Merivale Road
Coordinated MEP infrastructure that protects space, comfort, and long-term value.
DescriptionMerivale Road is a multi-unit residential development comprising a central apartment block and three private townhouses. SISMEP delivered the full Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health (MEP) design, creating a coordinated strategy that balanced shared infrastructure with independently serviced dwellings. The design focused on energy efficiency, acoustic protection, regulatory compliance and long-term maintainability. Through detailed 3D coordination and careful riser planning, we optimised service routes to protect ceiling heights and maximise usable floor space. The result is a fully compliant, high-performance residential scheme that combines technical precision with practical buildability — delivering comfortable, efficient homes designed for long-term value.
Contractor | Architect | Completed |
|---|---|---|
TNV | 2025 |
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Merivale Road was a multi-unit residential development comprising:
• A block of apartments
• Three separate townhouses
SISMEP was appointed to deliver the full Mechanical, Electrical, and Public Health (MEP) design across the entire development.
The project required a coordinated strategy that addressed the differing needs of multi-residential apartments and individual private townhouses, while maintaining overall system efficiency, regulatory compliance, and cost control.
The design needed to ensure high levels of resident comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term maintainability.
• A block of apartments
• Three separate townhouses
SISMEP was appointed to deliver the full Mechanical, Electrical, and Public Health (MEP) design across the entire development.
The project required a coordinated strategy that addressed the differing needs of multi-residential apartments and individual private townhouses, while maintaining overall system efficiency, regulatory compliance, and cost control.
The design needed to ensure high levels of resident comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term maintainability.
CHALLENGES
Challenges
Mixed residential typology — the development included both a shared apartment block (with communal considerations) and individually serviced townhouses, requiring a hybrid approach that balanced shared infrastructure with independent systems.
Space constraints — risers in the apartment block needed careful coordination, townhouse service routes had to remain discreet to maximise saleable floor area, and plant allocation had to be optimised without compromising performance.
Energy & Building Regulation compliance — the scheme had to meet Part L, Part F, Part G, plus fire and acoustic requirements, requiring detailed calculations and system optimisation to stay compliant without overspending.
Acoustic separation — services had to protect inter-flat acoustic performance and resident comfort, so pipework, ductwork, and drainage needed careful detailing to reduce noise transmission.
Future maintenance & metering — each dwelling required independent metering, accessible maintenance strategies, and clear segregation of services to support long-term operational efficiency.
Mixed residential typology — the development included both a shared apartment block (with communal considerations) and individually serviced townhouses, requiring a hybrid approach that balanced shared infrastructure with independent systems.
Space constraints — risers in the apartment block needed careful coordination, townhouse service routes had to remain discreet to maximise saleable floor area, and plant allocation had to be optimised without compromising performance.
Energy & Building Regulation compliance — the scheme had to meet Part L, Part F, Part G, plus fire and acoustic requirements, requiring detailed calculations and system optimisation to stay compliant without overspending.
Acoustic separation — services had to protect inter-flat acoustic performance and resident comfort, so pipework, ductwork, and drainage needed careful detailing to reduce noise transmission.
Future maintenance & metering — each dwelling required independent metering, accessible maintenance strategies, and clear segregation of services to support long-term operational efficiency.
SOLUTIONS
Our Solution
Mechanical design (HVAC & heating) — we designed energy-efficient heating systems tailored to each dwelling type, with ventilation designed in line with Part F requirements, including mechanical extract ventilation systems for apartments and townhouses.
Coordinated riser strategies were developed within the apartment block to optimise vertical distribution and protect usable space.
Thermal comfort and reduced energy demand were achieved through considered system selection, layout optimisation, and performance-led design.
Electrical design — full power and lighting design was delivered for all apartments and townhouses, with energy-efficient LED lighting for private and communal areas.
Emergency lighting and fire alarm systems were integrated within the apartment block, supported by dedicated landlord supplies for communal areas.
Individual metering was implemented for each residential unit to support clear billing and future management.
Public health design — domestic hot and cold-water systems were designed for efficiency and compliance, with water-saving sanitary specifications to meet Part G requirements.
Acoustically considerate drainage routes were developed, including carefully positioned drainage stacks and coordinated below-ground drainage across the development.
Fire & life safety integration — we coordinated fire alarm and detection for the apartment block, developed a smoke ventilation strategy aligned with the architectural design, and detailed service penetrations to maintain compartmentation integrity.
Coordination & buildability — we worked closely with the architect and structural engineer, coordinating risers and ceiling voids to avoid clashes and protect ceiling heights.
Detailed construction drawings and specifications were issued to streamline installation and reduce on-site risk.
Mechanical design (HVAC & heating) — we designed energy-efficient heating systems tailored to each dwelling type, with ventilation designed in line with Part F requirements, including mechanical extract ventilation systems for apartments and townhouses.
Coordinated riser strategies were developed within the apartment block to optimise vertical distribution and protect usable space.
Thermal comfort and reduced energy demand were achieved through considered system selection, layout optimisation, and performance-led design.
Electrical design — full power and lighting design was delivered for all apartments and townhouses, with energy-efficient LED lighting for private and communal areas.
Emergency lighting and fire alarm systems were integrated within the apartment block, supported by dedicated landlord supplies for communal areas.
Individual metering was implemented for each residential unit to support clear billing and future management.
Public health design — domestic hot and cold-water systems were designed for efficiency and compliance, with water-saving sanitary specifications to meet Part G requirements.
Acoustically considerate drainage routes were developed, including carefully positioned drainage stacks and coordinated below-ground drainage across the development.
Fire & life safety integration — we coordinated fire alarm and detection for the apartment block, developed a smoke ventilation strategy aligned with the architectural design, and detailed service penetrations to maintain compartmentation integrity.
Coordination & buildability — we worked closely with the architect and structural engineer, coordinating risers and ceiling voids to avoid clashes and protect ceiling heights.
Detailed construction drawings and specifications were issued to streamline installation and reduce on-site risk.
OUTCOME
✅ Fully compliant residential MEP design delivered
✅ Efficient integration of apartment block and townhouse services
✅ Optimised plant and riser strategies
✅ Enhanced energy performance
✅ Long-term maintainable infrastructure
✅ Successful coordination with minimal construction conflicts
The project achieved a balanced approach between technical performance, cost efficiency, and high-quality residential living standards.
✅ Efficient integration of apartment block and townhouse services
✅ Optimised plant and riser strategies
✅ Enhanced energy performance
✅ Long-term maintainable infrastructure
✅ Successful coordination with minimal construction conflicts
The project achieved a balanced approach between technical performance, cost efficiency, and high-quality residential living standards.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Key Takeaways
Mixed residential developments require flexible design strategies — apartments and townhouses demand different servicing approaches within one cohesive framework.
Early coordination minimises construction risk — detailed riser and service planning prevented on-site clashes and costly redesign.
Acoustic consideration is critical in multi-unit housing — service design must protect residential comfort and privacy.
Compliance must be integrated, not added later — energy, ventilation, fire, and water regulations were embedded into the design from concept stage.
Well-designed infrastructure enhances property value — efficient, compliant, and maintainable MEP systems contribute directly to long-term asset performance.
Mixed residential developments require flexible design strategies — apartments and townhouses demand different servicing approaches within one cohesive framework.
Early coordination minimises construction risk — detailed riser and service planning prevented on-site clashes and costly redesign.
Acoustic consideration is critical in multi-unit housing — service design must protect residential comfort and privacy.
Compliance must be integrated, not added later — energy, ventilation, fire, and water regulations were embedded into the design from concept stage.
Well-designed infrastructure enhances property value — efficient, compliant, and maintainable MEP systems contribute directly to long-term asset performance.
TESTIMONIAL
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