02 Feb 2022
By Michelle Glancy, Marketing Assistant at DARe-me Consulting Engineers.
Building services design is vital for any construction project. During the design process, building services engineers help bring a vision to life and offer innovative solutions to any complications which arise.
What is Building Services Design?
During the design process of a project, building services engineers focus on ensuring a building is fit for purpose and determine how the mechanical and electrical elements of a building will operate to create a comfortable environment.
Building services engineers focus design efforts on creating a building that is safe, comfortable, functional and energy efficient.
Building services design covers a wide range of aspects including:
Sustainable Building Design
Sustainability is also central to building services design. With buildings currently responsible for 40% of the UK’s total carbon emissions and the world’s building stock projected to double by 2060, it is now more important than ever for the construction industry to integrate sustainable measures into projects.
Engineers devise innovative solutions to make a building energy efficient in a bid to meet government carbon targets. Whether a building is in the initial stages of its lifespan or an existing building is being renovated, building services engineers can create designs which greatly lower a building's carbon emissions. Associated energy costs are also reduced resultantly.
Why Is It Important?
Not only does a solid design result in an environmentally friendly building being developed, but also allows for a smooth construction process. Any potential issues are identified during the design process and are remedied quickly and easily. This prevents any unexpected delays occurring during the construction stage, thereby reducing associated costs.
During the design process, building services engineers convert an artistic vision of a building into tangible technical solutions as to how a building will function. These can be understood by contractors who are later responsible for constructing the project.
Case Studies
DARe-me Consulting Engineers provided M & E Design for Register of Scotland's Edinburgh office, Meadowbank House. DARe-me conducted an Electrical Load Assessment to determine the suitability of changing the building's existing gas fired external condensers for more energy efficient electrical units.
Building services engineers seek to minimise the energy consumption of a building by incorporating measures to make a building 'green'. In the design process, engineers are responsible for deciphering how this is achieved in a cost-effective way.
Our team were responsible for designing a ventilation system for Scotland's first authentic Scottish Buffalo Mozzarella manufacturing facility, using the latest technology and design software to deliver high-quality results.
Summary
The design process of a building - whether at the start of its lifecycle or during a refurbishment - is highly important. It bridges the gap between an artistic vision and the process of constructing a building. Attention is focused on the comfort, safety, functionality, and efficiency of a building.
At DARe-me Consulting Engineers, we pride ourselves on consistently finding the perfect design solution for a wide range of buildings. Contact the team today to find out how we can offer our expertise for your project.
