A Seamless Access Flooring Solution with Power

Raised flooring systems are nothing new to the AEC (Architects, Engineers, Contractors) industry. Computer floors were born out of the necessity to support and cool the mainframe computers of the 1950s and 1960s. These systems used a series of pedestals and horizontal stringers to create a 12” to 24” high air space above the concrete to conceal the air ducting and associated data cables. The steel or concrete-filled panels were extremely heavy and required special tools to access, modify, or reconfigure.

Even without the ducting provision, computer floor systems have changed very little over the last fifty years. The minimum height of a computer floor today is 300mm (11.8”) above the existing slab. As a result of this height requirement, traditional computer floors are extremely difficult to integrate into new projects or the built environment due to limited headspace. 

With the underfloor ducting requirement gone, a low-profile access flooring system is ideal for commercial spaces, large or small. What makes the Gridd® Adaptive Cabling Distribution® System different is its modular all-steel construction, which provides unparalleled strength and durability while meeting sustainable material requirements and green building codes. 

Unlike similar access floor systems, Gridd doesn’t have an “end of lifecycle” because the entire system is modular and can be disassembled and moved to another location for reuse. Gridd also requires no special tools or fasteners, so maintenance, system upgrades, or a complete reconfiguration can be handled by removing the affected modular floor finish (carpet tiles or LVT) to gain fast and easy access to the data cables. Gridd was designed to allow architects and facility management teams to stay ahead of the changing power and data demands of the commercial workplace.

Increased Flexibility for Commercial Spaces 

In addition to handling your data cabling needs, Gridd Power® provides power management flexibility through an integrated 50-amp modular bus system designed and approved to work seamlessly with the Gridd Raised Flooring System. Gridd Power is available in three configurations to meet a company’s power needs while increasing system flexibility for future growth and expansion.

Field Wired—Used for the project above, the home run circuits must still connect to the primary or central panel. However, the MX cabling is installed within the raised flooring system for fast and easy access. 

Modular Branch Circuit—Typically, the power tracks are installed at a maximum of 48’ on center and use up to 24′ whip to power any desired service location. 

50 Amp Modular Power Distribution—This option provides 50-amp, 3-phase power connectivity throughout the area at 20-25′ intervals. Ideal for large open offices and shared and multi-use spaces, it offers the most significant design flexibility for the AEC industry.

Gridd also uses 30% less copper than conventional wiring options, reducing potential voltage drop issues and installation costs. In common areas like walkways and corridors where power isn’t needed, Gridd uses interlinks to provide uninterrupted power to the surrounding areas.

Another optional upgrade, Gridd® Mobile, is an Augmented Reality (AR) technology app that allows you to update, isolate, or modify your cable networks to meet the changing needs of tenants. Gridd Mobile provides a centralized data location for all your cable and power management files. The intuitive interface allows workers, contractors, designers, and engineers to quickly access all the project details using a smartphone or tablet.

Gridd Aligns with Circular Economy Principles

Today, much of the world operates on an outdated linear production and consumption model composed of 4 steps: “take, make, consume, and dispose.” This linear economic model requires massive amounts of raw materials and energy to survive and grow, typically at the detriment of future generations.

As the AEC industry continues moving to a sustainable, circular economy, project stakeholders start with the goal of repurposing and reusing structures and building materials to the fullest extent possible. A circular economy mindset promotes long-term results that benefit society, the economy, and environmental principles, while providing greater flexibility and adaptability for future tenant needs. By adopting sustainable building practices today, property owners and facility teams can increase the property’s lifecycle while reducing future maintenance and technology upgrade costs. 

A recent report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation found that:

• 40-60% of usable office space remains vacant during working hours.
• 20-40% of energy used in buildings could be more profitably conserved.
• 40% of urban waste comes from the construction and remodeling industries.

By adopting circular economy principles today, the AEC industry can:

• Conserve up to 40% of energy currently used in real estate.
• Reduce real estate carbon emissions by 38%.

• Cut building material emissions by 38% through 2050.

In short, a modular cable management system like Gridd can help companies meet sustainability goals and green building codes while improving commercial properties’ LEED scores.

Raised Flooring Applications for Commercial and Public Projects 

Ideal for spaces as small as 100 square feet or as large as 500,000 square feet, Gridd raised flooring is an architect’s best friend for adding increased flexibility and adaptability to any commercial space.

• Commercial Offices
• Training and Conference Rooms
• Classrooms
• Courtrooms
• Libraries
• Museums
• Casinos
• Renovations
• Hospitals and Medical Facilities
• Exhibitions and Trade Shows

Thanks to its low profile, Gridd can be used across new construction, remodels & renovation projects, and even historical buildings without impacting valuable headroom.

Project: New Corporate Headquarters      

Easy access to the cabling system was a paramount design consideration to increase the building’s longevity and address tenant flexibility concerns. Due to the exposed construction finish (no suspended ceilings), traditional cable trays were not a feasible cabling option for this commercial office building. 

Initially, old-fashioned computer floors (CSI 09 69 00) ranging in height from 11” to 36” above the finished concrete slab were considered to hide the massive amounts of data cabling required. This system utilizes a series of pedestals and horizontal stringers to support the steel or concrete-filled flooring panels. While computer floors provide reasonably quick access to the cables for maintenance and upgrades, they are expensive and time-consuming to install.

Whether designing a new building or tenant-improvement project, architects will continue focusing on the function, form, and structure of the finished project. By incorporating an access flooring system into these projects, the data cables are moved to a more accessible location under the finished modular floor covering. This allows architects to provide sleek open office areas without compromising connectivity for workers and customers alike. As a result, facility teams can quickly address changing tenant needs in days instead of months, regardless of the industry or business model.  Whether adding a few workstations, or completely reconfiguring a space, access flooring reduces project timelines and costs while supporting circular economy principles, creating a win-win scenario for property owners, facility teams, and tenants. As a result, access flooring systems will quickly become an architect’s best friend by providing quick, easy, and unparalleled access to data and power cables over the building’s lifecycle. To learn more about improving the form and function of a new commercial building or within the built environment, contact a Gridd advisor to schedule a meeting or product demonstration.