Halsion making buildings 1 MEP utility pod guide
With the need for construction projects to be rolled out in less time than ever, Pre-Fabrication of key components has never been greater to for fill key programme targets. This seemingly complex task, can now be carried out in relative simplicity, with the right team with the building services engineering knowledge. This guide is to explain, step by step, how Halsion Building Services Engineers can for fill your targets, for low cost, less risk and in a timely manner.
Benefits of Pre-Fabricated MEP Utility Cupboards Installation of MEP Components within the Utility pods within our factory An environment that benefits: Less man hours on site reducing risk of accidents. Mock up of a utility cupboard can be undertaken for a pod to be approved by the client and all other parties before mass production takes place. Better quality control inspected, tested and signed off before site delivery for final installation. Consistency of installation teams carry out specific tasks (Mechanical, Electrical & Public Health as required). Reduce risk of potential clashes with other services when the pods reach their final destination. Speed from initial project discussions to the first pods being delivered and in installed to their locations on site can be tailored to suit specific programmes. Cost effective.
Typical Options for MEP Utility Cupboards: POD shell inclusive of frame, ply lining and white rock finish. Pipe Pipe lagging Drainage, (HepvO traps for condensate) Valve assembly Heat interface unit (HIU) Mechanical whole house ventilation units (MHVR s) Incoming cut out and fuse Distribution board MCB s/rcd s Dado trunking TV connection box BT connection box Cable for utility cupboard circuity All accessories/outlets Protection & wrapping All standard equipment listed above can be changed to suit specific design criteria. Below are some typical BIM created installation drawings.
The Typical Creation of A MEP Utility Cupboard: The pod design is approved via specifications, technical submittals & design drawings. The steel frame is fabricated, ply wood fixed to the frame to enable the MEP equipment to be fastened to and white rock finish is applied. At this point, MEP equipment is ready to be installed within the Pod. The first piece of equipment to be installed is the MHVR. Mechanical Whole House Ventilation Unit. In this case a Nuaire MrXBox which has the ability to have the air directions swapped, thus making it a very versatile unit. Next, we start the pipe installation. The HIU (Heat Interface Unit/Boiler. The Underfloor Heating Manifold. First elements of the drainage. In this photograph, the external casing of the HIU is removed, so the pipe connections can be tested.
Where possible, pipe is prefabricated, before being fixed to the inside of the pod. This is for speed and also to stop (where copper pipe is utilised and therefore soldered) any burns occurring on the white rock finished surface. The boosted cold water meter assembly is also installed with integral pressure reducing valve. On the right hand side of this Pod is also a cold water feed for a washing machine. Electrical Installation starts 3 compartment dado trunking is installed. Consumer unit BT connection unit Switches, Sockets & Accessories
Here we can see the nearly complete MEP Utility Cupboard. Mechanical & Electrical final connections are made & tested. The HIU external cover is fitted. Pipe is finished, pressure tested and then capped ready for shipping.
The Pre-Fabricated MEP Utility Cupboards are inspected before being wrapped for transit to site. When the pods arrive at site, pre-installed lifting eyes are utilised to crane the pod to the appropriate level of the building. The site crane is booked in advance for the pod delivery. Pods are unloaded on to a lifting platform and using a pallet truck, wheeled to either a holding area on the level or to their final setting out point.
Here a MEP Utility Cupboard has been located in its final position on the floor. The equipment to serve, in this case a 1 bedroom apartment, is starting to be first fixed to the pod. This includes: Incoming pipe from the buildings energy centre. Drainage to a local soil stack. Duct. Electrical, incoming SWA cabling to the consumer unit, Data & TV. External to the pod, the apartment is constructed. Plasterboard case added to the pod frame. The floor is formed. External switches added. Ceiling ties erected.
The installation of the MEP Utility Cupboard is nearly complete. Plastered and mist coated. It awaits the final flooring added, it s door and second fix of external accessories. It has been tested in situ, signed off by the client. Below is a finished apartment These apartments benefit from - Air conditioning, underfloor heating, separate metered water & heating supplies, individual metered Electrical Data, TV supplies. All options can be catered for, to approved specifications and cost. At low risk, quality controlled, quickly and cost effectively.