Ellesmere Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

 

Full Plans Building Regulations Application submitted and approved to change the use of a residential unit to a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

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Following planning approval for the change of use  from C3 (REsiential) to C4 (House in Multiple Occupation) En-Plan submitted the technical detail for the conversion to Approved Inspectors based in Shrewsbury.  The specification for the scheme that was subsequently approved and the work was subsequently completed in accordance with building regulations. The property has now been let out and the owner is reaping the financial rewards of the conversion. 

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As part of the build process important decisions on the construction detail need to be taken.  One of these would be gtthe fllor typle utilised for the extension. Concrete floors and block and beam (or beam and block) floors are the two most prevalent construction methods used for creating ground and upper floors in buildings. Here's a breakdown of their key differences:

1. Construction Technique:

   • Concrete Floor: Often referred to as a solid slab or solid concrete floor, this floor is made by casting wet concrete directly over a prepared base, which is typically compacted hardcore with a damp-proof membrane.

   • Block and Beam Floor: This method uses precast concrete beams with infill blocks (usually lightweight aerated concrete blocks) placed between the beams. The beams are supported on the outer walls of the structure and sometimes by internal load-bearing walls.

2. Advantages of Concrete Floor:

   • Strength: Solid slabs can provide a monolithic, strong structure, especially for ground floors.

   • Thermal Mass: Due to its solidity, it has a good thermal mass, which can be advantageous in some energy-efficient designs.

   • Speed: Once the site is prepared, pouring concrete can be a quick process.

3. Advantages of Block and Beam Floor:

   • Services and Insulation: The void beneath the beam and block floor can be useful for running services or increasing insulation.

   • Ground Conditions: Especially advantageous in areas with poor ground conditions, like clay soils that might move. The void under the system allows for soil movement without impacting the floor above.

   • Ventilation: This system allows for ventilation beneath the floor, which can be beneficial in areas prone to dampness or radon gas.

   • Speed: Pre-manufactured beams and blocks can be quickly installed, especially for larger areas.

4. Thickness:

   • Concrete Floor: Often thicker than block and beam floors, especially if designed to spread loads to the underlying ground.

   • Block and Beam Floor: Might be thinner in the finished form than a concrete slab, but remember there's a void below.

5. Cost:

   • Concrete Floor: The cost can vary depending on factors like thickness, reinforcement, and finish.

   • Block and Beam Floor: Might be more expensive in terms of materials, but the cost can be offset by speed and ease of installation, especially in challenging ground conditions.

6. Installation:

   • Concrete Floor: Requires setting out, installing reinforcement, and using formwork before pouring. The concrete then needs to cure, which might delay subsequent construction tasks.

   • Block and Beam Floor: After setting out the beams, blocks are quickly and easily placed. This can sometimes allow for faster progression to the next stages of construction.

7. Finishing:

   • Concrete Floor: Can be finished directly if it's power floated to a smooth finish, or it may require screeding.

   • Block and Beam Floor: Requires a screed or similar finishing layer before floor finishes (like tiles or carpet) are applied.

Both systems have their own merits and are chosen based on the requirements of the specific project, budget constraints, ground conditions, and the desired final floor quality.  In thsi instance the owners elected to use a block and beam floor as it creates a strong well ventilated floor and it is easy to carry the floor in parts to restricted constrcution sites.

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If you would like to find out more about how our Planning Consultancy and Architectural Design Services can work in perfect sync to achieve a successful outcome in the planning system please contact us and we will be only too happy to talk through any questions or development proposals you may have.

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