US-based furniture designer, manufacturer and distributor Maria Yee, Inc. has opened a new manufacturing campus in Hunan, which is said to be the first plant in China to exclusively employ energy-efficient hydronic radiant heating. The hydronic system circulates water heated by low-emission boilers through a series of pipes, thus eliminating the exhaust associated with forced-air heating systems and requiring significantly less energy to heat the 350,000 square-foot factory.

The Hunan campus is also one of the first in China equipped to handle water-based finishes. Maria Yee's finishing technique involves an eco-friendly, proprietary multi-step process, which is said to reduce the amount of harmful volatile organic compounds released into the atmosphere. The water-based finish reveals a matte sheen, a welcome contemporary aesthetic over traditional glossy finishes and lacquers.

The facility also maximises a series of expansive skylights which provide enough natural luminescence to eliminate the need for electrical lighting throughout the day, even when the weather is overcast, thus conserving 43% of the energy it would normally consume using electrical lighting.

Commenting on the new plant, CEO Peter Yee, said, "A truly green product is not merely the outcome of its raw materials. It undergoes a complete process guided by daily environmental principles." He added, "Employing hydronic radiant heating on such a large scale and innovatively using natural light in lieu of man-made power is part of our ongoing commitment to minimise the impact on Earth to create EcoLuxury."  

Headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, with manufacturing campuses in China, Maria Yee distributes leather, bamboo and solid hardwood furniture and home accessories.