Underfloor Service Distribution for Offices

What is it?
Underfloor Air
Underfloor Wire & Cable
Why use it?
Who's using it?
What others are saying
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Underfloor Service Distribution for Data Centers
Energy Efficient Strategies
Design & Construction
Case Studies

Testimonials
Academic Organizations
Academic Organization : University of Arkansas
Article: World Class Hunt Center Encourages Collaboration
University of Arkansas Daily Headlines, September 2007
The flexible components of the building are not only evident in the energy the space communicates but also in the physical capabilities of the structure. The Hunt Center is the largest raised floor academic building in Arkansas. This means that all electrical data and HVAC is located under removable panels in the floors allowing for simple reconfiguration of outlets and other electrical access as educational or research needs change. Dan Street, construction coordinator in the office of Facilities Management, said, "having raised floors and movable walls added somewhat to the initial cost, but the flexibility will more than pay for itself by saving on reconfiguration costs in the future." 
Academic Organization : Center for the Built Environment
Article: Underfloor Air Distribution - What Is It?
www.peterli.com July 2006-David Lehrer, R.A., Director of Partner Relations and Communications at CBE
System Cost: "When it comes to comparing first cost to lifecycle cost, initial research shows that underfloor systems provide savings from improved flexibility, thus reducing costs associated with office reconfiguration, or churn. Lehrer points out that CBE is beginning a detailed study of lifecycle costs, so more information should be available in the near future."
Sustainability: "Administrators looking to gain LEED points in their next construction project will be happy to know that they can earn them with UFAD. “Energy efficiency can provide up to 10 points, so a carefully optimized system may be able to get many points in this category,” Lehrer says. “Other points specifically attributable to (correctly designed) UFAD systems include one point for increasing ventilation effectiveness and one point for controllability of systems.”
Academic Organization : Center for the Built Environment
Article: Current Knowledge on Under Floor Air Distribution
www.BetterBricks.com July 2006- Fred S. Bauman, P.E.
"Compared to conventional overhead (OH) systems, the added first cost of the raised flooring ($6-7/ft2) can be offset (in part) by reductions in ductwork and electrical/telecomm installation costs. Data from recent projects shows that first costs for UFAD range from a $1.00/ft2 reduction to a $6.00/ft2 premium compared to OH systems. In terms of life-cycle costs, it is well-recognized in the industry that the cost savings associated with reconfiguring building services is a major factor in the decision to install raised flooring. This translates into large savings in buildings having high churn rates. It is estimated that $300-500 can be saved in electrical work alone for each major workstation change. CBE is currently developing a detailed first and life-cycle cost model to allow comparison between UFAD and conventional systems." 

Academic Organization: Center for the Built Environment - UC Berkeley
Underfloor Air Distribution Design Guide
ASHRAE Publication 2003 Author: Fred Bauman - Research Specialist with CBE
“UFAD/TAC (underfloor air) technology has experienced rapid growth in North America because of the broad range of important benefits that it offers over conventional ceiling-based air distribution…Well-designed UFAD/TAC systems can: (1) reduce life-cycle building costs, (2) improve thermal comfort, occupant satisfaction, and productivity, (3) improve ventilation efficiency, indoor air quality, and health, (4) reduce energy use, and (5) reduce floor-to-floor height in new construction.”