Finally, the DfMA approach has optimised the MEP systems, using modular prefabricated units, which reduce the amount of material used.

One major issue for clients in this sort of field is that science moves so fast that buildings quickly become out of date.And the changing use of building spaces has been exacerbated by COVID reducing the requirement for office space even further..

In this context, we have converted offices to pilot labs with a high density of fume cupboards and clean room facilities.We have also built an incubator/accelerator project; a lab building for startups.The principal MEPchallenge here is catering for the air change requirements, which are clearly much higher in a laboratory than in an office.

Doing this has been greatly helped by the 3D modelling that was carried out on the original project.. HVAC upgrades at the Portway.Also on the Granta Park is a building called Portway.

Initially built as a large office complex for one company, we have been working on dividing it up to house nine separate clients.

This has complex implications for mechanical and electrical services.This approach facilitates the pre-certification of components, panelised systems, building systems for thermal/hygrothermal/airtightness performance, reducing design time and programme..

The repetition of detailing between projects means that a design library of pre-certified components is retained for future projects, making the design process more efficient and quicker..Achieving Passivhaus performance can require an iterative design process to ensure performance during the final stage of construction inspection and testing is achieved.

This iterative process can be shortened using BIM integration and digital twins which are inherently part of a DfMA approach..Increased skill/knowledge/preparation:.