The Way We Build Now

Chapter Nine

Highly Serviced Buildings

Whilst it is true that in almost all kinds of building, there is an increasing amount of money and space devoted to the provision of mechanical and electrical services, and to their efficient operation, some building types have services which account for a particularly large proportion of the total cost. These buildings include hospitals and laboratories, where the cost of services may approach half the total cost and the area occupied by plant up to fifteen per cent of the total floor area. But swimming pools, ice rinks, some kinds of production facilities and any building where internal conditions must be carefully controlled, will also require special provision. A selection of some of the types of highly ...