Offsite prefabrication speeds pipework installation

Prefabricated pipework modules based on Mapress tube and pressfittings have dramatically cut installation time and costs for the new Belgrave House commercial development in London’s Buckingham Palace Road. This 8-storey building comprises 25 500 m2 of high-class office accommodation. Purpose-designed and built prefabricated pipework modules made off site by N. G. Bailey’s specialist Bailey Prefabrication Divisions take the form of a 4-pipe skid on a Unistrut framework. Each module contains various Mapress pipework and fittings, plus branches for on-site connection to risers for chilled and heating water and over 900 fan-coil units. Services for the development are based around chassis-type fan-coil units installed in ceiling voids. There are 4-pipe units around the perimeter of the building and 2-pipe units in internal areas. LPHW and chilled water are supplied by four 500 kW boilers and two 1400 kW chillers. The 2-pipe fan-coil units are fitted with electric heating coils. To further reduce installation time, the pipework is pre-lagged and air pressure tested. On completion, four modules , each about 5.5 m long and 1 m wide, are delivered to site on trolleys to enable easy movement around the floors. Each floor requires about 50 modules. Two men with a hoist take about half an hour to align and connect each module. No welding is required, and the Mapress Supersize pipe is much lighter than its traditional steel barrel pipe equivalent — making installation easier and quicker. Joints are completed

Related links:

• www.geberit.co.uk