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To Truly Support A Workspace, A Floor Has To Do More Than Just Sit There.

Developers, building owners and architects face a complex challenge: build buildings that are not only pleasing aesthetically, but also are efficient, flexible and smart. Designers and builders must create structures that can be constructed economically, operate efficiently and be ready to change at a moment’s notice.

Distributing air through the floor can go a long way toward accomplishing those objectives. As raised access floors become a preferred means of delivering voice, data and power, developers recognize the added value those floors can provide as a means of air distribution. Underfloor air technology can improve indoor environmental quality, reduce construction and operating costs, and boost productivity by giving occupants greater control over their environment and their comfort.

How It’s Different: Overhead vs. Underfloor Air Systems

In a conventional system, conditioned air is introduced from or near the ceiling and mixed completely with room air to avoid drafts. Complete mixing of the supply and room air creates near-uniform temperatures throughout the space.

Underfloor Air Systems

With an underfloor system, the cavity created by the installation of the raised access floor is used simply as a supply air plenum. Conditioned air is introduced to the occupied space through floor outlets. The floor outlets, or “diffusers”, are designed to rapidly mix the conditioned air with the room air. The new air rises as it warms, carrying heat and pollutants directly to the return air vents at the ceiling.

Return Air

Contaminants

Conditioned Air

Contaminants

Diffuser

Conditioned Air

Return Air

The Advantages.

The design objective for underfloor air systems is simple: achieve the optimal temperature and air quality in the occupied space, allow for easy reconfiguration of the air delivery system, and reduce operating expenses.

Faster, Cost Effective Construction

Overall cost per square foot for an access floor-based system may be as much as two dollars less than conventional construction.The life cycle cost of savings associated with the reduction of churn costs can often pay back the initial investment in a raised flooring system within a few years.

Lower Energy Costs

Aside from reducing the costs of the HVAC system and subsequent building maintenance, underfloor air systems also use energy much more efficiently than conventional systems.

Flexibility to Accommodate Churn

The International Facility Management Association estimates the average annual churn rate in office building is 41% or more. Associated costs are about $32 billion per year. Much of that is due to the inflexibility of conventional construction, where ductwork alterations, electrical rewiring and downtime can cause the costs of workplace change to skyrocket.

Better Indoor Air Quality

Studies have shown that improved indoor air quality can mean lower absenteeism and higher productivity. Concentrations of carbon dioxide, airborne bacteria and off-gassing contaminates in spaces served by underfloor air systems are typically much lower than those served by overhead systems.

For more details on how raised access floors from ReSource Arizona could be the cost effective solution for your building, click here or contact us directly.