BESA Highlights Importance of Spatial Awareness in Building Services

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27 March 2023

The Building Engineering Services Association has revealed best practice for allowing adequate spacing between building services in projects.

In a technical bulletin (TB56/1.1), the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) provides a snapshot of guidelines, principles, and rules of thumb to be considered as early as possible in the design process for the spatial fit of services.

“Spatial fit has long been an area of concern that, unless considered at the earliest stages, can lead to multiple problems down the line..."

–Mark Snell

Offsite Group Chair, BESA

It illustrates the importance of making sure the spatial provision of services, particularly key elements like ceiling void depths, distribution routes, access and maintenance zones are validated and accurate by the end of RIBA Stage 3.

The free guidance explains how designers and engineers should ensure that pinch points and spatial consideration are a consideration for all “rooms, routes and risers” (the three R’s). It also gives project teams guidance for ensuring proper separation of services, spare capacity, and future service zones to allow for any potential changes during the lifetime of the building.

BESA Offsite Group Chair Mark Snell said “Spatial fit has long been an area of concern that, unless considered at the earliest stages, can lead to multiple problems down the line and restrict our ability to achieve co-ordination of works at RIBA stage 4 and beyond. It can also leave end clients with a potentially expensive problem if they want to make changes to the building in the future.”

The technical bulletin is free to download and refers to relevant industry guidance including BESA publications DW144 and TR19.

Picture: a photograph of a construction worker wearing a hi-vis jacket and hat, standing amongst some scaffolding. Image Credit: Unsplash

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 27 March 2023

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