The M&E services installation at Star Radcliffe Academy in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester was delivered as part of a modern secondary education development providing specialist teaching spaces, science laboratories, sports and dining facilities, administrative areas and associated external spaces designed to support a high-quality learning environment. The project comprised the installation and commissioning of comprehensive mechanical, electrical and public health services, including energy-efficient heating and ventilation, domestic water and drainage, power distribution, lighting and controls, BMS, fire detection and alarm, security and life-safety systems, providing a safe, comfortable and efficient environment for pupils, staff and visitors.
Services Undertaken:
- Air source heat pump heating systems
- Domestic hot water generation
- LTHW heating distribution
- Radiators and radiant panel heating
- Packaged plate heat exchanger systems
- Heating and DHW circulation pumps
- Hybrid ventilation systems
- Natural ventilation and Windcatcher systems
- Central air handling and mechanical ventilation
- General supply and extract ventilation
- Kitchen supply and extract ventilation
- Science laboratory VAV ventilation
- Fume cupboard extract systems
- Fire and smoke dampers and associated controls
- Split-system air conditioning
- Building Management System (BMS) and automatic controls
- Potable cold water storage and distribution
- Cold water booster systems
- Category 5 water systems
- Water hygiene flushing systems
- Sanitaryware and drinking water facilities
- Above-ground and siphonic rainwater drainage
- LPG gas storage, distribution and laboratory gas safety systems
- LV electrical distribution
- Distribution boards and external feeder pillars
- General small power and wiring accessories
- Internal and external LED lighting
- Intelligent lighting controls
- Emergency lighting
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) generation
- Electric vehicle charging
- Earthing and bonding
- Lightning protection
- Fire detection and alarm systems
- Disabled refuge communication systems
- Assisted WC alarm systems
- Access control systems
- Public address systems
- Fixed and portable induction loop systems
- Electric trace heating
Project Delivery Highlights:
The project involved the delivery of a comprehensive M&E building services installation incorporating energy-efficient heating, ventilation, domestic water, electrical distribution, lighting, life-safety and specialist systems. The building incorporates a strong focus on efficient operation and occupant comfort, with central air handling plant, hybrid and natural ventilation solutions, air source heat pump technology and extensive BMS monitoring and control.
Key delivery highlights included:
- Low-carbon heating and hot water – Air source heat pump technology was incorporated for LTHW heating and domestic hot water generation, supported by packaged heat exchangers, circulation systems and associated controls.
- Hybrid ventilation strategy – Teaching spaces utilise Monodraught hybrid ventilation units alongside openable windows and passive ventilation stacks, providing demand-led ventilation and night cooling while supporting the building’s thermal comfort and indoor air quality requirements.
- Central mechanical ventilation – Dedicated air handling plant provides controlled supply and extract ventilation throughout the building, incorporating heat recovery, filtration, LTHW heating and BMS integration.
- Specialist science facilities – The science laboratories incorporate supply and extract VAV systems, dedicated fume cupboard extract ventilation and gas safety systems, providing coordinated control of ventilation and laboratory gas supplies.
- Natural ventilation solutions – Sports and activity spaces utilise roof-mounted Monodraught Windcatchers with mechanically assisted ventilation where required, reducing reliance on conventional mechanical ventilation.
- Comprehensive electrical infrastructure – The installation includes LV distribution, external feeder pillars, small power, earthing and lightning protection together with internal and external LED lighting and intelligent lighting controls.
- Life-safety and accessibility systems – Fire alarm, fire/smoke damper controls, disabled refuge communications, assisted WC alarms and other specialist systems were integrated to support the building’s fire strategy and accessibility requirements.
- Renewable energy and sustainable transport – Solar PV generation and EV charging infrastructure were incorporated to support reduced operational carbon emissions and the building’s wider sustainability objectives.
- Integrated building controls – A comprehensive BMS provides central monitoring and control of the major mechanical systems, including AHUs, heating plant, ventilation equipment, control valves, sensors and associated plant alarms.
- Coordinated commissioning and handover – The M&E systems were tested, commissioned and integrated to provide a coordinated building services installation, supported by comprehensive O&M information for the facilities management team.
Photographs courtesy of SG Photography.