Stage 2 & 3 M&E Design Reports – Cambridge

The RIBA Plan of Work outlines the critical stages of a construction project. At Delta M&E, we specialise in providing the detailed M&E reports and technical information required during RIBA Stage 2 (Concept Design) and Stage 3 (Developed Design) to establish the project's performance criteria and cost control.

RIBA Stage 2 (Concept Design) Reporting

During Stage 2, the primary goal is to establish the fundamental M&E strategy. Our services focus on high-level decision-making:

• Concept M&E Strategy: Defining the core approach for key systems (e.g., central plant vs. local systems, renewable energy integration, distribution pathways).

• Initial Load Assessments: Providing preliminary calculations of building demands (heating, cooling, electrical loads) to guide system selection and size.

• Spatial Allocation: Determining the approximate plant room sizes, riser dimensions, and critical ceiling void requirements to integrate the M&E systems with the architectural design.

• Initial Cost Planning: Delivering high-level, approximate Capital Expenditure (CapEx) budgets for the preferred M&E concepts, allowing the client to align design intent with financial constraints.

• Feasibility Confirmation: Confirming the technical viability of the proposed concepts based on site conditions and utility availability.

RIBA Stage 3 (Developed Design) Reporting

Stage 3 refines the approved concept, generating detailed technical information used for design coordination and cost certainty:

• Detailed System Schematics: Producing comprehensive schematics for all major M&E systems (e.g., HVAC flow diagrams, electrical single-line diagrams, public health risers).

• Performance Specifications: Developing detailed M&E Performance Specifications that define the operational requirements, quality standards, and statutory compliance criteria for all equipment and installations.

• Preliminary Calculations: Finalising major calculations, including refined thermal loads, airflow rates, pipe sizing, and electrical distribution requirements.

• Coordinated Design Drawings: Integrating the M&E designs into the architectural and structural models to resolve major coordination clashes and define spatial reservations.

• Refined Cost Plan: Delivering a detailed, element-by-element cost breakdown (CapEx) for all M&E services, providing greater cost certainty before moving into technical design.

Delta M&E's structured reporting ensures a smooth transition through these vital early stages, establishing a robust and cost-effective foundation for the entire project.

Extending beyond the developed concepts of Stage 3, Delta M&E provides comprehensive services during RIBA Stage 4 (Technical Design) to produce the fully detailed, coordinated, and compliant technical packages required for construction and procurement.

Key Deliverables for Technical Design

In Stage 4, we finalise the design details, ensuring all M&E systems are fully coordinated and ready to be built:

• Detailed Technical Specifications: Producing finalized, tender-ready specifications for all M&E plant and equipment, including specific models, control sequences, and performance data, suitable for procurement.

• Fully Coordinated Construction Drawings: Issuing highly detailed, fully dimensioned construction drawings (often leveraging our BIM models) for every M&E system, showing exact positions, set-out points, and interfaces with the building structure.

• Final Calculations and Verification: Completing all statutory calculations, including final Part L compliance reports (SBEM/DSM), validated cable and pipe sizing, terminal unit selection, and confirmed heat/cooling loads.

• Fabrication and Installation Data: Providing specialist data necessary for manufacturing and installing systems, such as ductwork and pipework spool drawings, and plant schedules.

• Tender Support Documentation: Preparing the complete M&E Tender Package, including schedules of quantities, quality requirements, and appendices that fully define the scope of work for contractors.

Our thorough approach to Stage 4 ensures that the design is fully integrated, eliminates technical risks, and provides clear, unambiguous information to secure competitive tenders and execute a smooth construction phase.