MEP & Building Services GPT
HVAC zoning, VRF vs chilled beam selection, electrical distribution, and plumbing system sizing for architects.
Conversational MEP guide for architects and project teams. Covers HVAC system selection (VAV, fan coil, VRF, chilled beam, radiant), ceiling height requirements for each system, plumbing concepts, electrical service sizing and LPD targets, vertical transportation, and fire protection coordination. Ask about your building type and get system options with trade-offs.
The Problem
Architects make MEP-affecting decisions at schematic design — ceiling heights, shaft locations, floor-to-floor heights — without understanding how HVAC system selection drives coordination complexity. Decisions made without MEP input at SD lead to redesign during DD.
How It Works
Describe your building type, floor plate depth, ceiling height target, and climate. It recommends HVAC system types, explains coordination implications (duct depth, shaft requirements, fan room size), and identifies decisions that need MEP engineer input before floor plans are fixed.
"10-story office building — VRF vs VAV vs chilled beam — which system fits a 12ft floor-to-floor?""what shaft area do I need for a 20-story residential building?"Key Features
Who It's For
Architects making early-stage MEP system decisions and coordinating with engineers during schematic design.
This tool provides MEP system guidance for early design decisions. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering must be performed by licensed engineers. System selection must be verified by your MEP engineer before committing to floor plans or structural grid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between VRF and VAV for office buildings?
VRF uses refrigerant piping instead of chilled water, requiring approximately 4-6 inches of ceiling depth vs 18-24 inches for VAV with supply ductwork. VRF is better for shallow floor plates. VAV is standard for large open-plan offices where airside economizer and air quality monitoring are priorities.
How much ceiling depth should I allow for HVAC?
Minimum plenum depths: chilled beam or VRF = 12-14 inches; low-velocity VAV with small ducts = 16-18 inches; standard VAV with supply, return, and sprinkler = 24-30 inches. Add 4-6 inches for structure at worst case.
When do I need a mechanical room on each floor vs a central mechanical room?
There is no universal 25,000-square-foot trigger. The arrangement depends on the selected system, building height and floor plate, shaft and distribution strategy, equipment access, ventilation and combustion requirements, acoustics, redundancy, metering, maintenance, and the mechanical engineer's design.