Healthy Floors

Sustainable and healthy floor systems in historic buildings are essential for preserving architectural heritage while meeting modern standards for environmental responsibility and occupant health. These systems incorporate traditional materials and methods, as well as innovative solutions that align with sustainability principles. Key materials and techniques include limecrete, earthen floors, recycled glass aggregate, limestone flags, and brick.

Main Systems

1. Limecrete Floors

• Composition: Limecrete is a breathable and flexible alternative to modern concrete, made from natural hydraulic lime, sand, and aggregate.
• Benefits:
• Breathability: Allows moisture to evaporate, preventing damp and decay in historic buildings.
• Flexibility: Accommodates slight movements in the building without cracking, ideal for structures with shifting foundations.
• Sustainability: Lime production has a lower carbon footprint compared to Portland cement, and limecrete can be made using locally sourced materials.

2. Earthen Floors

• Composition: Made from natural materials such as clay, sand and straw.
• Benefits:
• Thermal Mass: Provides excellent thermal mass, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling demands.
• Breathability: Like limecrete, earthen floors are breathable, reducing moisture-related issues.
• Aesthetics: Offers a unique, rustic appearance that complements historic and natural interiors.
• Sustainability: Uses readily available, natural materials that are often locally sourced.

3. Recycled Glass Aggregate

• Composition: Aggregate made from crushed recycled glass.
• Benefits:
• Sustainability: Utilizes recycled materials, reducing waste and the demand for virgin aggregates.
• Thermal Insulation: Provides good thermal insulation properties, enhancing the energy efficiency of the building.
• Durability: Adds strength and longevity to the flooring system.
• Non-capillary and Non-combustible – excellent moisture management and rated as A1 fire resistant material. 

4. Limestone Flags

• Composition: Natural stone slabs.
• Benefits:
• Durability: Extremely durable and long-lasting, withstanding heavy foot traffic over centuries.
• Aesthetics: Provides a timeless, elegant appearance that enhances the historic character of the building.
• Sustainability: Can be sourced locally and has a low environmental impact compared to manufactured materials.
• Thermal Mass: Offers excellent thermal mass properties, contributing to energy efficiency.

5. Brick Floors

• Composition: Made from natural clay, bricks are laid on beds of lime mortar.
• Benefits:
• Durability: Highly durable and resilient, suitable for high-traffic areas.
• Aesthetics: Adds a warm, rustic charm that aligns well with historic architecture.
• Breathability: When laid with lime mortar, brick floors allow for moisture movement, reducing the risk of damp issues.
• Sustainability: Can be made from reclaimed bricks, reducing waste and the need for new materials.

Benefits of Sustainable and Healthy Floor Systems

1. Preservation of Historical Integrity

• Compatibility: Traditional materials and methods are more compatible with historic buildings, maintaining their structural and aesthetic integrity.
• Authenticity: Using materials like limecrete, earthen floors, limestone flags, and brick preserves the authentic look and feel of historic interiors.

2. Environmental Sustainability

• Low Carbon Footprint: Sustainable materials like lime, clay, and recycled glass have lower carbon footprints compared to conventional building materials.
• Resource Efficiency: Utilizing recycled and locally sourced materials reduces environmental impact and supports local economies.
• Energy Efficiency: Materials with high thermal mass properties, such as limestone flags and earthen floors, contribute to improved energy efficiency.

3. Health and Wellbeing

• Breathability: Materials like limecrete and earthen floors allow buildings to breathe, reducing indoor humidity levels and preventing mould growth.
• Natural Materials: Using non-toxic, natural materials promotes healthier indoor air quality and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals.
• Thermal Comfort: Floors with good thermal mass properties help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, enhancing occupant comfort.

Why Choose Us for Sustainable Floor Systems?

• Heritage Conservation Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in the conservation and restoration of historic buildings, ensuring that flooring systems are both sustainable and historically appropriate.
• Quality Craftsmanship: We pride ourselves on meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring that every flooring project meets the highest standards of quality and precision.