Case Study
Priory House
Priory House is a multimillion-pound development of 79 luxury apartments in the former Birmingham forensic science laboratories
The redevelopment of the former forensic science laboratories built in the 1950’s is located in the Southside district of Birmingham and consists of 79 luxury apartments. Leading regional main contractor Bode Contracting Ltd were tasked with redeveloping this existing city centre building with existing rooms and restricted spacing. They turned to Harlaxton Engineering for a flexible and bespoke design & installation package for new electrical infrastructure installations.
“The existing layout of the building presented many challenges. The substation access via a single person entry door, situated below street level meant consideration was needed in order to safely remove the old equipment and install the new. As the design progressed, site visits were made throughout the process to ensure the space worked with the new client requirements whilst meeting both Harlaxton Energy Networks & Western Power Distribution Specifications.
After a meeting and site survey, the substation design was created to utilise the existing space. Key points were redesigned to bring it up to required and modern day standards including fire, earthing and blast protection. One key element was the widening of the existing opening to allow for the install of louvred doors to provide suitable access and egress.
Upon completion of the substation design, we then provided a clean and minimal cable design saving the client a considerable amount of money due to less cables and consequently a great utilisation of the space available.”
Matt Swift – Harlaxton Design Engineer
The challenges
• Development of apartments in an existing building with space constraints in a city centre location.
• The initial plans were to have meters in the basement room but the client wanted to look at different options for meter locations for space and money-saving purposes.
• The project required a new substation that would need to be installed in an old existing substation room in the building, so required some extra attention to make sure this was feasible on the current spec requirements.
• This was also the case for the internal cabling as everything was already in place and we needed to ensure that risers, cavities, etc. were suitable to house the new equipment and cables throughout the building.
• Due to project timescales an early electric supply to the building was required prior to the main installations to aid the build programme.
Solution
• Harlaxton’s Design Engineer attended multiple meetings to discuss in detail the possible options for cabling, equipment, and metering locations throughout the building ensuring the customer’s input was accommodated and that they received the best cost option for their build.
• The design for the substation configuration was completely bespoke to ensure the new equipment would fit into the existing space but also conform to specification requirements and meeting approved standards.
• Harlaxton Engineering were able to self-determine and self-approve a smaller temporary electric connection to get the project up and running early on.
Services provided
• Direct input from the Design Engineer creating a cost saving to the customer.
• A bespoke design package including detailed network designs for every floor of the building.
• Flexibility to install an early electric supply to ensure the project progression was not interrupted or delayed.
Results
• A clear and concise package of designs that enabled the customer to effectively plan their space for other services throughout the building (fibre, water, etc.).
• A uniquely configured substation installation completely bespoke to the project.
• Provision of electrical services through to 79 apartments and the buildings landlord and safety supplies.
• Little to no disruption to the project progression due to the early connection.
- Harpwood House
October 20 2022 - Priory House
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