Architalks Feature: Ar. Lyndon Cabahug on the importance of MEPF design on Mt. Hamiguitan Natural Science Museum

Everybody needs a central nervous system that supports all other parts of a whole. On buildings, MEPF systems are considered as the “core”. It is something that needs to be carefully planned on so as not to have future damages. 

MEPF (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection) is primarily for the comfort purposes of a building, particularly ventilation, lightings, and sanitary – all vital for a habitable building. 

How does CP Design And Architecture, a reputable Davao Architecture Design Service, ensure outstanding MEPF designs? on educational facilities on its projects such as the Hamiguitan Museum?

One of its project architects, Ar. Lyndon Cabahug, talks about the importance of MEPF designs on educational facilities on one of its projects – the Hamiguitan Museum.

Mechanical

Mechanical design refers to ACU systems, control of ambient room temperature, humidity, and the like. It is basically for microclimate control. Moreover, this system provides comfort and health precautions. Mechanical ventilation is also for a constant supply of fresh air to keep off pollutants at safe levels. 

Over engineering is a big no on this design as it got a number of negative consequences such as poor control of indoor humidity and causes indoor temperature variations. 

Electrical

Electrical designs consist of power supply, task and mood lighting. Finding the optimal route for electrical conduit is a must that can save materials. This design is more flexible than any other systems as it consumes less space and can just be worked around obstacles. 

Plumbing 

Plumbing design refers to water supply and for displays involving water/bodies of water. Its layout involves piping routes to avoid clashes.  This system interacts with mechanical and electrical systems at many points, and collaboration among design teams is important. 

Fire Protection

The fire protection system refers to the fire safety installations that actively and passively protect the building from fire. 

MEPF Design is involved in every stage of the building construction, but it has the most impact during the pre-construction stages. Architects and other stakeholders can troubleshoot problems before it poses a threat, gives off minimal physical waste, and easier collaboration is observed. 

Mt. Hamiguitan Natural Science Museum, one of CP Design and Architecture’s notable project, is proof of an outstanding MEPF Design and Construction. Its overall building design sleekly matched with the MEPF Design that saved time and recruitment costs and rather focused on core areas to enhance other more factors. Moreover, it increased scalability and flexibility, and managed project resourcefully. 

Ar. Lyndon’s experience on Mt. Hamiguitan Natural Science Museum was a tough yet fulfilling learning curve. It was an involvement that made him interact with highly-skilled team of architects, engineers, and other professionals. 

“MEPF design for educational facilities, particularly the Hamiguitan project, needs to carefully looked on as it is very much critical in order to give off a learning aura.”, he remarked. 

On the other hand, the Interior Fitout Design has also been incorporated well with the museum’s MEPF system which contributed to the overall decision making, construction, administration, and building maintenance, resulting on a well-built building. 

Ar. Lyndon Cabahug

CP Design and Architecture