Case Study: Wedding venue extension and development
Client: Derwent Valley Construction
Sector: Wedding Hospitality
Budget: £349,154
Completed:June 2024
Services Used
- Project management
- Electrical engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Gas Engineers
- Pipe Fitters
Mechanical and Electrical installation as wedding venue expands.
Site:
Whistle Barns wedding venue is located near Heanor, Derbyshire, and comprises a complex of hospitality facilities, including a Ceremony Barn, Engine Room pub, and party venues.
Contract Arrangements
Meel Group has worked with the client (Derwent Valley Construction Ltd) on several previous projects and won this tender based on price and reputation.
Project Scope:
The overall development project consisted of the renovation and extention of the existing building as well as creating a new space suitable for weddings.
Our role in the scheme was to provide Mechanical and Electrical engineering services.
Electrical works focused on distributing a new supply, data, lighting (including emergency lights) and fire alarms.
The Mechanical teams installed heating and cooling, new WCs and domestic pipework.
Our project managers coordinated closely with the project’s architects, construction company, and interior designers to ensure the seamless integration of our work.
Electrical Scope of Works:
Supply:
The client organised a new DNO supply with an external GRP enclosure. We installed new equipment to split the incoming supply between the Whistle Barn Wedding Venue and future use by the Guests’ Accommodation Facilities. The works included a new MCCB board.
Data:
We installed a new 42U rack in the server Room, with spare capacity for the CCTV and amplifiers for sound engineers. We wired data points with CAT6 cabling throughout the building, providing a solid WiFi connection and data outlets for computers in the offices.
Small Power:
Small power circuits have been installed throughout the premises, with all cabling in new LSF (Low Smoke and Fumes) sized and contained appropriately along their runs.
The sockets used were selected to match the aesthetics of the decor in the client-facing areas. White sockets with dual earths for PC use were used in the offices.
Lighting:
Our electrical teams supplied and installed all new lighting and emergency lighting throughout the building. The emergency lighting was designed with a discreet system consisting of recessed pin spots and twin spotlights that matched the colour of the rooms they were installed in.
We also installed the client-supplied feature lights throughout the venue. This included dimmable lighting via Zano dimmable LED drivers, which we located in the basement (for coolness) and controlled by a panel in the offices.
The panel controlled the lights in;
- Ceremony Room
- Bar Area
- Snug Area
- Banquette Hall
- Link Corridor
- 1st Floor landing area
Fire Alarm:
Our engineers installed a new L1 fire alarm system throughout the property, comprisng of a Kentec addressable panel with Hochiki devices.
Mechanical Scope of Works:
The project involved a comprehensive upgrade of many mechanical services, including air conditioning systems, sanitaryware, domestic services, and ventilation.
AC System Installation
Banqueting Area:
We completed the installation of 2x Mitsubishi Electric Lossnay units, which provided the required 1120l/s air exchange for the banqueting area. The installation required our team to run securely bracketed ductwork across the roof, ensuring drops into each grille. The Lossnay units by the AE 200 E central controller.
Ceremony Room/Reception, Snug, Bar, and Link Corridor:
Mitsubishi Electric heat pump (VRF) system. We Installed 12x Concealed floor-standing units to serve these areas of the venue.
Ventilation Installation
WC Areas:
Installation of 4 Extract Fans to ensure proper ventilation in WCs, and implementation of 1x inline fan to enhance airflow.
Domestic Services Installation
We surveyed the venue to confirm the location of current domestic services and altered domestic pipework to suit the new layouts.
Above Ground Drainage (ABG)
Installation and alteration of drainage systems to suit the new layouts.
Mechanical Documentation, Testing and Commissioning
Our designers provided As-built drawings reflecting all changes and additions made during the installation process.
We provided Operation and Maintenance Manuals, including information on equipment specifications, preventive maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting guidelines, for future reference.
Our teams conducted thorough testing of each mechanical component and the overall system. Before commissioning the entire system to confirm its proper functionality.
Health & Safety:
We worked at height to install a new cast iron look-a-like SVP. A scaffold was installed to allow us to do this safely. The project ran smoothly without accidents.
Documentation, Testing and Commissioning:
Our designers provided As-built drawings reflecting all changes and additions made during the installation process.
We provided Operation and Maintenance Manuals, including information on equipment specifications, preventive maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting guidelines, for future reference.
Our teams conducted thorough testing of each mechanical component and the overall system. Before commissioning the entire system to confirm its proper functionality
Compliance & Handover:
Our managers ensured compliance with local building codes, regulations, and safety standards throughout the modification and installation processes.
After our comprehensive post-installation inspections, Meel Group provided comprehensive documentation and training for end-users on the operation and maintenance of the updated and new installations.
Results:
Meel Group’s attention to detail and finish resulted in an installation of the highest standard. It improved facilities, state-of-the-art lighting, and data transfer, with ample power available for future growth. The new cooling system works very efficiently, keeping staff and guests at a comfortable temperature.
