Turning Up the Heat: Radiant Ceilings Defy Europe’s Economic Chill
The European market for Radiant Ceilings in the seven key markets—Benelux, France, Germany, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom—recorded a slight decline of -0,7% in unit sales in 2024, according to the new IC Market Tracking Radiant Ceilings study published by Interconnection Consulting. This downturn was mainly driven by the weak performance of…
Turning Up the Heat: Radiant Ceilings Defy Europe’s Economic Chill
The European market for Radiant Ceilings in the seven key markets—Benelux, France, Germany, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom—recorded a slight decline of -0,7% in unit sales in 2024, according to the new IC Market Tracking Radiant Ceilings study published by Interconnection Consulting. This downturn was mainly driven by the weak performance of the construction industry and the prevailing economic uncertainty across Europe. Nevertheless, the market value still rose by +1,8% thanks to continued price increases.
Despite the current setback, growth is projected to resume from 2025 onward, with unit sales expected to rise by +2,0% annually, supported by the growing popularity of Radiant Ceilings in the construction sector and reinforced by new EU sustainability regulations that are driving demand.
Among the analyzed countries, France, Germany, and the UK represent the largest markets. France managed to defy the negative trend with a modest growth of +0,2% in unit sales in 2024, supported by government incentives that promote the adoption of energy-efficient solutions. Germany, by contrast, recorded its second consecutive year of decline as the national economy remains under pressure and construction projects stagnate. However, recovery is expected in 2025 as architects increasingly embrace Radiant Ceilings. Meanwhile, the UK stood out with a +2,5% increase in 2024, thanks to successful marketing campaigns targeting decision makers and stronger construction activity compared to continental Europe.
In terms of product mix, metal continues to dominate with a market share of 34,6% in 2024. Offices remain the primary application area, accounting for 45,3% of installations, although the commercial sector is expected to gain share in the coming years as numerous projects are rolled out across Europe.
The industry remains fragmented. The fifteen leading producers—Arbonia, Barcol Air, Carlieuklima, Ecopan, Fraccaro, Frenger, Itula, Lindner, Mark, Sabiana, Sunline, Swegon, Systemen, Uponor, and Zehnder—listed in alphabetical order, control 52,5% of the analyzed markets, while local producers continue to play a decisive role at the national level.
“The market for Radiant Ceilings is entering a phase of renewed growth. Sustainability regulations, rising energy prices, and growing awareness among architects are setting the stage for strong momentum. By 2028, the market value is forecast to reach EUR 486.6 million,” said Rubén Rodríguez, Market Analyst at Interconnection Consulting.
[^]The 2025 online mystery shopping study by Interconnection Consulting highlights a paradox in the German prefabricated house industry: manufacturers are responding faster to inquiries, yet the quality of their responses has declined. A comprehensive analysis of 85 prefabricated house manufacturers,…
The 2025 online mystery shopping study by Interconnection Consulting highlights a paradox in the German prefabricated house industry: manufacturers are responding faster to inquiries, yet the quality of their responses has declined. A comprehensive analysis of 85 prefabricated house manufacturers, conducted between June and July 2025, shows that 60.0% of companies responded within 24 hours compared to 48.4% in 2023, with the average response time falling from 2.9 to 2.7 working days.
“Companies are clearly investing in faster response systems” noted Allison Carranza, author of the study, “however, speed without substance creates a hollow customer experience.” Despite this progress, the quality of responses is falling short. Only 23.5% of manufacturers addressed all four questions in the inquiry, while 28.2% failed to provide relevant answers altogether. The evaluation covered energy efficiency information, financing options, viewing opportunities, and delivery timeframes.
Information-sharing methods also shifted, with fewer manufacturers sending catalogues or PDFs and more suggesting follow-up conversations, reflecting a move away from providing comprehensive information upfront. At the same time, digital communication remains limited, as many manufacturers continue to prefer telephone conversations and personal meetings, while video meeting offers declined significantly.
Industry Performance and Market Implications
Among the best performers, Keitel Haus achieved the highest overall ranking with strong results across all categories, while Kampa, FingerHaus, and Regnauer also stood out for responsiveness and quality. Huf Haus and Fischer earned recognition for their competence and customer orientation. Nevertheless, areas for improvement are evident: fixed-price guarantees were rarely mentioned, information on KfW funding opportunities was provided by only a handful of companies, and nearly 70% of inquiries received no follow-up at all. “The results reveal an industry in transition” explained Carranza. “While manufacturers are becoming more responsive, they struggle to balance speed with substance”. The findings underscore the importance of digital customer service and structured communication processes in a market where over 94% of consumers rely on the internet as their main source of information.
About the Study
The IC Online Mystery Shopping study for prefabricated houses in Germany provides essential insights for effective sales strategies in this highly competitive market. It analyses both quantitative metrics and qualitative customer service elements to deliver comprehensive market intelligence.
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