The specification was the result of the project team’s desire to reduce sound transmission between the different levels of the building, while taking advantage of the excellent heat delivery and other physical performance characteristics for which TorFloor has become renowned over the years. In common with the standard system, the RdB version is an ideal means of deriving optimum performance from heat pumps or, as in this case, a high performance gas boiler. TorFloor RdB is a dry install where the panel doubles as the structural decking. It also now forms part of OMNIE’s LayFast product offering: speeding installation time and offering the potential for overall project cost reductions. Furthermore for retrofit situations, combining the structural deck and heating system into a single panel can save precious head height where floor-to-floor dimensions are restricted.
Originally built by the architect, Robert Cantwell in 1828, the property once served as a convent and is thought to have been partly rebuilt following a fire. The latest intervention has seen the fabric of the building renovated and the accommodation updated to create a kitchen, utility and plant room, as well as a gymnasium on the lower ground floor, while a dining room, bar and library are at ground level. The first floor features a family bathroom and two bedrooms – one en-suite – while the top floor is given over to a master bedroom suite: with dressing room and luxury bathroom. Throughout the living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and landing areas, the heat from the 65 kW Worcester Bosch condensing boiler is delivered via OMNIE UFH systems, though on the lower ground floor use was made of the manufacturer’s Staple system: set in a screeded finish.
While the lower ground floor Staple system consumed some 630 metres of 16mm diameter pipe at 150mm centres, the TorFloor RdB panels spanning the joists on the three floors above consumed a further 1,680 metres of 12mm diameter pipe, generating room temperatures from 19-220 Centigrade. To connect the various zones and room layouts, OMNIE also supplied a series of four manifolds with six, eight, nine and 11 ports. The make-up of the TorFloor RdB panel differs from its standard counterpart in having two additional layers on the underside with an extra layer of chipboard separated from the upper panel, featuring its multi-directional pipe channels, by sound damping strips. This results in an overall depth of 39mm (before the 6mm plywood overlay is secured in position) and acts to counter vibration while attenuating both airborne and impact sound transmission.
A spokesperson for the project team commented: “This residential refurbishment contract on a period property raised many of the problems encountered by architects and heating installers across the country. Specifying the OMNIE TorFloor RdB system for the three floors above lower ground offered us an easy to install solution with several combined benefits – including the control of sound transmission and avoiding the installation of a separate structural deck. It is a system we would employ again.”
OMNIE offers a full technical advisory service to assist clients through all the stages of product selection, distribution and installation, while its website and 2018 Product Guide give details on the LayFast, UltraLow and TileOver technology categories.
