Building Management System (BMS) & Controls Installation

As part of the Erasmus Building refurbishment at Queens’ College, Cambridge, we delivered a comprehensive Building Management System (BMS) and controls package to support the building’s upgraded low-carbon heating and ventilation strategy.

The installation was based on a Priva Blue ID DDC control system, seamlessly integrated into the College’s existing site-wide front end with new graphical interfaces for this phase of works. Our scope included the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of multiple bespoke control panels serving plantrooms and riser locations throughout the building.

At the heart of the system are two main plant control panels located in the roof and ground floor plantrooms, managing domestic hot water generation, secondary heating pumps, pressurisation equipment, water treatment systems and plantroom safety interlocks. The BMS provides full monitoring and control of the building’s air source heat pump (ASHP) system via BACnet integration, along with secondary pump control, sidestream filtration monitoring and energy metering for utilities and major distribution boards.

Additional riser panels on each floor extend the BMS network to room-level services, including heating control via thermic actuators, space temperature sensing, and window status monitoring to support energy-efficient operation. Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) units are interfaced through KNX/EIB gateways, enabling central monitoring and control through the Priva system.

Across the building, the system incorporates a wide range of field devices including temperature sensors, pressure sensors, differential pressure switches, motorised valves and solenoid valves, providing the data required to optimise performance and maintain occupant comfort.

All panels were purpose-built, fully labelled, tested to current IEE wiring regulations and commissioned by our engineers to ensure reliable operation and smooth integration with the wider college estate systems.

This project delivers enhanced visibility, energy monitoring and intelligent control, helping Queens’ College improve operational efficiency while supporting its long-term sustainability goals.