A Block and Beam oversite at our New Barn
Friday 2nd December 2011
Getting off to a great start at our new Barn with a Block and Beam floor from Floorspan
Concrete Beam and Block Floors
At the early stages of planning this project, we knew from experience that our three existing show houses were constructed with foundation brickwork above the site ground level. This was due to the fact that the whole area is on a flood plain, and despite the fact that it hadn’t been a problem for a considerable period of time, we knew our local Building Control would require it as part of the Building Regulation approval.
We also knew that we would be required to use a suspended beam and block floor instead of a traditional concrete oversite . With this method, concrete beams span the foundation walls, and the beams are infilled with concrete blocks to provide a stable suspended floor. The blocks are grouted prior to the erection of the timber frame, with the void beneath the floor adequately ventilated.
We had no hesitation in approaching Floorspan Contracts who are based in Wisbech. We knew Liam Dighton and his team have a well -run company and have worked with numerous Potton clients over the years: their experience and service would be invaluable to us and indeed to any potential self builder.
In recent years there has been a significant trend towards the use of beam and block floors, whether site conditions dictate them or not, and the way Floorspan deal with them is second to none. Each enquiry involves a detailed design process carried out on specially developed software. This optimises materials for the final layout and aids the site installation process. With this, clients will have a known cost before works start on site, there is a much reduced construction period as drying times are eliminated thus providing good potential savings over a “traditional oversite”
If you look back at our Barn update for September, you’ll see that in common with many construction projects, we found we needed to make a small design change during the build. As a result we needed to relocate an internal soil pipe to increase the utility room door opening size to comply with Lifetime Homes design guidelines. Thankfully it was relatively easy to accommodate – with a beam and block floor it was easy to breaed out one block, move the pipe and reinstate the block – something it would not have been possible to do with a concrete floor.
We see a beam and block floor as the perfect choice whatever the site conditions.
For all enquiries call Liam Dighton on 01945 476161 or e-mail liam.dighton@floorspan.co.uk
