[bldg-sim] Digest (09/12/2003 03:01) (#2003-62)

Mark,

There is also a product “Airfloor” which creates air plenum under a poured concrete floor.

The stamped sheet metal forms connect together creating a void under floor.

See product at:

http://www.sunearth.net/airfloor.html

I am not sure if the Airfloor Systems, Inc. is still in business as their website is not accessible.

Mark Zoeteman

Sustainable Engineering

(616) 765-3500

markzoeteman@xxxxxxxx

-----Original Message-----
From: postman@xxxxxxxx [mailto:postman@xxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Ian Theaker
Sent: Friday, September 12, 2003 11:50 AM
To: bldg-sim@xxxxxxxx
Subject: [bldg-sim] Digest (09/12/2003 03:01) (#2003-62)

Mark, Bldg-Simmers,

The UK's Building Research Establishment's "Office of the Future" is one Euro building that deliberately uses voids formed into precast concrete floor/ceiling panels to distribute & extract natural ventilation air, consciously activating their thermal mass. These proprietary panels were invented & seem to be most widely used in Scandinavia; they create an undulating ceiling with ~10' period peak to peak, with 'waves' ~2.5' deep. A flat floor is cast above, and air is driven by wind pressure between this floor slab and the lower ceiling formed by the precast panels. Their curving shape lend themselves very well to direct/indirect lighting fixtures suspended below the high points of the ceiling; for both nat vent & daylighting purposes, sections are oriented perpendicular to the exterior walls. The shapes tend to elicit that 'WOW' factor from architects....

As I say, these are a proprietary precast system, but the manufacturer's name escapes me at the moment. For more information, speak to Feilden Clegg Architects (London, UK?) or the BRE; David Lloyd Jones' book "Architecture & the Environment - Bioclimatic Building Design" has both lovely pictures & (hail Mary!) monitored energy performance #s (83 kWhe/sq.m-yr *total*!)

Hope this helps,
Ian G. Theaker, P.Eng.
Senior Energy Engineer

503.382.2266 OFFICE
503.382.2654 DIRECT
503.382.2262 FAX

Consultants of Choice to the Built Environment
www.interfaceengineering.com

-----Original Message-----
From: postman@xxxxxxxx [mailto:postman@xxxxxxxx]
Sent: Friday, September 12, 2003 12:02 AM
To: bldg-sim@xxxxxxxx
Subject: [bldg-sim] Digest (09/12/2003 03:01) (#2003-62)

(#2003-62) - Topics this issue:

1) Integrated air distribution system, <mcase@xxxxxxxxxx>

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Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2003 10:33:55 -0600
From: "Mark E. Case" <mcase@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Integrated air distribution system

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I'm looking for information on structurally integrated air distribution systems (for want of a better term). I seem to remember reference to a building that had the air distribution integrated into the floor slab at one of JE Braun's presentations on building mass thermal storage. The idea was to more effectively couple the air system with the building's thermal mass. I know some related work has been done with raised floor systems over concrete slabs but that's not really what I'm thinking of.

I opened my big mouth at a design concept meeting for a local green project, the architect thought WOW!, and now the engineer wants some references. Imagine that. Any references would be appreciated.

Mark E. Case, President
etc Group, Inc.
3481 South 2300 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84109
801-278-1927, 801-278-1942(F)