September 2024
by Trevor Ruhnke
Building prototype designs can offer numerous advantages for new building programs and franchise opportunities. A well-developed prototype accelerates permitting and construction timelines, streamlining the overall project delivery. However, like all new construction projects, challenges still arise, particularly in the realm of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) engineering. This blog explores the key considerations and solutions for optimizing prototype designs in the face of site-specific challenges.
MEP Engineering and Site Utilities
One of the first steps in MEP engineering is identifying the available utilities at potential sites, these findings would be coordinated with a civil engineer. The availability of natural gas is often the most significant factor influencing the design. Natural gas is typically utilized for heating in HVAC systems, domestic water heating, and commercial cooking equipment. However, if a prototype is designed to utilize natural gas, and the project site lacks this resource, two viable alternatives are commonly considered: propane and all-electric systems.
Option 1: Utilizing Propane
When natural gas is unavailable, propane can be an effective alternative. This option is less impactful on building systems and equipment design but requires significant consideration of site layout. Most HVAC and cooking equipment can be modified to use propane with simple adapters, and the gas piping will usually be similar in size, with slight variations based on the total fuel load.
However, propane storage poses a site challenge. Propane is stored in tanks, either above or below ground. The size of the tank is determined by the building’s load and the frequency of tank refills. Therefore, establishing a base tank size for each prototype is crucial when propane is the preferred option.
Option 2: All-Electric Building
The second alternative is to design an all-electric building. Equipment that typically relies on gas for heating can be equipped with electric elements. However, electric heating can substantially increase the load on the building’s electrical system, potentially requiring an upgrade to the building’s electrical service. This can lead to significant cost increases.
If an all-electric solution is preferred where gas is not available, this often results in the development of two separate prototypes to accommodate different energy sources.
Site Challenges: Water and Sewer Availability
Another potential challenge in new construction projects is the availability of domestic water. If a site is located far from municipal infrastructure, a water connection may not be available, necessitating the drilling of an on-site well. This process involves working with a well designer/vendor to test groundwater availability and design a system that meets the building’s pressure and flow requirements. Space must be allocated on the site for the well house, which typically includes the wellhead, pressure pumps, storage tanks, and a chlorinator system.
Similarly, if a site lacks access to a municipal sewer system, a septic system must be installed. While the interior building systems generally remain unchanged, the site must accommodate a septic drain field, as well as pumps and aerators, depending on the design. The size of the field will be determined by site characteristics and the percolation rate of the local soils.
In addition to water and sewer considerations, managing stormwater is crucial for any new construction site. Proper stormwater management ensures compliance with local regulations and prevents potential flooding or erosion issues. This requires collaboration with a civil engineer who can design an effective stormwater system tailored to the site’s specific conditions. The civil engineer will assess factors such as rainfall patterns, soil permeability, and topography to develop a system that efficiently handles runoff, incorporates retention or detention basins if necessary, and integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure.
HVAC System Sizing and Geographical Considerations
The HVAC system is another critical component that may be impacted by site-specific factors. To function properly and efficiently, the HVAC system must be matched to the load of the space. Each prototype location may have different peak heating and cooling loads, particularly if there is significant geographical climate variation between sites. In such cases, the HVAC system may need to be resized, either through site-specific changes or by developing separate prototypes for similar climate zones.
Conclusion
Prototype project designs are an efficient way to accelerate building completion, but they require careful consideration of site-specific challenges. Evaluating potential sites for utility availability before lease or purchase negotiations can help select the best fit within a given area. While no two projects are exactly alike, MEP systems can be developed with flexibility in mind, minimizing the need for significant changes in response to specific site conditions.
If you’re considering developing a prototype design for your next building program or franchise opportunity, it’s essential to work with experienced professionals who understand the complexities of MEP engineering and site-specific challenges. Our team is ready to help you navigate these hurdles and ensure your project is optimized for efficiency and success. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your next project successful from start to finish.
Steve Petracek, Principal
