FUSION MANCHESTER

Fusion is a 27-storey student living landmark designed around wellbeing, community and high-performance building services.

 

The scheme combined integrated amenity spaces, a games room, dedicated study areas and multiple floors of fully equipped apartments in a variety of layouts, optimised for comfort, safety and ease of management.

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Careful planning of cores, risers and plant strategy underpinned efficient operations, while active ground-floor uses and shared spaces helped foster a connected student community.

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Architecture & Layout

Vertical campus: 27 levels of student accommodation with a mix of studio and cluster layouts designed to suit different lifestyles.

Amenity ecosystem: Reception, study suites, games and social spaces were integrated throughout the building for convenience and activation.

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Service-led planning: Riser strategy, plant distribution and metering were designed to maximise net usable area and maintainability.

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Novo’s Role

Novo delivered detailed Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) design and sustainability leadership from RIBA Stage 4 through to Stage 7, ensuring continuity from technical design into commissioning, handover and aftercare.

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Scope of Services

Detailed M&E design (RIBA 4–7): Full building services coordination, technical assurance and construction support.

Building specialist systems: Integration of life safety, security, access control, ICT, vertical transport interfaces and BMS.

Interior systems coordination: Services integration across reception, study, leisure and shared amenity spaces.

Thermal modelling & compliance: Dynamic simulations and calculations to support Part L energy compliance and final EPCs.

Overheating assessment: Design and verification to CIBSE TM52 to meet Part O requirements.

BREEAM support: Evidence and inputs to support the scheme's BREEAM Very Good target.

Commissioning & soft landings: Performance testing, seasonal commissioning and user fine-tuning to support reliable operation.

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Sustainability & Performance

Our approach prioritised low-carbon design, resilience and maintainability. Early modelling helped shape façade and services selections, while right-sized plant and smart controls reduced operational energy and safeguarded thermal comfort.

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The result was a robust, future-ready building services solution aligned with regulatory compliance and long-term value.