FLOORING / FLOORING SHOW PREVIEW
MILBANK GDECK
A SMARTER APPROACH TO GROUND FLOOR PERFORMANCE
By David Costin, Strategy & Innovation Director, Milbank Concrete Products
As the drive for better building performance intensifies, architects are increasingly looking at how fundamental construction elements can support energy targets, lower embodied carbon and create future-ready designs. Ground floors- often treated purely as structural- play a critical role in a building’ s thermal envelope and its compliance with Part L and Passivhaus.
Milbank GDeck, an insulated precast flooring system from Milbank Concrete Products, offers a practical response to these evolving needs. It rethinks the familiar beam and infill method by integrating structural and thermal performance in a single, optimised solution. The system combines prestressed concrete T-beams with precision-moulded EPS insulation panels, which lock together to deliver both load-bearing strength and continuous insulation.
The continuous insulation layer minimises cold bridging at beam junctions, a common challenge in traditional ground floor.
A key advantage for project teams is the integrated top sheet, created by the EPS infill blocks working seamlessly with the load-bearing top rail. This design means Milbank GDeck floors can be safely walked on immediately after installation, without the need for temporary boarding or protection. For architects and specifiers, it brings simpler site logistics, earlier access for follow-on trades, and fewer sequencing delays- all helping projects stay on schedule.
Thermal efficiency is another standout feature. The continuous insulation layer minimises cold bridging at beam junctions, a common challenge in traditional ground floors. Depending on specification, Milbank GDeck can achieve U-values as low as 0.09 W / m ² K, making compliance with increasingly stringent standards straightforward. The system also integrates easily with underfloor heating, supporting the low-temperature heating strategies central to today’ s energy-efficient designs.
Sustainability is built into Milbank GDeck on multiple fronts. The prestressed beams use lowcarbon concrete mixes reducing total material volumes and cement content. The EPS panels contain 15 % recycled material and are fully recyclable at end of life. With panels precision moulded offsite to project layouts, site waste is also significantly reduced. Combined, these measures contribute to an embodied carbon saving of up to 25 % compared to traditional reinforced concrete floors.
For architects seeking solutions that balance regulatory performance, sustainability targets and ease of build, Milbank GDeck represents an evolution of a trusted approach. By refining the traditional beam and block concept into a faster, smarter, more energy-conscious system, it offers a practical pathway to achieve modern design objectives without compromising site realities.
www. milbank. co. uk
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