Are there still these window recesses in new buildings?
No. I also seem to remember that they are bricked up when a house is modernized, meaning rather renovated with underfloor heating etc.
We would rather not lay (have laid) a screed in any form. We are afraid that the underfloor heating has a leak and something will have to be replaced in 10 years because of it.
I can't quite believe that "argument" either. What about running water? Or the electrical cable that could be drilled into and only after years might cause the house to burn down? Do you want everything installed openly on the surface? Some fears are irrational and hard to understand.
Because in the end a leak would only be an insurance claim and a good opportunity to change your flooring again.