Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) engineering is responsible for 40–60% of a building's construction cost and virtually 100% of its day-to-day energy consumption. A building with poor MEP design is uncomfortable, expensive to run, and often dangerous. A building with excellent MEP design delivers energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term reliability.
Nexbase Engineering Inc. delivers complete MEP engineering packages - including all drawings and design reports - for projects in the USA, UK, Dubai, Canada, Australia, EU and the Middle East.
Mechanical Engineering: HVAC System Design
HVAC is the largest single MEP expenditure in most buildings. The system must be sized correctly for the local climate, the building's thermal envelope, and the occupancy profile - not simply copied from a previous project.
HVAC System Drawing Preparation
- Ductwork layout plans - supply, return, and exhaust air distribution for every floor, coordinated against structural and architectural elements
- Equipment room layouts - AHU, FCU, chiller, cooling tower, boiler plant room arrangements
- VRF/VRV system drawings - outdoor unit locations, refrigerant pipe routing, indoor unit selection and positioning
- Chiller plant schematics - primary/secondary piping, pump selection, control valve positions
- Pressurisation and smoke control system drawings - particularly critical for high-rise buildings and basement car parks
- Diffuser, grille and louvre schedules - size, type, neck velocity, throw characteristics
HVAC Design Report
- Room-by-room and building-total cooling/heating load calculations
- Duct sizing and pressure drop analysis (equal friction or velocity reduction method)
- Equipment selection and manufacturer specification sheets
- Energy compliance report per ASHRAE 90.1, Part L (UK), NCC Section J (Australia), or local equivalent
- Ventilation rates per ASHRAE 62.1, BS EN 15251, or local code
Electrical Engineering: Drawing Preparation & Demand Report
Modern electrical systems in commercial and residential buildings are complex networks - from utility connection through medium voltage (MV) distribution, transformation, low voltage (LV) distribution, final circuits, and increasingly, intelligent building automation and EV charging infrastructure.
Electrical Drawing Preparation
- Single line diagram (SLD) - showing the complete power distribution hierarchy from utility intake through to final distribution boards
- MV/LV switchgear room layouts - transformers, main LV switchboard, generator, ATS panel arrangement
- Lighting layout plans - normal and emergency lighting, exit signs, luminaire schedule with lux levels
- Power outlet and small power plans - socket outlets, data points, dedicated equipment circuits
- Cable routing drawings - cable trays, conduit routes, cable schedule with size and type
- Earthing and lightning protection drawings - earth electrode positions, ring main, air termination network
- BMS/BAS schematic - building management system architecture and points list
Electrical Demand & Report Preparation
- Connected load and maximum demand calculations using diversity factors
- Cable sizing calculations including voltage drop and thermal constraints
- Short circuit level calculations and protection discrimination study
- Power factor correction analysis and capacitor bank sizing
- Backup generator sizing and autonomy calculations
Plumbing: Drawing Preparation & Design Report
Plumbing covers the full water journey through a building - from incoming supply, through distribution, to point of use, and back out via drainage. Sustainable plumbing design increasingly incorporates rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and water efficiency measures that reduce consumption and operating costs.
Plumbing Drawing Preparation
- Cold water supply layout plans and isometric drawings with pipe sizes
- Hot water system - storage tank, circulation pump, distribution layout with insulation specifications
- Sanitary drainage and vent pipe layout plans
- Sanitary fixture schedule with specifications and fixing centres
- Stormwater drainage and rainwater harvesting system drawings
- Gas piping layout drawings with sizing and pressure calculations where applicable
- Fire suppression connection and sprinkler pipe sizing drawings (coordinated with fire safety design)
Fire Safety Design
Fire safety is a statutory requirement in every market we serve, with strict penalties for non-compliance. Our fire safety deliverables include:
- Fire sprinkler system layout drawings - wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action systems per NFPA 13, BS EN 12845, or AS 2118
- Fire hose reel, hydrant and extinguisher layout plans
- Fire detection and alarm system drawings per NFPA 72, BS 5839, or AS 1670
- Smoke evacuation and pressurisation system drawings
- Fire safety designs specifically prepared to comply with regional authority requirements - DCD (Dubai), NFPA (USA), Building Regulations Part B (UK)
Need MEP Engineering for Your Project?
We deliver complete HVAC, electrical, plumbing and fire safety packages compliant with your market's standards. Free consultation available.
Book a Free Consultation →Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide MEP for residential projects or only commercial?
We handle both - from single-family villas and apartment blocks through to hospitals, hotels, data centres, and industrial facilities. The engineering principles change with scale; our approach adapts accordingly.
Can you coordinate MEP with structural and architectural BIM models?
Yes. We deliver MEP BIM files in Revit/IFC format. Multi-discipline clash detection using Navisworks is part of our standard BIM coordination service.
How do HVAC requirements differ between Dubai and Australia?
Dubai's cooling loads are typically 2–3× higher than equivalent buildings in temperate climates, and dehumidification is a significant challenge given the Gulf's humidity. Australia's requirements vary significantly by climate zone - Darwin and Cairns have tropical cooling demands, while Melbourne requires heating as well as cooling. We design for the specific climate of your project location, not a generic template.
Do you calculate LEED or Green Star points for MEP systems?
Yes. We can design MEP systems to specific LEED (USA/International), BREEAM (UK/EU), or Green Star (Australia) credit targets and prepare the required energy models and documentation for certification submission.