Challenge
Thermal conditioning of massive space-defining elements such as floors and walls can improve the room climate. In winter, a water-conducting pipe system embedded in the concrete acts as a low-temperature heating system, and in summer it helps moderate room temperatures as a cooling system. As this method of thermal conditioning is not in direct contact with the room air, it cannot be used with raised floors and suspended ceilings. So how can a wide-span ceiling be thermally activated?
Invention
The RES-Hollow Ceiling II consists of two concrete slabs held at a distance from each other by a multitude of connectors, creating a continuous hollow space. On summer nights, this space can be filled with outside air to cool the building down. The slabs themselves can also be thermally activated, as previously explained.
Advantages
- Composite technique for wide-span ceilings
- Thermally active masses are exposed to the room air
- No need for raised floors and suspended ceilings
- Improved fire protection
Applications
- Cast on-site concrete as well as prefabricated concrete elements
- Wide-span ceilings for multistorey buildings