Hotel Technical Utilities and Equipment
Buildings – Architecture – Construction
Buildings should consider factors such as:
- Premises adapted to the users’ comfort
- Optimal circulation
- Pleasant and easy-to-maintain materials and fixtures
- Clear and pleasant illumination (both natural and artificial)
- Sound & Temperature insulation
Technical Utilities and Equipment
The concept, design, and functioning of these may significantly influence the quality of service and operational costs. Consequently, these affect operational results. Hotel building technical utilities are divided into the following:
Water Systems, Sewerage
Each hotel should have a system adapted to the type of building, the local water situation, and the specifications most adequate to the hotel’s operational concept.
Some water subjects to keep in mind:
- Drinkable water: Supply, flow…
- Water distribution systems: Gravity, hydro-pneumatic pressure
- Hot water: Boilers, heaters…
- Drainage: Bathroom, rainwater, gardens…
- Sewerage: WC, urban collectors…
- Irrigation system: City water, well or recycling, distribution system
- Water consumption meter
- Swimming-pool: Recycling system, pumps and filters; water heating
- Water softener: General – Boilers – Laundry – Kitchen equipment
- Water tank: General (gravity – hydro-pneumatic) – Hot water
Electricity – Power Supply
Electricity is the most important and costly energy used in hotels. Careful planning is essential.
To be kept in mind:
- Availability of single-phase and three-phase electricity
- Power voltage transformers
- Proper power load distribution
- Power control panels
- Electricity power emergency generator
- Electricity wiring: Single-phase, three-phase, emergency generator, emergency systems
- Power consumption meters: General and sectional
- Ecological and renewable energies
- Technical utilities and equipment voltage variation protection
- Lightning rod & earth protection systems
Illumination
When designing hotel buildings, natural light exposure is highly recommended as much as possible. Artificial light is a must in poorly naturally lit areas and, obviously, during the night. It requires careful planning to achieve proper guest comfort levels and operationally proper lighting. An efficient and flexible artificial illumination system, with the possibility of various uses and atmospheric creativity, is an important asset to hotel operations.
Low Voltage Power (Communications, Sound, T.V., Hardware)
- General antenna: TV – AM/FM frequencies, TV cable
Wiring: Telephone system, master antenna: TV – AM/FM TV, sound system: banquet rooms.
Industrial Refrigeration
Walk-in refrigerators and freezers are planned according to hygiene official regulations for fresh and perishable food stocking.
Air-Conditioning – Heating System
The purpose is to maintain the premises (inside buildings) at a relatively comfortable temperature. Temperatures considered comfortable may range between 19ºC – 25ºC, with 22ºC being the ideal and recommended temperature in public areas of hotels.
Designed according to the climate where the property is located. In a tropical and warm climate, (cooling) air-conditioning is a must.
Commonly, heating systems function by water heated by boilers, which flows to radiators located in the habitat or premises that require heating. Less frequent and more expensive, more complex to handle, and less secure.
Air-conditioning is needed year-round in warm, tropical areas. In well-defined four-season regions, both air-conditioning and central heating systems may be installed. However, installing reversible systems that can be used during warm and cold weather is convenient.
The air-conditioning is to be designed to adapt to:
- The type of building
- Cooling and/or heating needs
- Types of energies/fuels available
- Operative conveniences
- Costs
In line with the preservation of the environment.
Most usual cooling and/or heating systems/equipment:
- Centralized air-conditioning (central compressor units)
- Sectional air conditioning units
- Split units and window units
Ventilation
When feasible, designing buildings using natural ventilation is suggested. If not, mechanical ventilation: renovate stale air in public and service areas constantly. Inject fresh air and create airflow in spots and locations where it is most required. Ventilation – Critical areas: Vegetable storage, central linen room laundry, kitchens.
Extraction
Mechanical extraction serves the need to extract air from closed environments with a high concentration of stale air. In almost all instances, the extraction is mechanical. They are reverse ventilators that suck/pump out the stale air.
Areas where mechanical extraction is usually required:
- Room bathrooms
- Public toilets
- Kitchens
Security
Regulations apply following several items such as:
- Operational concept
- Type of building
- Location
- Services offered
- Architecture & building materials
Alarms and Surveillance Systems (Fire – Theft/Burglary)
- General network of fire alarms
- Smoke detector system, front office/cashiering, general cashier, elevators
Firefighting
- Hydrant system
- Sprinkler system
- Firewall system
Emergency Routes and Exits; Its Signaling
- Premises & public areas
Others of Engineering & Maintenance With Regards to Security
These concern safety at work; training employees to use utilities, appliances, and equipment properly with a risk factor when manipulating.
Locks & Keys – Master Locks & Keys (Access Controls)
Functionality
Access to public areas and guest rooms; service, production, and storage areas are organized following functionality and responsibility diagrams planned for operating efficiency and controls.
Elevators & Loading Platforms
Important energy consumers.
These are considered the backbone of communications in vertically built hotels.
Take into consideration the following:
- Type of building (horizontal – vertical)
- Physical distribution of services
- Communications between services/public areas, production and supporting areas, storage, and other areas
- Operational concept and hotel category
Divided into:
- Guest/client elevators
- Service elevators and/or loading platforms
Fuels
When selecting options, analyze availability, handling, costs, and environmental preservation. The most usual fuels other than power (electricity) supply may be:
- Diesel/fuel oil/gasoline
- Gas (city, propane, butane)
- Steam (produced by boilers)
- Coal
Ecological and Renewable
Means that may replace traditional fuels:
- Windmill (producing electricity power)
- Solar energy (water heating, central heating)
- Ecological natural products (natural waste, forest cleaning)
- Thermal energy
Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment
It specifically refers to the hotel equipment, furniture, and decoration items. These are not fixed/permanent parts of the building. Although, some equipment, to function, requires to be physically connected and/or fixed permanently to the building.