Leith Walk PBSA

High-spec 342-bed student development in central Edinburgh, featuring BREEAM-led MEP design, DSM thermal modelling, and CO₂-based hot water.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, this 342-bed student accommodation scheme combines performance-led engineering with modern comfort. March Consultants Ltd provided MEP design across all disciplines, delivering a fully electric, BREEAM-compliant solution tailored to high-end student living.

Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) was used to eliminate the need for comfort cooling, while CO₂ heat pumps provide highly efficient hot water generation. The PV array was designed to optimise on-site consumption while maintaining BREEAM compliance and minimising export. A streamlined electric heating strategy and smart load management further reduced the building’s operational carbon impact.

This project demonstrates how performance modelling, low-GWP refrigerants, and lean design integration can deliver a low-energy, regulation-compliant building without compromise—setting a new benchmark for sustainable student accommodation in the capital.

Quick Info:

---

Title: Leith Walk PBSA

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Client: Firethorn Trust

Architect: Manson Architects

Structural Engineer: Etive Consulting

Progress House PBSA

Fully electric MEP design for a 544-bed student scheme, delivering EPC A performance, operational savings, and virtually zero reliance on fossil fuels.

Progress House is a major purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme comprising 544 beds across multiple blocks in Coventry. March Consultants Ltd was appointed to deliver full MEP design services with a focus on long-term sustainability, energy efficiency, and capital cost optimisation.

A fire-engineered natural smoke ventilation system was used to eliminate the need for a generator or UPS, reducing both capital outlay and maintenance costs. Domestic hot water is delivered via ultra-low GWP CO₂ heat pumps, supporting a fully electric strategy and achieving an EPC A rating. Space heating and cooling in commercial areas is provided by high-efficiency VRF systems, while meticulous coordination enabled a dual sprinkler network across residential and non-residential demises.

The result is a future-ready student living environment, designed to minimise carbon, reduce lifecycle cost, and simplify ongoing operations.

Quick Info:

---

Title: Progress House PBSA

Location: Coventry, England

Client: Gilltown

Architect: GDL Architecture

Structural Engineer: Westlakes Engineering

The Buchan Primary School Relocation

Energy-Efficient MEP for Education: Revitalising underused school buildings with a modern, sustainable MEP strategy designed to meet BB101 guidelines.

This project is transforming three underused buildings on the King William’s College campus into a new home for The Buchan primary school and nursery facility. Working with older structures presents unique challenges, requiring careful planning and coordination to integrate modern MEP systems while preserving the architectural integrity of the buildings.

A key focus is the precise coordination of a new plant room within a constrained footprint. Using Revit, March Consultants Ltd is developing a fully coordinated model to maximise space efficiency while ensuring compliance with CDM requirements and maintaining clear maintenance access. Given the importance of indoor air quality in an educational environment, the ventilation strategy incorporates Monodraught APX hybrid ventilation units, selected to meet BB101 guidelines. These systems optimise both natural and mechanical ventilation, improving air quality while reducing energy consumption.

The heating strategy involves enhancing the existing district heating network by integrating plate heat exchangers and inverter-driven pumps. This approach is expected to deliver energy savings of up to 20% while improving system resilience. Fan-assisted radiators are being specified to operate efficiently at lower flow temperatures, ensuring compatibility with future low-carbon heat sources and supporting long-term sustainability goals.

On the electrical side, high-efficiency LED lighting is being installed throughout to reduce energy demand and minimise maintenance requirements. The hot water generation strategy further supports decarbonisation by replacing traditional storage systems with electric point-of-use water heaters. This eliminates standing losses, reduces legionella risk, and improves overall system efficiency.

The refurbishment aims to strike a balance between modern performance standards and the constraints of the existing building fabric. By applying a holistic approach to energy efficiency, ventilation, heating, and electrical systems, March Consultants Ltd is delivering a solution that enhances sustainability, occupant comfort, and long-term adaptability while ensuring the MEP design integrates seamlessly within the broader refurbishment works.

Quick Info:

---

Title: The Buchan Primary School Relocation

Location: Castletown, Isle of Man

Client: King Williams College

Architect: Wilson Mason

Structural Engineer: BB Consulting Engineers

PQS: Bell Burton Associates