Personal Comfort
Tate's Underfloor Service Distribution System provides
an underfloor air solution that offers each employee individual control
over his/her environment. The air diffusers dispersed throughout the
floor can be opened and closed by the individual; thereby creating an
individual comfort zone.
Starting at the Bottom: Raised Access Flooring
Owner: SAP Americas
The McMorrow Sustainable Facilities Management Report, February 2011
Another benefit to raised access flooring is that diffusers located throughout the floor give employees individual control over their workspace temperature. "At SAP, about 82% of our space is open office," says Barrett. Employees appreciate being able to control their environment—as does the facilities team. "We don’t get all those constant phone calls," says Brian Barrett, Senior Project Manager, SAP Global Facilities.
Owner: SAP Americas
The McMorrow Sustainable Facilities Management Report, February 2011
Another benefit to raised access flooring is that diffusers located throughout the floor give employees individual control over their workspace temperature. "At SAP, about 82% of our space is open office," says Barrett. Employees appreciate being able to control their environment—as does the facilities team. "We don’t get all those constant phone calls," says Brian Barrett, Senior Project Manager, SAP Global Facilities.
Manitoba Hydro Place
GreenSource, April 2010
In winter, fresh air enters each winter garden through louvers in its south-facing, double-walled facade. Here the air is heated by the sun and humidified by the water features: 280 tensioned mylar ribbons that carry water from the ceiling to the floor. If necessary, air picks up additional heat from fan-coil units, then feeds the underfloor displacement-ventilation systems.....In the summer much of the process is reversed. Water running down the mylar ribbons is now chilled to the point that it can dehumidify fresh air entering the winter garden. If necessary, additional cooling may be added before the air enters the underfloor displacement-ventilation system.
GreenSource, April 2010
In winter, fresh air enters each winter garden through louvers in its south-facing, double-walled facade. Here the air is heated by the sun and humidified by the water features: 280 tensioned mylar ribbons that carry water from the ceiling to the floor. If necessary, air picks up additional heat from fan-coil units, then feeds the underfloor displacement-ventilation systems.....In the summer much of the process is reversed. Water running down the mylar ribbons is now chilled to the point that it can dehumidify fresh air entering the winter garden. If necessary, additional cooling may be added before the air enters the underfloor displacement-ventilation system.
A Higher Standard: The Christman Building
ED+C, June 2010
In addition to delivering anticipated utility savings of 25 percent, the underfloor air distribution system is providing 200 to 300 percent more ventilation to the breathing zone than required by ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004. The system creates a better work environment for building occupants. The air is pressurized under the floor, delivered to people where they're sitting, and then passed overhead to return air ducts in the ceiling. "As a result, the energy-efficient system makes for a healthier environment in which occupants have the ability to adjust the temperature within their workspaces for greater comfort," says Jeff Fedewa, project manager at The Christman Company.
ED+C, June 2010
In addition to delivering anticipated utility savings of 25 percent, the underfloor air distribution system is providing 200 to 300 percent more ventilation to the breathing zone than required by ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004. The system creates a better work environment for building occupants. The air is pressurized under the floor, delivered to people where they're sitting, and then passed overhead to return air ducts in the ceiling. "As a result, the energy-efficient system makes for a healthier environment in which occupants have the ability to adjust the temperature within their workspaces for greater comfort," says Jeff Fedewa, project manager at The Christman Company.
Greening the High Rise Office
Sweeny Sterling Finlayson & Company Architects Inc.,
SABMag, 2010
In the face of demographic changes, designing for human comfort in all its aspects is the best way for an organization to future-proof itself against the changing supply and demand equation for skilled workers. At Sweeny Sterling Finlayson & Co, we begin with the HVAC issue. Working with, rather than against, the natural buoyancy of warm air, we introduce air through a raised-floor plenum allowing it to be warmed by bodies and equipment in the space, then exhaust the stale air at high level. Introducing air through an under-floor plenum reduces the need for pressurization within the occupied area, greatly reduces air velocities allowing for the supply air to be much warmer [66ºF – 69ºF], and gives each occupant individual control of their temperature and air volume at a work station level by simply opening or closing manual in-floor diffusers.
Sweeny Sterling Finlayson & Company Architects Inc.,
SABMag, 2010
In the face of demographic changes, designing for human comfort in all its aspects is the best way for an organization to future-proof itself against the changing supply and demand equation for skilled workers. At Sweeny Sterling Finlayson & Co, we begin with the HVAC issue. Working with, rather than against, the natural buoyancy of warm air, we introduce air through a raised-floor plenum allowing it to be warmed by bodies and equipment in the space, then exhaust the stale air at high level. Introducing air through an under-floor plenum reduces the need for pressurization within the occupied area, greatly reduces air velocities allowing for the supply air to be much warmer [66ºF – 69ºF], and gives each occupant individual control of their temperature and air volume at a work station level by simply opening or closing manual in-floor diffusers.
Web Exclusive: Generating Enthusiasm for Green
VP & Technical Officer: Dale Holland, Dunham Associates
ED+C, July 2009
Holland is quick to point to other benefits the underfloor displacement ventilation system offered, including occupant comfort. An underfloor displacement ventilation system delivers low-velocity clean air to the building through a series of small, circular vents located in the floor. "Each employee work station contains its own adjustable vent, giving employees the freedom to control the airflow in their work spaces improving their comfort, health and, ultimately, their productivity.”
The selection of diffusers and Tate for access floors was also important to the success of the underfloor displacement ventilation system. according to Holland. "The diffusers we used throw air horizontally across the floor surface in a flat spin," Holland said. "As a result, air does not blow directly on people and comfort levels are maintained."
VP & Technical Officer: Dale Holland, Dunham Associates
ED+C, July 2009
Holland is quick to point to other benefits the underfloor displacement ventilation system offered, including occupant comfort. An underfloor displacement ventilation system delivers low-velocity clean air to the building through a series of small, circular vents located in the floor. "Each employee work station contains its own adjustable vent, giving employees the freedom to control the airflow in their work spaces improving their comfort, health and, ultimately, their productivity.”
The selection of diffusers and Tate for access floors was also important to the success of the underfloor displacement ventilation system. according to Holland. "The diffusers we used throw air horizontally across the floor surface in a flat spin," Holland said. "As a result, air does not blow directly on people and comfort levels are maintained."
California Department of Education
High Performance Buildings, Fall 2009
The California Department of Education Headquarters, built in 2002, raised the bar for sustainable building practices in California. It is the first state office building to incorporate an underfloor air-distribution system and is the state's first design-build office building. Sustainable practices used during construction are now part of the state's green building manual. The building has achieved and EPA Energy Star rating of 98 and scored above the benchmark in both air quality and person comfort in post occupancy surveys.
High Performance Buildings, Fall 2009
The California Department of Education Headquarters, built in 2002, raised the bar for sustainable building practices in California. It is the first state office building to incorporate an underfloor air-distribution system and is the state's first design-build office building. Sustainable practices used during construction are now part of the state's green building manual. The building has achieved and EPA Energy Star rating of 98 and scored above the benchmark in both air quality and person comfort in post occupancy surveys.
Electric utility leads by example: headquarters is Platinum LEED certified
Engineer: Dale Holland, PE, LEED AP and Executive Vice President of Mechanical, Dunham
Contractormag.com
Because a raised access floor, manufactured by Tate Access Floors Inc., was used in the building, under-floor displacement ventilation was installed by Doody Mechanical, St. Paul, Minn. This type of ventilation system delivers warm or cool air to employees through in-floor air diffusers that throw air horizontally. Individuals control air flow in their work space with an adjustable vent. Floor level air is supplied at 65°F -68°F and is driven by natural convection.
A New Face for Seattle: A LEED-certified speculative development in seattle is both environmentally and economically sustainable
Developer: Vulcan Realty
GreenSource May 2009
This scheme (raised floor ventilation) has the virtue of being both flexible—each occupant controls the workspace airflow—and low-pressure, so that less fan energy is needed to circulate air through the plenum. Both factors help conserve energy.
Developer: Vulcan Realty
GreenSource May 2009
This scheme (raised floor ventilation) has the virtue of being both flexible—each occupant controls the workspace airflow—and low-pressure, so that less fan energy is needed to circulate air through the plenum. Both factors help conserve energy.
Visual Tour of a LEED Gold Office Building
Property Owner: Bick Group
CSE, April 2009
An underfloor air distribution takes advantage of air's natural tendency to rise as it warms. Air distributed from beneath the floor is introduced at a lower velocity and higher temperature than overhead systems. As a result, it requires less fan horsepower to deliver the air and provides the opportunity for extended economizer operation, thereby reducing energy consumption and operating costs.
Property Owner: Bick Group
CSE, April 2009
An underfloor air distribution takes advantage of air's natural tendency to rise as it warms. Air distributed from beneath the floor is introduced at a lower velocity and higher temperature than overhead systems. As a result, it requires less fan horsepower to deliver the air and provides the opportunity for extended economizer operation, thereby reducing energy consumption and operating costs.
High-Performance Building Systems: Mechanical, Electrical and Controls Systems
Building Design+Construction, September 2008
Yet another innovative technology for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems that is finding its way into more and more facilities is underfloor air distribution, also known as UFAD. "Primary UFAD advantages include greater individual comfort control, better indoor air quality, higher worker productivity, and less costly office/user churn," says George P. Karidis, P.E., LEED AP, VP and mechanical engineering discipline director of SmithGroup, Detroit.
Building Design+Construction, September 2008
Yet another innovative technology for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems that is finding its way into more and more facilities is underfloor air distribution, also known as UFAD. "Primary UFAD advantages include greater individual comfort control, better indoor air quality, higher worker productivity, and less costly office/user churn," says George P. Karidis, P.E., LEED AP, VP and mechanical engineering discipline director of SmithGroup, Detroit.
Pointing Out the Potential Advantages in UAD
The News, June 2008
"A combination of cold plenum air, low-induction floor-mounted diffusers, and reduced airflow can cause excessive (uncomfortable) stratification. However, direct control of supply airflow (a hallmark of most UAD systems) increases the degree of comfort that occupants perceive."
The News, June 2008
"A combination of cold plenum air, low-induction floor-mounted diffusers, and reduced airflow can cause excessive (uncomfortable) stratification. However, direct control of supply airflow (a hallmark of most UAD systems) increases the degree of comfort that occupants perceive."
Designing
Light and Aire
Newsweek, March 2008
"What makes the Bank of America Tower sustainable? It will save about half the energy that most buildings its size would use. But the real story is in terms of health, productivity and light. We've created naturally lit environments, and fresh air of as high a quality as possible, with underfloor air-delivery systems so people can control the air at their workstations."
Newsweek, March 2008
"What makes the Bank of America Tower sustainable? It will save about half the energy that most buildings its size would use. But the real story is in terms of health, productivity and light. We've created naturally lit environments, and fresh air of as high a quality as possible, with underfloor air-delivery systems so people can control the air at their workstations."
Arquitectonica
Takes a Fresh Approach to New Headquarters for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Architect Magazine, November 2007
"A raised floor throughout the building houses all of the cabling and power, plus serves as a pressurized air-filled cavity for the HVAC system. .... Air quality is improved because the return air is located at the ceiling, so rising air doesn't mix with the supply air."
Architect Magazine, November 2007
"A raised floor throughout the building houses all of the cabling and power, plus serves as a pressurized air-filled cavity for the HVAC system. .... Air quality is improved because the return air is located at the ceiling, so rising air doesn't mix with the supply air."
Comfort,
Sustainability & Energy Savings Using Moving Air 582KB PDF
November 2007
"This paper will show a very effective way to make a building more economical, ergonomic and sustainable by the use of moving air to provide comfort cooling."
November 2007
"This paper will show a very effective way to make a building more economical, ergonomic and sustainable by the use of moving air to provide comfort cooling."
Good
Sense: Underfloor air distribution is gaining popularity in today's built
environment
Consulting-Specifying Engineer, January 2007
"While raised floors are not a new concept, the move to the digital environment is making UFAD an increasingly popular concept. Buildings implementing UFAD are gaining in popularity for a number of reasons..."
Consulting-Specifying Engineer, January 2007
"While raised floors are not a new concept, the move to the digital environment is making UFAD an increasingly popular concept. Buildings implementing UFAD are gaining in popularity for a number of reasons..."
Energy
Efficiency Generated Beneath the Floorboards
Denver Business Journal, July 2004
"Underfloor conditioned air is brought directly into the space at floor level.The used, warmer air rises naturally -- along with contaminants -- where it is deposited via ceiling vents. This natural floor-to-ceiling flow of air is not only cleaner, but cheaper. In our particular climate, this can reduce air-conditioning energy consumption by as much as 60 percent."
Denver Business Journal, July 2004
"Underfloor conditioned air is brought directly into the space at floor level.The used, warmer air rises naturally -- along with contaminants -- where it is deposited via ceiling vents. This natural floor-to-ceiling flow of air is not only cleaner, but cheaper. In our particular climate, this can reduce air-conditioning energy consumption by as much as 60 percent."
The
Tenant/Workplace Equation
Buildings Magazine, January 2003
"In addition to worker performance issues, the panel of experts stated that issues of worker satisfaction are also becoming business drivers. For example, underfloor air delivery and power systems were noted as optimal candidates for projects, not just because of their power efficiency and return on investment, but also because the system had significantly fewer complaints."
Buildings Magazine, January 2003
"In addition to worker performance issues, the panel of experts stated that issues of worker satisfaction are also becoming business drivers. For example, underfloor air delivery and power systems were noted as optimal candidates for projects, not just because of their power efficiency and return on investment, but also because the system had significantly fewer complaints."
Underfloor Air
Distribution & Access Floors 297KB PDF
Energy Design Resources, Design Brief
"Improved comfort can be achieved when the occupants themselves take advantage of the local control features available with an underfloor system....With the diffusers at floor level, the occupants can easily redirect or modulate the airflow into their own space and to their own liking, a benefit that is inconceivable with the conventional overhead system."
Energy Design Resources, Design Brief
"Improved comfort can be achieved when the occupants themselves take advantage of the local control features available with an underfloor system....With the diffusers at floor level, the occupants can easily redirect or modulate the airflow into their own space and to their own liking, a benefit that is inconceivable with the conventional overhead system."
Public/Government
Honorable Mention: Capitol Area East End Complex
Buildings Magazine, October 2004
"An underfloor air distribution system was specified for its ability to eliminate overhead ductwork, improve airflow, and deliver air at a lower temperature and lower pressure. As an added benefit, occupants can control the amount of air they receive by adjusting an individual floor diffuser."
Buildings Magazine, October 2004
"An underfloor air distribution system was specified for its ability to eliminate overhead ductwork, improve airflow, and deliver air at a lower temperature and lower pressure. As an added benefit, occupants can control the amount of air they receive by adjusting an individual floor diffuser."
The
Capital's Crown Jewel
McGraw Hill Construction, December 2003, Case Study
"Located at the easterly terminus of Capitol Park, the project is a multi-block, mixed-use office development that consolidates three major departments of state government..... It makes use of abundant natural lighting and even allows employees to control their own environment by adjusting a unique under-floor air distribution system."
McGraw Hill Construction, December 2003, Case Study
"Located at the easterly terminus of Capitol Park, the project is a multi-block, mixed-use office development that consolidates three major departments of state government..... It makes use of abundant natural lighting and even allows employees to control their own environment by adjusting a unique under-floor air distribution system."
Walking
On Air
Today's Facility Manager, July 2003
"The application possibilities of UFADS continue to grow. Clearly, occupant comfort and improved IAQ will bring additional long term benefits for managers, owners, and everyone else involved in the facility."
Today's Facility Manager, July 2003
"The application possibilities of UFADS continue to grow. Clearly, occupant comfort and improved IAQ will bring additional long term benefits for managers, owners, and everyone else involved in the facility."
Raised
Floor Ventilation Gains Footing
Wall Street Journal, July 2003
"Raise the floor. That's what building designers are doing these days to give the constantly complaining, overheated and shivering office masses control over personal climates......Developers are installing raised floor air as a way to attract tenants."
Wall Street Journal, July 2003
"Raise the floor. That's what building designers are doing these days to give the constantly complaining, overheated and shivering office masses control over personal climates......Developers are installing raised floor air as a way to attract tenants."
Driving
Green at American Honda
Buildings Magazine, July 2003
"Office occupants can make adjustments for personal comfort because external vents and raised access flooring draw air from outside, filter it, and adjust it to the proper temperature."
Buildings Magazine, July 2003
"Office occupants can make adjustments for personal comfort because external vents and raised access flooring draw air from outside, filter it, and adjust it to the proper temperature."
10 Trends Affecting The
Corporate Environment 42KB PDF
Facilities Design & Management, December 2000
"Adding air distribution under the floor and incorporating damper controls at each office or workstation will not only simplify changes, it also will allow each individual to control temperature and air flow."
Facilities Design & Management, December 2000
"Adding air distribution under the floor and incorporating damper controls at each office or workstation will not only simplify changes, it also will allow each individual to control temperature and air flow."
Prestige Projects Brochure
Sustainability E-News
Application examples,
tech bulletins, & news.
tech bulletins, & news.
Learn More
