Hospitality property like hotels and resorts are composed of varied spaces viz. Lobby, Ball Rooms, Guest Rooms, Restaurant, Central Kitchen, SPA, and Swimming Pool etc. Each of this space is required to have specific MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) systems for meeting the functional intent. Thus, MEP systems in a hospitality property play a pivotal role in bringing the luxury, comfort and security for the guests during their stay in the property. Highly sophisticated MEP systems are employed in hospitality properties which necessitates due diligence and careful coordination with different building elements during the course of its implementation.
Some of the key MEP considerations connected with the project management of hospitality projects are outlined here
- Successful FLS (Fire Life Safety) audit clearance is pre-requisite for any hospitality property. FLS audit is a mandatory safety audit trail conducted before the opening of a hospitality property which ensures the property is free from any potential fire and life safety hazards, all the mandated fire life safety systems are implemented and operational for ensuring the safety of guests. During the FLS audit, all the life safety systems will be tested for its accuracy of operation. Main area of focus will be Passive Fire Protection Systems, Fire Alarm & Public Address System and its integration with various sub-systems like HVAC Systems, Elevators, Smoke Control Systems, Access Control System, Audio-Video Systems etc. All the major operator brands will have their own or appointed FLS inspectors who will conduct audit during the final stage of the project. The international standards set forth by the operator will be very stringent and hence multiple internal inspections by the project management team are required before FLS audit. Unless successful closure of FLS audit, property will not be allowed for in-house trials and preliminary operations. All these are over and above the local fire norms which needs to be adhered prior to FLS inspection. In case of any conflict of standards, the stringent norms should be followed. Therefore, it is critical that the PM team is completely aware about the operator brand’s FLS requirements to be fulfilled, during the concept design stage of the property development
- Design and implementation of electro-mechanical systems are to be undertaken with an emphasis on reducing operational expenses and down time. It shall be easily operable, maintainable and at the same time, should ensure less manual intervention for day to day operations. Life cycle cost analysis will allow the investor to find a balance between capital investments versus operational costs. Redundant equipment availability for critical systems for Power, Water, Air-Conditioning and ICT Networks ensures reduced down time and avoid outages
- Security systems like Access Control, Physical Security Systems, CCTV etc. needs to be complied and fulfilled as per operator brand’s loss prevention requirements
- Lighting control systems with dimming and or mood lighting features enhances aesthetic experience of architectural and interior elements. Lighting management system allows the operations team to have easy controls and efficient man-hour utilisation
- Guest room management system with simple switching logics improves the user experience. Generally, there will be an operator brand standard for this
- Audio-Video system is the key element in the property, especially in Ball Rooms and Meeting Rooms. Utmost care is warranted while design and selection of AV Systems and Back-Ground Music (BGM) systems, to have high quality audio-video experience to guests
- Implementation of Energy and Water Monitoring systems ensure optimum utilization of resources and data analysis
- Selection of state-of-the-art technologies for capital equipment like Chillers, Transformers, Pumping Systems, Air-Handlers, Motors, Light Fixtures, Low flow CP fixtures, Hot Water Systems etc. optimizes energy and water consumption, improves energy efficiency and reduces carbon footprint. Savings in operational cost enhances the profitability of the property thereby brings down the break-even period
- Centralized building management system (BMS) allows the engineering team to control and monitor various electro-mechanical systems with minimum human intervention, which eventually minimises the operational cost
- Enhanced project commissioning and project close-out documents are to be prepared and maintained which are crucial during the operation phase and for future reference
Integration of varied MEP systems in the design process offers more sustainable outcome, whilst meeting the high aesthetic demands for a luxury development. All the main stream operator brands will have subject matter experts for the review of MEP Systems, Interior finishes, FLS & Loss Prevention aspects. Collaboration with operator’s experts by PM team is also vital from the concept design stage to commissioning stage of the project.
Essentially, proficient and experienced MEP specialist engineer is the key resource necessary throughout the complete project life cycle for balancing the needs of distinct stakeholders and trades, accurate coordination, integration of different sub-systems and trouble free implementation of various MEP systems. This will ensure the overall success and timely completion of the property.
