ESSJAY CONSULTING ENGINEERS - DO I NEED BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERS FOR MY PROJECT?

We are excited to announce our new partnership with Essjay Consulting Engineers and as part of their partnership with ArchiTeam they will be sharing monthly articles on the process of engaging and working with an engineer.

Essjay Consulting Engineers offer a complete building services engineering consultancy. Who provide efficient and tailored engineering design solutions for residential, commercial, industrial, fit outs, retail, hotel, supermarket, health sector and educational sectors. Currently working on multiple nationwide. They are here to guide and walk along the entire design process with you.

Do I need Building Services Engineers for my project?

1. What is building services engineering consultancy?

Building Services Engineering Consultancy: Enhancing Built Environments Through Expertise

Building services engineering consultancy is a specialized field within the broader realm of engineering consulting. It focuses on the design, implementation, and management of various systems and technologies that contribute to the functionality, comfort, safety, and sustainability of buildings and built environments. These systems, often referred to as "building services" or "mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems," encompass a wide range of components that ensure the seamless operation of buildings to comply with all regulatory requirements while meeting the needs of stakeholders.

Key Components of Building Services Engineering Consultancy are:

Mechanical Services: Mechanical engineer/consultants address the design and installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These systems regulate indoor air quality, temperature and humidity, creating a comfortable and conducive environment for occupants.

Electrical Services: Electrical engineer/consultant design electrical systems that encompass lighting, emergency and exit lights, power distribution, emergency power supply and power back-up. These systems provide the necessary energy for building operations and ensure safety in the event of power failures or emergencies.

Fire detection and alarm systems is also designed by the electrical consultant. This is designed to provide the tenants/occupants early warning of fire and helps to evacuate the building.

Electrical consultants integrate security systems, such as access control, surveillance and intrusion detection to ensure the secure access to the building, safety of occupants and assets.

Plumbing and Drainage: Engineers in this field design plumbing and drainage systems that ensure the reliable supply of clean water, efficient waste removal, and proper sanitation within buildings. This includes systems for water distribution, sewage disposal, and stormwater management.

Fire Services : Fire services consultant/engineers play a crucial role in designing fire protection systems, including fire alarms, hydrants, hose reels, sprinkler systems, and smoke control systems. These systems help prevent, detect, and mitigate fire hazards, safeguarding both people and property.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Sustainability design consultants strive to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability by providing correct advice to minimize energy consumption and environmental impact.

Sustainable design and principles include the ability to

• optimize site potential
• minimize non-renewable energy consumption
• use environmentally preferable products
• protect and conserve water
• enhance indoor environmental quality; and
• optimize operational and maintenance practices.

Integration of Technologies: In the era of smart buildings, consultants are tasked with integrating various technologies, such as building automation and control systems, to create cohesive and interconnected environments that can be monitored and managed remotely.

2. Role of Building Services Engineering Consultants:

Design and Planning: Consultants collaborate with architects, developers, and other stakeholders to integrate building services seamlessly into the overall design of the structure. They ensure that systems are efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with the building's purpose. Importantly they ensure all the relevant authority and regulatory compliance.

Technical Expertise: Building services engineering consultants possess in-depth knowledge of engineering principles, codes, regulations, and emerging technologies. This expertise allows them to navigate complexities and deliver optimal solutions.

Sustainability: Consultants prioritize sustainability by incorporating energy-efficient designs, renewable energy sources, and environmentally friendly technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings.

Coordination: Consultants work closely with other professionals, such as architects, structural engineers, civil engineers, interior designers and all other services as required to ensure that building services align with the architectural vision and structural integrity of the project.

Risk Management: Consultants assess potential risks related to building services and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring the safety of occupants and compliance with regulations.

Lifecycle Management: Consultants oversee the implementation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance of building services systems throughout the building's lifecycle.

3. Why do we need them?

Collaboration between architects and building services consultants is crucial for the success of any building project. By understanding the requirements and constraints of building services from the outset, architects can design spaces that accommodate mechanical plants, substations, and fire protection system without necessitating significant changes later on. This minimizes the risk of secondary planning submissions.

Few of the services items that will have major impacts on the planning permit is as follows.

• Mechanical plant size and location. If the plants are located on the roof, this might affect the planning permit due to the height of the plants, screening requirements etc.
• Substation – Indoor or kiosk substation - this will have effect on the front façade as the substation will need to be located at front of the property with direct access from the street.
• Fire services booster, tank and pumps – Protection of asset and life is often not considered at the early stages of a project. Fire hydrant booster assembly is required to be at the front façade of the building or fronting the street and this may impact the planning permit/conditions and not to mention the impact on the front elevation of the building. Valuable space may be lost if pumps and tanks are required but not identified early enough. If Regulation 129 consent from Fire Rescue Victoria is required but not applied for, this will delay the project.

There are other services items that can impact the appearance/use of the building. Therefore, the collaboration between architects and building services consultants are essential for creating successful building designs that meet both aesthetic and functional.

It is important for the architects to consult/collaborate with the building services consultants to find out the requirements of services during the planning stage itself in order to avoid the secondary planning submission to incorporate the services requirements

Building services engineering consultancy is integral to the successful realization of modern structures that prioritize occupant comfort, safety, sustainability, and functionality.

At Essjay Consulting Engineers, through our expertise, we contribute to the creation of environments that enhance the quality of life and support the diverse needs of occupants and communities.

If you need to know more about Essjay Consulting Engineers or if you need to discuss about a current building services issue you are having, please do not hesitate to contact any of the below.

Suju James – mobile no. 0403 528 471, email - suju.james@essjayce.com.au  

Alex Lee – mobile no, 0468 303 328, email - alex.lee@essjayce.com.au   

Josiah Zhou – mobile no. 0416 151 506, email - josiah.zhou@essjayce.com.au

Website: - https://essjayce.com.au