“Technical clarity and operational agility are what protect programmes on complex projects.
Rooftop support systems on high-rise buildings are never just about the frame itself. Load paths, vibration performance, wind exposure, and sequencing all need to be considered together.
By configuring the system on site and issuing technical documentation immediately, we removed delay from the approval process, and delivering pre-assembled kits the following morning ensured installation aligned with the crane lift milestone.”
Rooftop Support Systems for High-Rise Air Source Heat Pump Installation
Canning Town is one of London’s fastest growing residential areas, being close to landmarks such as London Excel & the O2 Arena. To continue the development of the area, Manor Road Quarter Phase 1 became the latest addition to the expansion.
Within 48 hours of initial engagement, the project had moved from consultation to approved design, to delivery on site. Bespoke rooftop support systems were supplied to support the Manor Road Quarter Phase 1 development, enabling the safe installation of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) and pump skids at height, over a two-year delivery programme beginning in March 2023.
- Main Contractor: Morgan Sindall
- MEP Consultant: Hilson Moran
- MEP Contractor: Essex Services Group
- Brymec Involvement: Supply and guidance of rooftop support systems to suit the bespoke project requirements.
Products featured
Bespoke DuraFrame rooftop system
StrongPod Triple Modules
Bespoke DuraFrame modules
Project Overview
The Manor Road project was planned on a residential-led, mixed-use scheme incorporating open space, whilst using green grid links to Star Park. To accommodate new residential premises, three buildings were constructed which included:
- A 34-storey tower with 215 apartments
- A 9-storey building with 61 apartments
- A 12-storey building with 79 apartments
- 555m² of commercial and retail space
Positioned in London’s expanding residential infrastructure, the scheme reflected the continued demand for sustainable, energy-efficient residential construction across the capital.
At roof level of the 34-storey tower, Air Source Heat Pumps and pump skids were specified as part of the building’s low-carbon energy strategy, requiring structurally compliant, vibration-controlled support systems. Excessive vibration transfer from rooftop plant can directly impact occupant comfort, causing structure-borne noise within living spaces.
The Challenge
As with any structure, great thought was given to every stage of construction, ensuring that the plans were risk averse and could accommodate all requirements. This was no exception for the Manor Road Quarter Phase 1 project.
Rooftop plant installations on high-rise buildings present distinct engineering challenges:
- High static and dynamic load requirements
- Wind exposure at elevation
- Vibration isolation for mechanical equipment
- Structural interface constraints
- Tight programme sequencing linked to crane lifts
For the mechanical subcontractor, Essex Services Group, the installation of the support frame needed to be completed before the arrival of plant equipment via crane – a fixed, non-negotiable milestone. With installations moving along swiftly, products were required on site within a couple of days.
Any delay in configuring, approving, or delivering the rooftop plant support system would have had direct implications on programme continuity.
The Solution
Following a rapidly arranged site visit, a bespoke configuration was developed using the DuraFrame app, enabling immediate on-site modelling of the required rooftop support frame.
Technical drawings and full submittal documentation were generated and submitted the same afternoon, and approval was secured without delay.
The Supplied DuraFrame System Included:
- 2 × StrongPod Triple Modules supporting Air Source Heat Pumps
- 2 × Bespoke DuraFrame modules supporting pump skids
And was developed in collaboration with structural engineers to provide:
- Load-tested, high-strength support for rooftop plant
- Integrated vibration compatibility to protect residential comfort
- Modular, extendable design
- Pre-assembled components for rapid installation
- Long-term durability in exposed rooftop environments
For high-rise building services projects, reducing on-site assembly time is critical. The pre-assembled, boxed kit format allowed the system to be craned directly to roof level, ready for installation.
Air Source Heat Pumps and pump skids were positioned on top of the 34-storey building. To ensure correct storage requirements, bespoke support systems and anti-vibration mounts were fitted to hold the units in place, withstand high load bearing requirements, and absorb operational vibration.
Operational Agility
Once approved, stock availability was confirmed at the Gatwick Distribution Centre.
The complete rooftop support kit was delivered at 08:30am the following morning, within the site’s allocated delivery slot – thanks to our Brymec Breeze model.
This ensured:
- Installation completed ahead of plant arrival
- No disruption to crane lift scheduling
- Programme certainty maintained
Detailed installation guides and a 3D interactive render were supplied to support the mechanical team during fitting, ensuring correct configuration while maintaining structural robustness.
The Result
The bespoke rooftop support system was installed, enabling the Air Source Heat Pumps and pump skids to be lifted into position without issue. The high-quality DuraFrame system supplied ensured that the project continued to progress efficiently and met programme timelines.
