Soil structure (which layers)

Hello everyone,

we have a question about the "Bodenaufbau" for the renovation/repurposing of one or two adjoining old livestock barns for residential use. Here is a brief explanation:

Both barns together about 230 sqm, currently equipped with a concrete floor (thickness unknown, estimated about 40 cm), partially with manure pits (left and right about 1m wide, 10m long and 1.50m deep) are to be completely converted into a residential house with underfloor heating. Of course, we still have a thousand questions about this, but this thread is about the floor structure.

How deep does the current floor need to be removed?
How is the insulation done (especially on the interior walls)?
What do the new layers look like (up to the screed or laminate/parquet)?
What costs can be roughly expected?
What else should be considered?

We look forward to your answers!
Thank you very much.

Best regards

This change of use requires a building application. For this reason, and also to solve the demanding structural and building physics problems associated with such a change of use, I strongly recommend that you work from the start with an experienced architect who is familiar with old buildings. A manageable and successful renovation in these construction-related contexts definitely includes a dimensional and substantial building survey that represents the current condition of preservation and above all: registers building damages that must be permanently eliminated before renovation and modernization of the components can be carried out. One issue, for example, will be the salt contamination of the stables - masonry and floors - from the decomposition products of animal excrement - keyword [Jauchegrube]. You will not get anywhere with isolated solutions and answers from internet forums - the conversion project must be worked on in connection with all components; this also includes an energy concept for building insulation and heating.

Perhaps I should have mentioned: Of course, a specialist architect who focuses precisely on such projects (quite common in our area) has been accompanying us from the very beginning. The building application has already been submitted, and in the meeting between the building authority and the architect, a building permit was promised within a foreseeable time. Additionally, a building expert has already been on site, inspected everything, and found no problems. Some initial craftsmen were also on site and expressed no concerns. We will also arrange an appointment with an energy consultant at short notice. Naturally, our architect knows exactly how the ground structure will be, but since we laypeople have relatively little knowledge about it, we wanted to inform ourselves here in the forum and benefit from the experiences of other home builders. We simply want to do everything as well as possible from the start, so we are interested in other opinions in all areas. I hope I have explained this sufficiently and that you now understand what we mean.

Normally, from top to bottom:

- approx. 1.5 cm floor covering (covering + impact sound insulation, mat, or adhesive)
- approx. 6.5 cm screed (5 cm screed layer should not be undershot. The aluminum composite pipes of the underfloor heating usually have a diameter of 14-16 mm)
- approx. 3 cm aluminum-coated floor insulation for stapling or studded plate (also available in other thicknesses)
- e.g. 6 cm pressure-resistant thermal insulation (this can be varied depending on requirements / wishes)

Total in this case: 17 cm.

Forgot something else. A horizontal barrier must be added to the base plate. Usually, welded sheets are welded.