Building Services Design
Our Commitment
At Cu-Tec Building Services Design, established in 2002, we specialise in providing Mechanical, Electrical, & Public Health engineering design services that prioritise sustainability and efficiency. Our experienced, small team is dedicated to ensuring comprehensive project understanding through diligent collaboration and attention to detail. With proven experience working with the Built Environment, we ensure all design aspects meet industry standards. We believe in strengthening relationships and guiding clients through the design process, helping them achieve their goals with innovative solutions. Our focus is to create sustainable spaces that not only serve modern needs but also contribute positively to the environment.
Mechanical Services
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Heating system design (boilers, heat pumps, district heating/heat networks)
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Cooling and air conditioning system design (VRF/VRV, chillers, comfort cooling)
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Ventilation systems (natural, mechanical, heat recovery, smoke control)
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Building services plant room design and layout
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Hot and cold water services
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Above ground drainage design
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Thermal modelling & energy efficiency optimisation
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Low-carbon and renewable energy systems (solar thermal, radiative cooling, heat pumps, biomass)
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Lifts and escalators
Electrical Services
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Power distribution (LV and HV systems, switchgear, distribution boards)
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Lighting design (interior, exterior, emergency, compliance with CIBSE/BS 5266)
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Lighting controls (DALI, presence/daylight systems)
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Fire detection & alarm systems (BS 5839 compliance)
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Security, CCTV, access control, intruder alarms
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ICT and structured cabling systems
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Renewable energy integration (PV arrays, battery storage, EV charging)
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Earthing & bonding design
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Standby generation and UPS systems
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Our Services
Specialist Services
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BIM modelling & digital engineering (Revit, COBie deliverables)
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Coordination of building services with architecture/structure (clash detection)
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Acoustic services (mechanical plant noise, sound attenuation)
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Vertical transportation consultancy (lifts, escalators)
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Specialist smoke ventilation and CFD modelling
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District energy and heat network feasibility/design
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Smart building and controls strategy (BMS, IoT, analytics)
Project Stages & Consultancy Roles
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Feasibility studies & concept design
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Outline and detailed design (RIBA Stages 1–7)
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Tender documentation and specifications (BSRIA BG 56, NBS, CAWS)
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Technical reviews of contractor proposals
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Value engineering and life cycle costing
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Site inspections, quality assurance and witnessing of commissioning
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Post-occupancy evaluation and soft landings support
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Compliance with CDM 2015 designer duties (risk reduction at design stage)
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Experienced in The Building Safety Act (BSA) Compliance - Gateway 1&2
Public Health / Plumbing Services
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Domestic hot & cold water distribution
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Sanitaryware specification and above ground drainage
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Rainwater harvesting and sustainable drainage (SuDS) systems
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Greywater recycling
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Sprinkler and fire suppression systems
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Legionella risk reduction in design
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Specialist gases (medical gases, lab gases, etc. in healthcare/education projects)
Sustainability, Energy & Compliance
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Part L (Building Regulations) compliance assessments
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HNTAS, BREEAM, LEED, WELL, NABERS and other sustainability certifications support
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Energy strategies for planning (SAP/SBEM calculations)
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Whole Life Carbon assessments and net zero carbon roadmaps
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Building performance modelling (thermal comfort, overheating, COâ‚‚ ppm checks)
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Building log books, O&M manuals, and TM54 performance evaluations
At Cu-Tec, we are committed to fulfilling our duties under the Building Safety Act 2022, ensuring that life safety, compliance, and accountability are embedded throughout the design and construction process.
As an MEPH design consultancy, we play a key role in supporting the Golden Thread of information by producing accurate, coordinated, and traceable design data in accordance with BS EN ISO 19650-2. Our processes align with the Constructionline and SSIP frameworks, demonstrating our commitment to competence, transparency, and continuous improvement.
For Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), we ensure that our designs meet the necessary safety case requirements, that all relevant design decisions are recorded and justified, and that building safety risks are systematically identified, mitigated, and communicated to the Principal Designer, Principal Contractor, and Client.
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Through robust quality assurance, digital information management, and collaborative working, we help ensure that every project contributes to a safer built environment.
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Projects include:
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Windmill Court (Brent, London)
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Albert Hall Mansions (Westminster, London)
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​Lodge & Manor Court (Brent, London)
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Kilburn Square (Brent, London)
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Grange House (Eirth, London)
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Winchester Tower (Norwich)
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Edward Woods Estate (Hammersmith, London)
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Grenfall Tower (London) - Post incident relocation of UKPN primary sub-station
The Building Safety Act
Projects
Windmill Court
Residential High-Rise - BSA Gateway 2
Windmill Court, a 17-story concrete tower off Maplesbury Road in Kilburn, was built in 1967, replacing
several grand Victorian villas reminiscent of those in the nearby Mapesbury conservation area. It comprises 120 homes, mostly managed by the London Borough of Brent. Residents include tenants and leaseholders.
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As part of Brent Council's high-rise major-works programme our scope was to provide detailed MEPH designs for the BSA Gateway 2 application to include:
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New communal heating and hot water system using heat interface units and including options for either highly-efficient condensing gas boilers or R290 air source heat pumps.
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The introduction of whole dwelling mechanical ventilation heat recovery ventilation (MVHR) to individual flats.
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Above Ground Foul & Rainwater Drainage
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Boosted Cold Water
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New incoming UKPN electricity supply and BNO lateral mains
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Communal lighting
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IRS TV distribution
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Firefighting and Evacuation Lifts
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Dry Riser​​​​​
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Automatic Fire Suppression System (AFSS)
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Replacement dwelling Automatic Fire Detection with LD1 System
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Fire Services Actuated Evacuation Alert System (EAS), Communal Area Fire Detection & Sprinkler
Activation Alarm -
CCTV and Access Control
Albert Hall Mansions
High-end Residential - Heritage & BSA Gateway 2
Albert Hall Mansion is a Grade II listed - high risk building, built in1879 and designed by Richard Norman Shaw.
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The project consisted of a single doubled sized duplex dwelling occupying 600m2 over1.5 floors of Albert Hall Mansions Block 1. It involved a full strip out and high-end refurbishment with conservation approval. The buildings height places it in the high risk building register and as such Cu-Tec was appointed to proved a full MEPH design for the BSR Gateway 2 application.
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The design includes:
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A fully co-ordinated Revit model of the building services within the architectural model.
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A roof mounted VRF AC system serving concealed fan coil units hidden within bespoke joinery.
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Alterations and expansion to the existing low temperature radiator system.
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Extract ventilation
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Complete reconfiguration of the hot and cold water services and the internal above ground drainage system.
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Fire Alarm system with careful consideration in order not to effect the existing building evacuation strategy.
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Category 1 Tank and pump fed Sprinkler System throughout.
IWM North
Museum - Decarbonisation
Imperial War Museum North is a prime example of Deconstructivist architecture. One of five branches of the Imperial War Museum, it explores the impact of modern conflicts on people and society. It is the first branch of the Imperial War Museum to be located in the north of England, build in 2002.
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As part of the Imperial War Museum’s ongoing decarbonisation programme, Cu-tec was appointed to provide design services and technical consultation focused on asset replacement strategies and plant feasibility analysis. Stage One of the scheme has been successfully completed, achieving significant reductions in heating and cooling loads through the replacement of all existing HVAC air handling units (AHUs) with high-efficiency thermal wheel AHUs incorporating advanced heat recovery technology.
The upgraded system delivers improved energy performance, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced environmental control within the museum’s exhibition and visitor spaces.​​
Sackville Street
Multi-tenant Office - Heritage
30 Sackville Street was constructed in 1732 as a private home and underwent a number of alterations in the 19th Century, including an amalgamation with a neighbouring property. The property sits within the Mayfair Conservation Area and the Core Central Activities Zone. Since the 1980's 30 Sackville Street has been utilised as an office in the heart of Mayfair's commercial district.
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The project comprises of a full strip out and refurbishment in order to provide a high quality office workspace whilst being considerate of the heritage nature of the building.
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Cu-Tec was appointed to provide the full MEPH services including:
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VRV heating and cooling system serving concealed fan coil units in bespoke joinery
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Hot water production via the VRV system in order to reduce roof plant
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Boosted cold water services
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Full security access control to all workspaces
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IT Comms room with dedicated cooling
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Power and data throughout incorporating discrete floor boxes with bespoke inlays.
IWM HMS Belfast
Retired WW2 Light Cruiser - Museum
IWM HMS Belfast a 1938 Town-class light cruiser, now serves as a museum ship operated by the Imperial War Museum and is permanently moored on the River Thames between Tower Bridge and London Bridge.
Following extensive weeks of surveys of the vessel, Cu-tec was appointed to develop the design for the replacement of the ship’s hot and cold water services. The design process required careful coordination of new pipework routes above and around the ship’s original historic fabric and existing maritime service installations.
The resulting scheme provides a modern, efficient water services system that enhances reliability and maintenance access, while preserving the ship’s heritage character and operational integrity as a public museum.
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With over 250,000 visitors each year, fire safety and evacuation are critical to the ship’s operation as a public museum. Cu-tec was appointed to deliver the full design for the replacement of the vessel’s existing fire detection and alarm system, alongside a new emergency lighting scheme throughout.
The project involved developing a compliant, system design to meet current fire safety regulations while accommodating the ship’s complex internal layout and heritage constraints. The upgraded systems improve reliability, detection coverage, and evacuation efficiency — ensuring visitor safety and long-term operational resilience.
St Mungo's Hostel
Homelessness Charity - Hostel
St Mungo's - Cu-tec delivered the full MEPH design for St Mungo’s new hostel in Great Guilford Street, creating a safe, efficient and comfortable environment tailored to the needs of residents and staff.
The scheme incorporated modern heating, cooling and ventilation systems to ensure year-round comfort and air quality, together with new hot and cold water services, drainage and energy-efficient boiler plant.
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Electrical installations included low-energy lighting with intelligent controls, small power distribution, life-safety systems, CCTV and data infrastructure.
All services were designed with robustness, ease of maintenance and long-term energy efficiency in mind, supporting St Mungo’s mission to provide high-quality accommodation within a welcoming and sustainable setting.
Aberconway House
Prestigious Residency, Mayfair
In the heart of Mayfair, Aberconway House presents unparalleled prestige. Originally constructed in the early 20th century, the brief for the refurbishment of this distinguished mansion was to marry the timeless architectural grace with the highest standards of interior design by Interior Design by Olka Architektura - Warsaw Poland and mechanical & electrical sophistication by ourselves. See Link.
The residency spans 1,400m2 over 6 floors, comprising of:
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6 grand reception and formal rooms
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8 principle bedrooms
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Banqueting kitchen, secondary chef’s kitchen, staff areas
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Swimming pool, Hamman, Jacuzzi
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Private and Staff Lifts
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Cu-tec provided the client with a full MEPH design to discreetly integrate the mechanical and electrical systems ensure comfort and reliability.
Amenities include full VRF heating & cooling, underfloor heating, resilient hot & cold water systems, intelligent lighting control, comprehensive AV and automation, and hidden service risers for seamless maintenance. Full security systems with access control, CCTV, secure rooms, and interface to private security services. Furthermore the basement featured swimming pool, Hammam & bespoke jacuzzi, which required intricate design and co-ordination detailing.
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Aberconway House went on to become London's most expensive home sold in 2023.​​
IWM Duxford
Museum - Decarbonisation
IWM Duxford Since 1976, IWM Duxford has been a world-renowned centre for aviation history, preserving its original airfield buildings while housing a vast collection of historic aircraft.
As part of the Imperial War Museum’s wider decarbonisation programme, Cu-tec was appointed to develop multiple scopes of work and provide technical support for the replacement of the site’s oil-fired boiler plant with a water-source heat pump system. The scheme utilises the Cambridge Water aquifer to provide sustainable heating to the aircraft hangars and associated buildings.
In parallel with the heat pump installation, Cu-tec was also commissioned to design and upgrade the site’s 11kV electrical distribution infrastructure, ensuring capacity, resilience, and compliance with modern efficiency standards.
29 Holland Park
Ambassador's Residence - Full Refurbishment
UAE Ambassador's Residence, 29 Holland Park - Cu-tec carried out the full MEP design for the complete refurbishment of this prestigious Grade II listed residence, delivering modern building services within a heritage property.
Works included the installation of a discreet passenger lift, full VRF heating and cooling, new hot and cold water services, and complete electrical renewal. Intelligent decorative lighting and an integrated AV system were installed throughout, alongside a secure room with direct Met Police diplomatic communications.
A state-of-the-art banqueting kitchen was also delivered.
The project combined high-specification engineering with sensitive conservation to meet both luxury residential and diplomatic security requirements.
The Compleat Angler
Hotel & Spa Refurbishment and Extension
Compleat Angler Hotel, Marlow - Cu-Tec were commissioned by Macdonald Hotels & Resorts Group to provide the full design of the mechanical and electrical refurbishment alongside a three-storey extension comprising a ground-floor spa and 24 guest bedrooms.
Works included detailed surveys, isolation and safe removal of redundant plant, and the de-commissioning/relocation of existing VRF to a new acoustic compound—keeping the hotel fully operational throughout.
The project included: the diversion & replacement of the incoming gas main, cold water mains and new incoming electricity supply from new UKPN sub-station. The existing HWS and LTHW boiler plant and flues were to be renewed from a new plantroom installation, together with new VRF heating/cooling, heat-recovery ventilation, ensuite extract, and a thermal suite dehumidification system.
Electrical works covered new LV distribution, sub-mains and containment, small power and high-efficiency lighting with dimming and emergency systems, plus new fire alarm, CCTV, access/call assists, data/wi-fi, lightning protection, and supplies to all mechanical plant, lifts and pool plant.
When complete, all services to be tested, commissioned and handed over with full O&M documentation.
Designed to Building Regulations Part B, F, L and BREEAM “Very Good” targets, the project combined complex services integration with meticulous phasing to minimise disruption to guests. This project awaits planning approval.