The Knauf GIFAfloor Hugo & FHB18 Overlay System provides a low embodied carbon solution for projects where existing steel-encapsulated raised access floors require upgrading to support hard or continuous finishes.

Suitable Applications

• Overlaying traditional raised access floors in office, commercial, or mixed-use spaces.
• Projects requiring stone, porcelain, micro-cement, screed, vinyl, or linoleum finishes without the need for additional de-coupling layers.
• Refurbishment projects where an existing RAF needs to be retained but upgraded for durability, safety, and finish compatibility.
• Areas requiring improved acoustic performance, using the WF acoustic board to achieve 21 dB impact sound reduction.
• General pedestrian areas (Hugo) or spaces requiring higher structural load performance (FHB18).

By transforming existing raised access floors into substrates capable of supporting modern hard finishes, the system offers specifiers a practical, sustainable, and durable alternative to plywood or cement boards.

The Knauf GIFAfloor Hugo & FHB18 Overlay System is a high-performance dry screed solution designed to upgrade existing raised access floors (RAF) by providing a stable, non-combustible substrate for continuous or hard finishes.

Manufactured from low-carbon gypsum fibreboard, Hugo and FHB18 panels combine lightweight construction with high density and strength. The panels feature an advanced tongue-and-groove joint, enabling quick, screw-free installation while creating a robust, monolithic surface suitable for almost any finish.

Variants

• GIFAfloor Hugo: Available in 18 mm and 23 mm thicknesses, with a density of 1100 kg/m³. Suitable for general pedestrian/foot traffic areas.
• GIFAfloor FHB18: Higher density option at 1500 kg/m³, providing enhanced structural loading capacity and durability.

An additional Knauf WF 10 mm wood fibre acoustic resilient board can be used beneath Hugo or FHB18 to achieve impact sound reduction of 21 dB, creating an acoustically rated overlay system.

Features & Benefits

• Directly accepts almost any finish (ceramics, porcelain, micro-cement, screed, vinyl, linoleum, and more).
• Non-combustible fire rating for compliance and safety.
• Quick and easy installation – tongue-and-groove panels lock without screws.
• Excellent acoustic performance due to high density.
• Lightweight and easy to handle on site.
• Sustainable construction – low embodied carbon compared to timber or cement-based boards.
• 100% recyclable at end of life.
• Eurofins Indoor Air Quality – GOLD, containing no harmful substances.
• Optional acoustic enhancement with WF underlay for impact sound insulation.
• An ideal alternative to plywood or cement boards in overlay applications.

Sustainability

• Manufactured from a sustainable source, Hugo & FHB18 reduce environmental impact compared to conventional materials and contribute towards achieving green building accreditations.