From Cold Concrete to Cozy Comfort: A Modern Basement Transformation in Washington, D.C.

Kube Architecture faced a common challenge with this 210 sq. ft. modern D.C. basement: a cold, unwelcoming concrete slab. To transform the space into a truly comfortable living area, they installed a WarmlyYours electric floor heating system. This addition turned the cold tile and stone floor into a consistent, gentle source of radiant warmth, adding significant comfort, efficiency, and value to the home.

Project Details

Location: Washington, D.C.
Heated Space Type: Basement
Square Footage: 210 sq. ft.
System Output: 3168 Watts, 240 Volts, 13.2 Amps
Operating Cost: ~$0.73 per hour
Products Used: TempZone™ Flex Roll, CeraZorb® Underlayment, nSpire Touch Thermostat

A Foundation of Warmth for a Modern Design

When Kube Architecture designed this stunning modern basement, they knew their flooring choice—elegant tile, marble, or stone—had a significant drawback: it gets uncomfortably cold, especially over a concrete slab. Basements are notoriously chilly, and a cold floor would make the space unusable for much of the year. The challenge was to introduce an effective heating solution without compromising the clean, modern aesthetic.

The perfect solution was electric radiant floor heating from WarmlyYours. The team installed TempZone™ Flex Rolls, which are easily cut and turned to fit the custom layout of the room. To maximize energy efficiency and performance over the existing concrete, CeraZorb® insulating underlayment was laid down first. This critical step provides a thermal break, ensuring that the heat radiates upward into the room, not downward into the slab, which speeds up heating times and reduces energy waste.

The result is a complete transformation. The once-cold stone floor is now a consistent, gentle source of luxurious warmth. The entire basement feels cozier and more inviting, all controlled by a sleek, programmable nSpire Touch thermostat. This in-floor heating system turned a potential design flaw into a high-end feature, making the basement a truly functional and comfortable part of the home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to run electric floor heating in a Washington, D.C basement?

The cost varies by size and local electricity rates. This 210 sq. ft. project in Washington, D.C., costs about $0.73 per hour to run. A smaller 100 sq. ft. basement in the same area would cost roughly half that, making it a very affordable luxury.

2. Can radiant floor heating be the only heat source in a basement?

Yes, in many cases. This system was designed for "Full" coverage at 15 watts per sq. ft., which is often powerful enough to be the primary or sole source of heat in a well-insulated space, especially when paired with an insulating underlayment like CeraZorb®.

3. What is the best flooring for TempZone™ heating over concrete?

Tile, marble, and stone—the materials used in this project—are perfect for radiant heating. They are excellent conductors and retain heat well, radiating it evenly into the room.

4. Is electric radiant floor heating energy efficient?

Yes. Radiant heating is very efficient because it heats objects and people directly, not the air, leading to less heat loss. By pairing the TempZone™ system with CeraZorb® insulation (to prevent heat loss into the concrete) and a programmable thermostat, this system optimizes energy use by heating only when and where it's needed.