Hello everyone,
We have a question regarding the “floor construction” for the renovation/adaptation of one or two adjoining old livestock barns into residential use. Here is a brief explanation:
Both barns together are about 230 sqm (2,475 sq ft) in size, currently with a concrete floor (thickness unknown, estimated around 40 cm (16 inches)), partially featuring manure pits (on the left and right about 1 m (3 ft) wide, 10 m (33 ft) long, and 1.50 m (5 ft) deep). The plan is to convert the entire space into a house with underfloor heating. Of course, we still have many questions, but this thread is focused on the floor construction.
How deep does the existing floor need to be removed?
What is the best approach for insulation (especially along the interior walls)?
What should the new layers consist of (up to the screed or laminate/parquet flooring)?
What rough costs can be expected?
What else should be considered?
We look forward to your answers!
Thank you very much.
Best regards
We have a question regarding the “floor construction” for the renovation/adaptation of one or two adjoining old livestock barns into residential use. Here is a brief explanation:
Both barns together are about 230 sqm (2,475 sq ft) in size, currently with a concrete floor (thickness unknown, estimated around 40 cm (16 inches)), partially featuring manure pits (on the left and right about 1 m (3 ft) wide, 10 m (33 ft) long, and 1.50 m (5 ft) deep). The plan is to convert the entire space into a house with underfloor heating. Of course, we still have many questions, but this thread is focused on the floor construction.
How deep does the existing floor need to be removed?
What is the best approach for insulation (especially along the interior walls)?
What should the new layers consist of (up to the screed or laminate/parquet flooring)?
What rough costs can be expected?
What else should be considered?
We look forward to your answers!
Thank you very much.
Best regards
This change of use requires a building permit/planning permission. For this reason, and also to address the complex structural and building physics challenges associated with such a conversion, I strongly recommend working from the very beginning with an experienced architect familiar with older buildings. A successful and manageable renovation in these structural contexts definitely requires a detailed and substantial survey that documents the current condition of the building and, most importantly, identifies any damage that must be permanently repaired before renovation and modernization of the building components can take place. One example is the salt contamination of the stables — masonry and floors — caused by the breakdown products of animal waste — keyword slurry pit. Solutions and advice found on internet forums will not be sufficient. The renovation project must be approached holistically, considering all building elements; this also includes an energy concept for insulation and heating.
Perhaps I should have mentioned this:
Of course, we have an architect who specializes in such projects (quite common in our area) supporting us from the very beginning. The building permit / planning permission application has already been submitted, and during a meeting between the building authority and the architect, a building approval was promised within a foreseeable timeframe. Additionally, a building surveyor has already visited the site, inspected everything, and found no issues. Some initial tradespeople have also been onsite and raised no concerns. We will also arrange an appointment with an energy consultant shortly.
Naturally, our architect knows exactly how the floor structure will be built, but since we are laypeople and have relatively little expertise in this area, we wanted to read up here on the forum and benefit from the experiences of other home builders. We want to get everything right from the start, so we’re interested in different opinions on all aspects.
I hope I have explained this clearly enough and that you now understand what we mean.
Of course, we have an architect who specializes in such projects (quite common in our area) supporting us from the very beginning. The building permit / planning permission application has already been submitted, and during a meeting between the building authority and the architect, a building approval was promised within a foreseeable timeframe. Additionally, a building surveyor has already visited the site, inspected everything, and found no issues. Some initial tradespeople have also been onsite and raised no concerns. We will also arrange an appointment with an energy consultant shortly.
Naturally, our architect knows exactly how the floor structure will be built, but since we are laypeople and have relatively little expertise in this area, we wanted to read up here on the forum and benefit from the experiences of other home builders. We want to get everything right from the start, so we’re interested in different opinions on all aspects.
I hope I have explained this clearly enough and that you now understand what we mean.
Normally, from top to bottom:
- approximately 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) floor covering (covering plus impact sound insulation, mat, or adhesive)
- approximately 6.5 cm (2.6 inches) screed (the screed layer should not be less than 5 cm (2 inches). The aluminum composite pipes for underfloor heating usually have a diameter of 14–16 mm (0.55–0.63 inches))
- approximately 3 cm (1.2 inches) aluminum foil-faced floor insulation for stapling or studded panels (also available in other thicknesses)
- for example, 6 cm (2.4 inches) compressive thermal insulation (this can be varied depending on requirements or preferences)
Total in this case: 17 cm (6.7 inches).
- approximately 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) floor covering (covering plus impact sound insulation, mat, or adhesive)
- approximately 6.5 cm (2.6 inches) screed (the screed layer should not be less than 5 cm (2 inches). The aluminum composite pipes for underfloor heating usually have a diameter of 14–16 mm (0.55–0.63 inches))
- approximately 3 cm (1.2 inches) aluminum foil-faced floor insulation for stapling or studded panels (also available in other thicknesses)
- for example, 6 cm (2.4 inches) compressive thermal insulation (this can be varied depending on requirements or preferences)
Total in this case: 17 cm (6.7 inches).
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