Add On

The simple measured design defines the friendly personality of add-On more as an element of ductile and multiple furnishing than as a component of a system meant for heating a room. In its aesthetic expression as a whole it seems a fun object-sculpture of a recreational appearance, almost a puzzle or a base for Lego bricks, meant to be mounted as a “do-it-yourself”.
In reality, add-On is a synthesis of design and technology; it is the fruit of a clear far-sighted planning concept perfectioned by the competence of the Tubes trademark regarding heat.
The modular concept allows maximum flexibility in adaptation, expressed in a definite shape, square or rectangular, or in a free shape, based on the indications supplied by the company. Many are, therefore, the possibilities of composing it that leave space for heterogeneous creative solutions, fulfilling the heating requirements as well as the furnishing project.
add-On can characterise a wall, but, in a definite way, can also be part of a dividing element. This option is made possible thanks to a special support inside the wall that makes the radiator a really effective heating panel integrated into the internal structure, and represents one of the most innovative and unique aspects of the series.
The heart of the system is the 12x24 cm module, whose perfectioning required a few years of experimentation and underwent substantial modifications compared to the original prototype made of ceramic, a heating vehicle which is ideal for absorbing, maintaining and letting off heat in a constant manner. In the end, the project found an ally in aluminium that could better respond to the aims, guaranteeing fast heat exchange, the best precision in joining the modules and the lightness of the structure.
add-On is available in the hydraulic version and, in line with the orientation of the entire Tubes range, the hydraulic circuit is conceived to limit the use of water, which is greatly reduced compared to traditional radiating elements. As for the other lines of the Elements collection of which it is part, in the hydraulic version, the manual and balancing valve are separate from the heating element and are enclosed in a special inbuilt group, which can be put up to 6 m from the radiator, a particular which emphasizes the possibility of being a real furnishing element, which can be inserted in a residential context as well as in important contract projects.
Due to its highly innovative technical and formal characteristics, add-On received the Red Dot Design Award 2008.