Curtain House Shoreditch

MPH installed multi-level copper distribution connecting Valve Branch Controllers (VBCs), Sub-Hybrid Branch Controllers (Sub-HBCs) and terminal fan coil units. The press-fit system ranged from 15 mm to 54 mm and required precise jointing, support positioning and access for pressing equipment.

As the design developed, enlarged pipe sizes affected routing and support arrangements. MPH adapted installations in coordination with the mechanical contractor, protecting connections and working clearances within the restricted ceiling and service zones.

MPH installed above-ground rainwater and foul drainage infrastructure through the refurbishment, including Ensign cast-iron rainwater pipework with mechanically coupled fittings. The public health design included cast-iron soil stacks, venting and specified waste branches connecting the sanitary installations.

The systems required suitable falls, stack supports, maintenance access and careful coordination with structure and other retained services. Rainwater and foul drainage were kept separate, as required by the design specification.

A major feature of MPH’s package was the successful installation of a dedicated rainwater harvesting system. The specified arrangement conveys runoff from the main roof to basement storage and a packaged Aquality filtration and pumping system, with UV disinfection on the recycled-water booster discharge.

Harvested rainwater is designed to serve WC cisterns, washdown points and irrigation, supported by mains-water top-up when required. The rear roof, terrace areas and part of the main roof drain separately to existing ground-floor connections. Integrating these distinct routes, plant and reuse distribution within the historic building required careful installation coordination.

MPH connected the incoming mains water supply to the building’s cold water storage tank and associated potable water booster infrastructure, and to the separate Category 5 tank and booster set serving mechanical HVRF water requirements.

The specified water services strategy also incorporates treatment, filtration and rainwater harvesting plant. Pipework layout, isolation points and equipment interfaces had to be coordinated within the available plantroom space while preserving safe access for maintenance.

The existing building imposed practical limits on routes, supports and installation sequencing. MPH developed buildable solutions through site review, mock-ups and detailed coordination with Mala Engineering and adjacent trades, responding to design updates as the fit-out progressed.

Together, the HVRF distribution, cast-iron drainage, rainwater reuse and basement water-services work demonstrate MPH’s ability to deliver technically diverse mechanical and public health packages within a constrained refurbishment setting.