building-services
Installation
SKILL.md
Building Services for Architects
Section 1: HVAC Systems for Architects
Mechanical ventilation, heating, and cooling systems are the single largest consumer of building volume after the primary structure. The architect's HVAC decisions at concept stage — system type, plant room location, riser positions, ceiling void depth — are largely irreversible. This section equips architects to make informed selections and understand spatial consequences.
Space Allowances: Mechanical Plant as Percentage of GFA
| Building Type | Mechanical Plant (% of GFA) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial office (air-conditioned) | 5-8% | Higher end for prestige/lab-grade |
| Commercial office (mixed-mode) | 3-5% | Reduced mechanical plant |
| Hospital / healthcare | 8-12% | Extensive air handling, medical gases, redundancy |
| Hotel | 5-7% | Central plant + individual room FCUs |
| Residential (apartments) | 2-4% | Minimal central plant if individual systems |
| Retail (shopping centre) | 4-6% | Anchor tenants often have own plant |
| School / university | 3-5% | Varies with ventilation strategy |
| Laboratory | 8-15% | High air-change rates, fume cupboards, specialist extract |
| Data centre | 25-40% | Cooling-dominated; massive plant requirement |
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