Adding more room

Using the hollowcore flooring system, the builder was able to achieve clear spans of 28 to 30 feet and add up to 8 more inches to the ceiling heights throughout the house, without using columns or steel beams. “This means there will be enough space to have a pool table in the basement, or even an indoor swimming pool,” says Bloom.

The concrete floor provided another advantage. In addition to column-free space and higher ceilings, Bloom also wanted marble and terrazzo floors throughout, which would not have been economical with a wood sub-floor system, due to potential cracking.

The builder also opted to upgrade the stone by using 2-inch concrete topping and a radiant heating system. “When people are building their dream home, they want to able to look at what they build without obstructions and they don't want 8-foot ceilings,” says Bloom.

Bloom's project is recognized nationally. It received an Honorable Mention in Hanley Wood's CUSTOM HOME magazine's 2008 Design Awards.

Frances S. Edgar is Nitterhouse Concrete Products' marketing coordinator. To learn how Nitter-house markets concrete flooring to the design-build community, please visit www.nitterhouse.com.