Granab case study - Iturriza Hostel
PROJECT PRESENTATION
We would like to present a project where an acoustic and technical subfloor system has been installed with GRANAB® system, suspension system for floating floors manufactured in Sweden and distributed by AMC MECANOCAUCHO. This work was carried out on Campanario Street, located in the old town of San Sebastian, one of the oldest and historical of this iconic city. It was a flat of about 150 m2, with a wooden subfloor with an age of about 120 years.
Project performed in the old town of San Sebastian. Wooden structure in a building more than 120 years old.
WORK REQUIREMENTS
In this project it was necessary to face different challenges due to the age of the floor to rebuild. First it was necessary to level a few sections of up to 25 cm difference in height comparing with the original subfloor, it was also necessary to make ramps at different levels by design requirements.
They wanted to make a raised access technical floor, this would allow the owner to easily resolve future repairs and changes in different light installations, data, water, heating, etc.
Finally, the most important requirement was to ensure acoustic behaviour levels superior to current standards in hotel activity; therefore avoid the cessation of activity by the breach of the standards, and clear potential problems to recover the large investment that meant the rehabilitation of this property.
This work was carried out during 2009-2010.
Thanks to the technical and acoustic floor GRANAB®, all the requirements of this challenge were achieved.
The height difference in the original subfloor was levelled, being able to overcome the different ramps inherent design architecture. All facilities were channelled between the ground and the subfloor, marking their position. Furthermore, this allowed the ventilation under the floor, which is very beneficial to avoid dampness due to condensation. And especially very satisfactory noise levels were obtained, both airborne noise and impact noise.
SOUND LEVEL REACHED
Because of the great importance of sound insulation, to prevent the cessation of economic activity in the hostel, an acoustic noise impact test was performed to verify the correct operation of the proposed solution. In the impact noise tests, sound pressure values of L'nT, w = 63 dB were achieved.
If we rely on studies conducted by the Rosenheim Institute located in Munich, centre of research and development in the construction sector in Germany, we can take as reference the following noise measurement values made on a wooden subfloor without any kind of acoustic treatment.
The sound level measured in the impact noise test was Ln, w = 92 dB. When compared with the test in the floor treated with technical and acoustic floor insulation GRANAB®, the gain in impact noise was 29 dB respect the bare floor.
24 mm thick board
Wooden beams of 220mm edgeways
L'nT,w = 92 dB
L'nT,w = 63 dB
IMPROVEMENT 29 dB
INTERVIEW WITH OWNERS OF THE HOSTEL
With the intention to seek the views of the owner to assess the satisfaction of the proposed solution, AMC has conducted an interview with the owners of the Iturriza Hostel Ibon Maritxalar and Maite Zurbano.
AMC: Among the different options offered on the market, why did you finally choose the GRANAB® system?
Ibon Maritxalar: In addition to solving the various problems that I raised in rehabilitation as the large gap and humidity, the GRANAB® system inspired me the confidence that no other system could offer. Facing the large investment that this hotel adventure meant was my main concern, I knew that with the GRANAB® system, due to sound insulation provided, any setback with neighbours would jeopardize the economic activity of the hostel. Avoiding the cessation of economic activity by a noise problem made me opt for the GRANAB® system, allowing payback on schedule.
AMC: When executing the rehabilitation work, how would you define the experience?
IM: I was very satisfied with the people of AMC since they supported the project with their calculations and technical advice all the time. They were responsible for the training of my installers to acquire the knowledge necessary for a project of this nature. The original structure was quite shabby so, although implementation was quick and easy, had to emphasize some details. The experience has been totally satisfactory, along the 5 to 6 years I've been in these facilities I have been able to see the benefits of this type of system.
AMC: As for the level of sound insulation obtained, which was one of your main concerns, what is your opinion?
IM: Besides the system was tested to verify that the acoustic requirements were achieved, my confidence in this system was reaffirmed when my downstairs neighbour assured me that he did not perceive any discomfort due to my hotel business.
When the flat to be reformed was acquired, on the ground floor there were offices of a local school. After a few years the management of the school decided to sell the property to an individual, so that became his residence. My current neighbour assures me that he feels no noise in spite of a hostel located just above it. There is no more demanding norm than the ear of a neighbour.
AMC: Finally, what would you say to prospective users of GRANAB® system?
IM: My opinion is that in hotel investments it is fundamental the recovery of investment and it is essential to avoid mishaps. This effective construction system gives us the assurance that no problems that hinder the hotel business will be generated. I would not hesitate to recommend this system to anyone who is thinking about making some kind of rehabilitation or reconstruction of a location for any economic or particular activity.
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