Challenge
The Symister Mews project posed a complex set of challenges for M&E integration. With six new-build rental homes constructed on a tight urban infill site in Hackney, the project demanded extremely efficient spatial planning. Every home was designed to be either dual- or triple-aspect, providing exceptional daylighting and ventilation — a rare feature in high-density housing. PDA was appointed as M&E consultants from early design stages, and key challenges included coordination of service routes through constrained structural zones, low-carbon heating systems selection, and compliance with London Plan energy targets. The project’s geometry and the tight nature of the site required advanced modelling and multiple ACAD drawing iterations to resolve conflicts between structure, services, and finishes.
Overview
Completed in 2024, Symister Mews set out to provide high-quality, energy-efficient rental housing with a contemporary architectural approach. PDA’s role extended beyond typical M&E responsibilities, encompassing the detailed coordination of low-carbon technologies, ventilation, and service access in a way that preserved the visual and spatial integrity of each home. Each unit was designed with individual mechanical systems, but with shared infrastructure to reduce plant size and optimise space. The design had to meet both building control standards and ambitious sustainability goals, including SAP and overheating compliance under the latest Part L and O regulations.
Solution
PDA developed an M&E strategy focused on energy conservation and long-term occupant comfort. An all-electric system was implemented across all units, with air source heat pumps (ASHPs) providing space heating and domestic hot water. Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) was designed into each unit to ensure air quality and efficiency. PDA used 3D coordination models to finalise service layouts, reducing clashes and enabling a smooth build process. A focus on prefabricated risers and service runs improved installation efficiency and limited on-site disruption.
Benefits
The housing site was delivered on time and with energy usage levels expected to be 40–50% better than regulatory baselines. The individual ASHP and MVHR setups reduced energy bills for tenants and future-proofed the development against gas phase-out policies. For similar infill or high-density housing developments, early M&E input is essential, particularly around spatial strategy and shared service planning. The lessons here—particularly coordinated heat pump/MVHR integration—can be adapted for student housing, care homes, or any urban multi-residential project.
Recommendations
This project offers strong cross-industry lessons. Any environment requiring tight climate control, like food
processing, healthcare, or leisure can benefit from early-stage airflow modelling and energy recovery design.
We recommend integrating recovery systems (e.g. plate heat exchangers) and using CFD for layout validation
from the outset. This approach improves comfort, reduces operating costs, and allows systems to adapt to realworld conditions.
Swimming pool projects like this directly relate to sectors such as kitchens or clean rooms, where humidity,
temperature and airflow control are critical
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