ᐅ Is a High Ceiling Height Possible with Mechanical Ventilation Systems?

Created on: 3 Mar 2016 11:23

For our single-family home, we would like high ceilings (270cm (106 inches)). However, I would also like to have a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery installed. I was just informed that with such a ventilation system, I either need to lower the ceiling by 15-20cm (6-8 inches) or integrate the ventilation system into the concrete slab ceiling.

If we lower the ceiling by 20cm (8 inches) and still want a ceiling height of 270cm (106 inches), we would have to plan for higher ceilings from the start. Due to the development plan restrictions (maximum external wall height 450cm (177 inches)), this would result in a very small knee wall on the first floor.

If the ventilation system is integrated into the concrete slab ceiling, I can no longer lower the ceiling and would have to plan the recessed lights (spots) within the ceiling as well.

I’m not very fond of that idea. Are there any other options for mechanical ventilation with heat recovery?

Sebastian793 Mar 2016 11:40

It is often done, but there are structural contractors who don’t like it – the structural engineer just has to check if it is executed correctly. However, this is considered too inconvenient by the structural contractors because it causes waiting times for the concrete work.

Jochen1043 Mar 2016 11:43

I would prefer to have a discussion with the structural builder and address the issue rather than give up on approximately 10cm (4 inches) of knee wall height in the upper floor under the given conditions (450cm (177 inches) exterior wall height and 270cm (106 inches) interior height on the ground floor).

nordanney3 Mar 2016 11:45

McEgg schrieb:
Oh man, you’re right. I hadn’t thought of that. ops:
So, plan the mechanical ventilation system inside the concrete ceiling, hang a standard suspended ceiling below it, and extend the outlets so they end up in the suspended ceiling.
Is installing the mechanical ventilation inside the concrete ceiling a common and standard practice, or is it so unusual and complicated that it becomes expensive?

It’s nothing special. Some people also install flat ducts on the ceiling, which is another option.
What is unusual, however, is adding a suspended ceiling afterwards, since there’s no real reason for it (unless you just want to spend extra money).

Sebastian793 Mar 2016 11:53

#10

Or you might want a somewhat different lighting installation

McEgg3 Mar 2016 11:54

#11

I can’t yet imagine how recessed lights are installed in a concrete ceiling. That would require drilling holes in the concrete. And how does that work with the wiring?
Also, once installed, the positions of the lights are fixed permanently.
So, at the moment, I’m still considering suspended ceilings.
However, when the time comes to start detailed planning, I will need to discuss this with the builder or contractor.
For now, I was just trying to understand how the mechanical ventilation system could work.

Jochen1043 Mar 2016 12:15

#12

McEgg schrieb:
I still can’t imagine how recessed lights are installed in a concrete ceiling. That would require holes in the concrete. And what about the cables?

There are special housings that are mounted onto the ceiling panels before the concrete is poured. The cables are usually installed in the ceiling before pouring the concrete as well. Later on, you won’t see any of it.

McEgg schrieb:
Also, I’m worried that I’ll be permanently fixed to the positions of the lights.

No. If you want a different layout of the recessed lights in 40 years, you can still install a suspended ceiling. But I wouldn’t bother with that now.
Once the holes for the lights in a suspended ceiling are drilled, relocating the lights involves a lot of effort as well.

ᐅ Is a High Ceiling Height Possible with Mechanical Ventilation Systems?

Reaktionen