Futureproofing New Builds: Air Conditioning Planning During Early-Stage M&E Design

Commercial new builds demand precise coordination between trades. But too often, air conditioning is left out of early design.

That delay causes problems—clashing services, unplanned redesigns, missed compliance targets, and rising costs.

If you're leading M&E services, planning air conditioning from the start is essential.

Across high-growth areas like Basingstoke, Reading, and Guildford, early integration of cooling systems helps you deliver on time, on budget, and to spec.

This guide explains why early-stage air conditioning planning matters, how to do it properly, and what successful projects across Hampshire, Berkshire, and Surrey look like when it's done right.

Why air conditioning must be part of early M&E design

Late coordination creates knock-on problems. Air conditioning design affects:

• Electrical load capacity
• Condensate drainage
• Plant space and ceiling voids
• Noise and airflow
• System access for maintenance
• Compliance with Part L, TM52, and BREEAM targets

Waiting until RIBA Stage 4 or 5 introduces design conflicts, build delays, and cost overruns.

According to CIBSE, integrating HVAC systems at RIBA Stage 2 or 3 leads to more accurate thermal modelling and better system performance (CIBSE Guide A).

Benefits of early air conditioning integration

Reduced rework and cost control

Early coordination avoids:

• Clash detection errors
• Repositioned plant equipment
• Redesign fees

M&E firms across Farnham and Newbury have reported fewer delays when air conditioning was factored into Stage 3 coordination drawings.

Compliance with local regulations

Early planning supports:

• TM52 overheating risk assessments
• Part L energy performance targets
• Planning conditions related to noise and visibility of condensers

Better building performance

Integrated zoning and load balancing leads to:

• More efficient control strategies
• Reduced energy use
• Improved comfort

Fewer aesthetic compromises

Ducts and pipes can be designed into the structure—not around it. Plant can be hidden from view.

Easier installation

Services are sequenced properly. Installers work without needing to modify other systems. Fewer access issues arise later.

Case study: Business park development in Andover

A developer commissioned a four-unit business park on the outskirts of Andover. The initial M&E layout ignored external plant placement. Planning restrictions prevented visible condensers on road-facing elevations.

The design had to be reworked mid-construction:

• Internal walls were repositioned
• Electrical services re-routed
• Delays extended the build by six weeks

A separate project in Wokingham, with similar scope, brought the air conditioning team in at Stage 3. Together with the architect and M&E lead, they:

• Confirmed rooftop placement of condensers within acoustic limits
• Sized risers and ceiling voids for ductwork
• Aligned zoning with expected tenant fit-outs

That site hit completion with zero delays.

What to ask during RIBA Stage 2–3

Ask these early:

• What’s the total cooling load by floor and zone?
• Will noise limits restrict external plant location?
• What zoning strategy matches usage patterns?
• Will air conditioning controls link to BMS or standalone?
• Is there enough access space for filters, fans, and condensate trays?
• Will roof loads and structure support the selected systems?

These inputs affect duct and pipe routes, breaker sizing, ventilation design, and maintenance logistics.

Risks of late-stage air conditioning planning

If you delay system selection and layout, you face:

• Rework during first fix
• Unplanned spatial conflicts
• Non-compliant noise levels under BS 4142
• Increased costs for structural changes
• Last-minute value engineering that sacrifices performance

Projects in Winchester and Camberley have seen delays and tenant complaints when air conditioning was added late.

When to engage your air conditioning partner

If you're leading M&E on new commercial projects in:

• Reading: Office fit-outs and mixed-use blocks
• Basingstoke: Retail and logistics hubs
• Guildford: High-spec residential and light industrial
• Petersfield: Rural builds with planning constraints

You should involve air conditioning suppliers no later than Stage 3. Earlier is better.

Early engagement allows for:

• Realistic equipment specification
• Proper coordination in 3D models
• Energy and noise modelling
• Accurate budget estimates

Best practices from local M&E consultants

Across Hampshire, Berkshire, and Surrey, consultants working with air conditioning specialists early are following these steps:

• Create shared coordination models during Stage 3
• Specify system types based on building usage, not just CAPEX
• Allocate plant space before final architectural sign-off
• Involve acoustic consultants early
• Ensure ceiling voids are designed around duct and unit sizes
• Use preliminary SAP or SBEM inputs to size equipment

These steps help manage expectations and avoid missed targets during Stage 5 or 6.

Local demand and regional planning considerations

In these high-growth areas, air conditioning integration is a strategic necessity:

• Alton and Winchester: Town centres with heritage restrictions
• Newbury and Bracknell: Large commercial expansions where noise compliance is critical
• Woking and Camberley: Mixed-use buildings with tight floor-to-ceiling ratios
• Oxford and Didcot: Science parks requiring efficient climate control for labs and offices

Early-stage air conditioning coordination helps deliver on these demands while meeting modern building standards.

What to do next

If you’re working on:

• Office blocks
• Business parks
• Retail units
• Healthcare clinics
• Education facilities

Don’t leave air conditioning to the last minute.

Start coordination during early M&E design stages.

Get input on:

• Load calculation
• Zoning
• Duct and pipe routes
• System type and control logic
• Plant space
• BMS compatibility

This results in:

• Better system performance
• Reduced rework
• Easier compliance
• Lower lifecycle cost

Early engagement supports on-time delivery and better client outcomes.

About the author

Dr. Julian Carter
Chartered Building Services Engineer

Dr. Julian Carter has over 20 years’ experience designing and auditing commercial cooling and ventilation systems across the UK. He advises developers, contractors, and engineering consultants on integrating air conditioning and MVHR systems in new builds, with a focus on compliance, long-term performance, and practical installation. Julian supports technical planning at ClimateWorks and contributes to improving system standards for commercial environments in Hampshire, Berkshire, and Surrey.

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