Wirenuts,
Alan's system isn't as complicated as it looks. The timers and thermostats are standard devices over here (Alan's location is given as France, but I see some U.K. parts in there too) and everybody is used to using them. Most people wouldn't worry about the rest of it as long as the heat comes on when they need it!
Plumbing wise, with underfloor heating becoming more and more popular, that sort of arrangement is not unusual these days. It's built up from several standard setups and any decent plumber and electrician would be able to maintain and repair it. It being neatly laid out and accessible like that would be considered a luxury, that sort of thing is usually hidden in a dark, cramped hole somewhere.
