BEM Services were contacted by a local architects practice to assist with the design of the electrical and mechanical installation for a challenging fit-out of an existing but new warehouse building to form a new training centre for DAF Trucks. The requirement was for 12 classrooms, workshops, offices, meeting rooms and a kitchen that could serve 100 people lunch each day.
We were responsible for the initial design from RIBA Stage 1 to RIBA Stage 4 ready to be handed over to the sub-contractor for installation. Our designs were completed in 2D CAD, accurately refined and coordinated to ensure that all M&E services for the facility would fit in and that it complied with the relevant standards. There were several disruptions to the project timeline as gas membrane was discovered beneath the concrete floor which could not be penetrated, during our design phase. This meant that wastewater drainage had to be pumped out rather than using gravity.
The project started off with BEM Services attending a meeting in Nottingham, this also consisted of a site walk around to see what we were dealing with. A discussion of proposals with the project manager allowed us to get an understanding of what was wanted from the client. Where required within the ongoing design phase, we liaised with the end client to ensure our design meets their requirements.
Back at the office, we calculated the exact requirements for the flow rates for ventilation, water and power capacity. This would allow us to design ducts and pipework and know exactly how everything would fit and where pipe runs would lead.
In just under two months, our specifications, calculations and drawings were produced and delivered to the client to allow the project to go to tender. Delivery of our work is always on time as the project managers have to present these drawings to the end client and potential contractors who wanted to get work underway.
We were involved from the very outset of the project, producing all initial M&E drawings and taking the design through to RIBA Stage 4. Our early involvement allowed us to shape the design around the specific operational needs of a commercial training facility, including considerations for specialist vehicle bays, classrooms, and welfare areas. Throughout the design process, we held a series of design coordination meetings with the client, project team, and key stakeholders to ensure the services layout aligned with both functional requirements and budget expectations. Once the design reached Stage 4, we handed over a fully coordinated and detailed package to the appointed subcontractor for installation and delivery.
BEM Services continued to play an active role through to project completion, we remained responsible for reviewing and verifying the Stage 5 design to ensure it reflected our original design intent and that all technical calculations and specifications were accurate and compliant. We also managed the commissioning process as well as reviewed and verified the O&M manuals developed by the subcontractor, ensuring they were complete, clear, and suitable for handover to the client. Our continued involvement helped maintain quality and consistency throughout the final stages of the project.
In the final stages of the project, we carried out a thorough review of the subcontractor’s drawings and technical submissions to ensure the installation aligned with the approved design. Once the installation was complete, our team conducted on-site inspections and produced a comprehensive witness test inspection report to confirm that all systems were functioning correctly and in line with the project requirements.
As part of our closing duties, we also provided the final Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), ensuring all documentation was in place to support handover and operational use of the building. This document check included a full review and commentary on the proposed O&M Manual.
If you require assistance with construction-level design for your project, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us directly. You can reach us via email at info@bem-services.co.uk or by calling 0115 7788227. We look forward to the opportunity to assist you with your projects.