Hollowcore Flooring
Design, supply and installation support for precast hollowcore flooring systems with spans in excess of 9 metres, available in standard and heavy-duty options for residential and commercial developments.
Precast Hollowcore Flooring Systems
Hollowcore flooring is a prestressed precast concrete floor system formed with continuous voids running through each slab. These voids reduce self-weight while maintaining structural strength, making the system suitable for long spans and a wide range of building types.
The existing One Stop Consult service offers 150mm and 200mm deep hollowcore sections, with spans in excess of 9 metres available where the project design permits. Standard and heavy-duty options can be selected to suit different loading, span and performance requirements.
Full technical support, quotations and installation options are available through specialist precast flooring partners.
Why Choose Hollowcore Flooring?
Hollowcore slabs provide a fast, durable and efficient solution where longer spans and reduced structural depth are important.
Long-Span Capability
Hollowcore flooring can span in excess of 9 metres, helping reduce the number of intermediate structural supports.
Fast Installation
Large precast units can be installed quickly by crane, supporting an efficient construction programme.
Reduced Self-Weight
Continuous internal voids reduce the weight of each slab while retaining structural performance.
Durable Concrete Construction
Precast concrete provides a robust, low-maintenance floor structure with good fire and acoustic characteristics.
Standard and Heavy Duty
Different slab specifications are available to suit varying loads, spans and building uses.
Reduced Temporary Works
The system can reduce the need for extensive propping compared with some in-situ concrete floor solutions.
150mm and 200mm Hollowcore Slabs
The existing OSC page confirms two common hollowcore floor depths, selected according to span, loading and project requirements.
150mm Hollowcore
A shallower precast section suitable where structural loading and span requirements can be achieved within a reduced floor depth.
200mm Hollowcore
A deeper section offering increased structural capacity for longer spans or heavier loading conditions.
Standard Duty
Suitable for typical residential, office and light commercial loading where the design permits.
Heavy Duty
Available where higher imposed loads, longer spans or more demanding structural requirements apply.
Acoustic Performance and Part E
The existing One Stop Consult service states that the hollowcore floor system has a self-weight of 300 kg/m² and is suitable for use in constructions designed to comply with current sound-insulation requirements.
For residential projects, Part E compliance may be demonstrated either through an eligible Robust Details route or through pre-completion sound insulation testing, depending on the project.
The original service page specifically references Robust Detail E-FC-4 as a commonly used construction approach for hollowcore floors.
Where Can Hollowcore Flooring Be Used?
Hollowcore is particularly effective where large open floor areas, long spans and rapid installation are required.
Apartment Developments
Suitable for multi-storey residential schemes where acoustic, structural and programme requirements are carefully coordinated.
Commercial Buildings
Commonly used in offices, retail units and mixed-use developments requiring long-span concrete floors.
Schools and Education
Can provide robust floor construction for classrooms, corridors and larger teaching spaces.
Care and Healthcare
Suitable for care homes and selected healthcare projects subject to loading, fire and acoustic requirements.
Car Parks
Heavy-duty hollowcore options may be suitable for selected parking structures where the design permits.
Industrial and Storage
Can be used for mezzanines and floor structures with higher loading demands, subject to structural design.
Design Coordination Before Manufacture
Hollowcore units are manufactured to project-specific lengths and loading requirements. Accurate structural information is therefore essential before production begins.
The floor design should be coordinated with supporting walls and beams, stair and lift openings, service penetrations, fire requirements, acoustic build-ups and the proposed structural topping.
How the Hollowcore Supply Process Works
Early coordination helps the manufacturer prepare an accurate floor design, quotation and delivery programme.
Project Review
Assess the floor area, spans, support structure and project performance requirements.
Quotation
Coordinate a quotation based on the slab design, quantity, delivery and installation scope.
Floor Design
Prepare the slab arrangement, bearings, openings and any trimmer or infill details.
Approval
Confirm dimensions and project information before production.
Manufacture and Installation
Manufacture the units and coordinate transport, craneage and installation in accordance with the agreed scope.
Installation and Site Readiness
Hollowcore slabs are large precast units that normally require crane installation. Supporting construction must be complete, level and ready to receive the slabs before delivery.
Safe access, lifting arrangements, unloading space, temporary stability and installation sequencing should all be agreed before the installation date.
Typical Hollowcore Floor Components
The final construction varies by project, but the complete floor commonly includes more than the precast slab itself.
Hollowcore Slabs
Prestressed precast units forming the primary structural floor.
Grouted Joints
Longitudinal joints between units are commonly grouted after installation.
Structural Topping
A concrete topping may be required for diaphragm action, level or additional structural performance.
Acoustic Layers
Resilient finishes, screeds or ceiling systems may form part of the Part E design.
Fire Protection
Slab depth, cover, junctions and soffit treatment must suit the required fire-resistance period.
Service Coordination
Openings should be designed before manufacture because cutting or drilling can affect prestressing strands.
Information Required for a Quotation
Provide the full project address, latest architectural and structural plans, sections, floor area, required spans and approximate programme.
Please also provide design loads, support details, slab openings, fire-resistance requirements, acoustic build-up and any requirement for installation or craneage.
Hollowcore Flooring for a Range of Developments
Nationwide Hollowcore Flooring Supply
One Stop Consult coordinates hollowcore floor design, technical support, supply and installation options for residential and commercial projects throughout mainland UK.
Other Services Your Project May Require
Important Hollowcore Flooring Information
Final slab depth, span capacity, loading, fire resistance, acoustic performance and installation requirements depend on the project-specific structural design and complete floor build-up. Drawings must be checked and approved before manufacture. Slabs must not be cut, drilled or altered without written approval from the manufacturer or responsible structural designer, as prestressing strands may be present. Installation, craneage, temporary stability and safe access remain subject to the agreed scope and contractor responsibilities. One Stop Consult provides consultancy, coordination and supply-chain support through specialist partners.
Hollowcore Flooring FAQs
What is hollowcore flooring?
It is a prestressed precast concrete floor formed with continuous internal voids that reduce self-weight while maintaining structural strength.
How far can hollowcore flooring span?
The existing OSC page states that spans in excess of 9 metres are available, subject to slab depth, loading and support conditions.
What slab depths are available?
The existing service references 150mm and 200mm hollowcore sections.
Is heavy-duty hollowcore available?
Yes. The existing OSC service confirms both standard and heavy-duty options.
Does hollowcore comply with Part E?
It can form part of a compliant acoustic floor build-up, but the complete construction and project compliance route must be considered.
What is Robust Detail E-FC-4?
It is a commonly used Robust Details floor construction referenced by the existing OSC page for eligible new-build dwellings.
Is installation available?
Yes. The existing OSC service states that a full installation service can be offered, subject to project location and scope.
What information is needed for a quotation?
Provide architectural and structural drawings, spans, loading, openings, support details, delivery address and programme.
Do you supply hollowcore flooring nationwide?
Yes. We coordinate suitable specialist partners for eligible projects throughout mainland UK.
Request Your Free Hollowcore Flooring Quote
Complete the form below with the project address, floor area, spans, loading and required programme. Upload the latest architectural and structural drawings so our team can review the requirement and coordinate an appropriate design, supply and installation quotation.