall, located within the prestigious Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water, required a reliable solution to maintain safe vehicle access to its shared underground parking facility throughout the year. The development comprises five luxury homes, with a 60-metre access ramp leading from the main road to the secure underground garage.

The objective was to eliminate the need for manual snow clearance and the use of salt during winter conditions, ensuring residents could access the development safely and conveniently in all weather conditions.

Challenge

The long access ramp presented a potential safety risk during periods of snow and ice, particularly given its gradient and frequent vehicle use. The solution needed to provide effective ice and snow protection while remaining robust enough to operate reliably within a high-end residential environment.

Solution

HDS designed and installed a bespoke ramp heating system incorporating 12 insulated outdoor heating mats. The system was configured to create two heated wheel tracks, each 1.2 metres wide, running the full length of the 60-metre ramp between the underground garage and the entrance gates.

The heating system was installed within a construction build-up consisting of a concrete and hardcore base, HDS outdoor heating mats, and a finished surface of 50 mm tarmac and block paving. Delivering a total output of 50.2 kW, the system provides reliable protection against ice and snow accumulation during winter months.

To maximise efficiency and minimise energy consumption, the installation is controlled by a fully automatic HDS ice and snow melting controller. Using integrated temperature and moisture sensors, the system activates only when required, ensuring responsive and efficient operation.

Results

The heated ramp system provides year-round access to the underground parking facility, helping to improve safety and convenience for residents. By automatically preventing the build-up of ice and snow, the solution removes the need for manual gritting and snow clearance while maintaining safe vehicle access throughout the winter season.

Project Details

Project: Ramp Heating System – Wentworth Hall, Virginia Water
Project Type: Ramp Heating Projects
Location: Virginia Water
System: HDS Triple Insulated Bespoke Outdoor Heating Mats
Construction: Concrete and hardcore base, HDS outdoor heating mats, 50 mm tarmac and block paving finish
Size: 60 m long ramp to underground parking area
Power: 50.2 kW