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Design Services
Effective building services design turns decarbonised energy plans into coordinated technical solutions that account for system performance, building interfaces and operational requirements. HI Group brings mechanical, electrical, civil and architectural expertise together in-house to support projects through each stage of design.
Developing the technical detail
Low-carbon energy projects rely on multiple systems and disciplines working together. HI Group combines multidisciplinary engineering with specialist modelling to test design decisions, validate system performance and inform equipment sizing before installation. Tools including IES-VE, HYsopt, ElectricalOM, REVIT, AutoCAD and PVSol allow different building, hydraulic and generation scenarios to be evaluated as the design develops.
Services can be commissioned individually or combined to suit the technical scope and stage of the project.
Concept design
At concept stage, the agreed strategic brief is used to establish viable options for the project, including preliminary layouts, system architecture, technology selection and initial sizing. Cost and performance are considered alongside the engineering detail, giving clients a clear basis for selecting the preferred approach.
Multidisciplinary design
Multidisciplinary design establishes how the selected solution will work across different systems and building elements. This provides greater certainty around performance and cost before moving into technical design.
Technical design and procurement readiness
Detailed technical work addresses buildability and specialist requirements ahead of procurement. The completed design gives contractors a clear basis for pricing and construction and supports the necessary statutory and utility approvals.
Heat pump and heating-system detailed design
The building’s heating demand and existing infrastructure determine how the heat pump system is sized and integrated. The design accounts for lower operating temperatures and any changes needed to distribution, emitters, controls and electrical infrastructure.
Solar PV detailed design
Once a PV concept has been approved, detailed design defines the layout, expected performance and electrical integration needed for installation. PVSol provides generation modelling to inform the design, alongside grid connection, structural and access requirements.
Hydraulic modelling and network optimisation
Using Hysopt hydraulic modelling shows how a heating system or heat network will behave across different operating conditions, including changes in flow, pressure and temperature. The findings inform pump and pipe sizing, control arrangements and improvements that support efficient, reliable heat distribution.
Building energy modelling and heat-loss analysis
Whole-system modelling with IES-VE establishes heating demand and heat loss based on fabric, occupancy and operating patterns. Different scenarios can then be tested to inform technology sizing and assess the impact of potential building or system changes.
REVIT and AutoCAD design development
REVIT and AutoCAD are used to develop coordinated design information across mechanical, electrical, civil and architectural disciplines. 3D BIM supports multidisciplinary coordination and clash detection, while detailed 2D drawings and layouts provide the technical information needed for construction and installation.
Smart controls, metering and optimisation design
Effective operation depends on controls, metering and zoning working together across new and existing energy systems. The design defines how technologies interact, what data needs to be captured and how systems should respond under different operating conditions.
Heat network design and technical development
Low-carbon heat networks require careful coordination between energy centres, distribution infrastructure and the buildings they serve. Technical development brings these elements together in a solution that can be built, operated and maintained effectively.
Tender Documentation and Specification Development
Tender documentation brings the completed design information into a clear package for contractor pricing and procurement. Coordinated drawings, specifications and schedules define the technical requirements, helping clients obtain comparable tender returns and evaluate submissions consistently.
Need to develop the design for your low-carbon energy project?
Talk to our team about your project requirements and the engineering work needed to create a practical, buildable solution.
Our Work in Practice
Restoring Performance in a Specialist Hydrotherapy Facility
Learn how an engineering-led investigation uncovered system conflicts, improved operational performance and identified opportunities to reduce annual gas consumption by up to 33%.
How MidKent College Is Delivering Large-Scale Estate Decarbonisation
Discover how HI Group helped MidKent College replace gas heating, install renewable energy systems and deliver large-scale estate decarbonisation across two campuses.