Inside the Hidden World of Building ServicesInside the Hidden World of Building ServicesSafety Beyond StructureSafety Beyond StructureWater In. Waste Out.Water In. Waste Out.Designing for Fire SafetyDesigning for Fire SafetyTurning Rainwater Into a ResourceTurning Rainwater Into a Resource01010303020204040505THE INVISIBLE NETWORK BEHIND EVERY BUILDINGTHE INVISIBLE NETWORK BEHIND EVERY BUILDINGPIPES THAT KEEP BUILDINGS ALIVEPIPES THAT KEEP BUILDINGS ALIVEAUGUST 2026AUGUST 2026FH IDDENLOW
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NWHAT'SISIDEWater Supply Systems Drainage Systems Water Distribution Sanitation Plumbing Fire Fighting Services010509131721 Rainwater Harvesting25
A building is not only made of walls, floors, and roofs. Behind every comfortable and safe space is a network of building services that provides water, removes waste, maintains hygiene, protects against fire, and manages essential resources. Building services connect architecture with engineering, making buildings functional, healthy, efficient, and safe. Systems such as water supply, drainage, sanitation, plumbing, fire-fighting, and rainwater harvesting need to be carefully planned along with the architectural design. This technical magazine explores these essential systems, explaining their working principles, components, types, installation methods, advantages, and architectural applications. It also highlights relevant NBC requirements and BIS standards, helping architects understand how building services influence planning and design decisions.The Architecture of Building Services
WATER MOVES FROM SOURCE TREATMENT STORAGE DISTRIBUTION UNDER ADEQUATE PRESSUREWATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS FLOW Types Municipal / groundwater / rainwater Direct / indirect supply Up-feed / down-feed NBC 2016 Part 9 – Plumbing Services, Section 1. IS 2065- Water Supply in Buildings IS 1172- Water Supply, Drainage & Sanitation SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING, TREATING, STORING AND SUPPLYING WATER TO A BUILDING.IT’S PARTS: -WATER SOURCE -WATER METER -STORAGE TANKS -PUMP -PIPES -VALVES & FITTINGS -PLUMBING SHAFT -WATER FIXTURES
WATER Supply Construction Details : Pipes are routed through shafts/walls and connected to tanks, pumps and fixtures. Provide valves and supports.Architectural Applications : Influences toilet placement, plumbing shafts, tank rooms and service spaces. Advantages / Disadvantages + Reliable supply + Storage available − Needs space − Requires maintenanceDISTRIBUTION SOURCE → FILTER/TREATMENT → UGT → PUMP → OHT → FIXTURESWORKING PRINCIPLE02 Smart Monitoring and IoT: Smart Water Meters Automated Leak Detection AI-Powered Management Advanced Purification: Reverse Osmosis (RO) Nanofiltration UV Sterilization
When services shape the planWater supply is not just a technical requirement—it directly influences architectural planning.Group wet areas to reduce pipe length. Provide plumbing shafts for easy pipe routing and maintenance. Plan space for water tanks and pumps. Coordinate pipes with structural and other services. Conceal pipes within walls, floors or ceilings where required.0102030405Flowscapes explores infrastructure as a type of landscape and landscape as a type of infrastructure.-by.Leonardo da Vinci Ancient Persia used ingenious sloping underground tunnels called qanāts around 700 BCE to gravity-feed groundwater to citiesinteresting fact:04
WATERDistributionA network of pipes, tanks, pumps and fittings that carries potable water from the source to building fixtures.Municipal Supply Storage Distribution Fixtures How does it work? NBC 2016 – Part 9, Section 1: Water Supply IS 10500: Drinking Water Quality IS 17482:2020: Piped Drinking Water Supply Management Source UGT Pump OHT Pipes Fixtures FLOW
Key points: -Pipes should run through shafts/walls -Joints must be watertight -Valves should remain accessible -Avoid cross-connection with wastewater pipesBy Margarita Perez / Photography by Francois Mercer Advantages / Disadvantages +Reliable water supply +Provides storage +Serves multiple floors +Easy section-wise control -Needs tank/shaft space -Pump requires electricity -Leakage can cause dampness- -Requires maintenance06
What are its parts?UGT – Stores incoming water Pump – Lifts water OHT – Stores and supplies water by gravity Riser – Carries water vertically Distribution pipes – Supply individual areas Valves – Control flow Fixtures – Taps, showers, flushes What types are available? Direct Supply directly to fixtures Indirect Supply through storage tank Gravity Uses OHT and gravity Pumped Uses pumps for pressurey08
Collection → Trapping → Conveyance → Inspection → Disposal Fixtures collect wastewater. Traps block foul gases. Pipes carry wastewater by gravity. Chambers allow inspection and cleaning. Wastewater reaches sewer/septic tank. NBC 2016 – Part 9: Plumbing Services IS 1742: Building Drainage IS 1172: Water Supply, Drainage & Sanitation IS 5329: Sanitary Pipework IS 4111: ManholesFlow: Fixture → Trap → Pipe → Drain → Chamber → Sewer/Treatment A system of pipes, traps, chambers and outlets that collects and safely carries wastewater and rainwater away from a building.systemWATER Drainage
Advantages / Disadvantages+Maintains hygiene +Removes wastewater efficiently +Prevents foul odours +Reduces waterlogging +Protects the building -Requires maintenance -Can develop blockages -Leakage may damage structures -Repairs below ground are difficult10NEW INNOVATIONS & TECHNOLOGIES Modern drainage systems focus on water conservation and flood control. Techniques like permeable pavements, bioswales, green roofs, rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and smart drains help collect, filter, reuse, and safely discharge water. These systems reduce flooding, prevent wastage, and support sustainable water management.
How is it installed?How does it affect architecture? Water drainage affects both plan and section by grouping wet areas, keeping pipe routes short, providing accessible plumbing shafts and inspection chambers, maintaining proper pipe slopes, and aligning vertical stacks with floors and beams. Best planning: Toilet → Common Shaft → Vertical Stack → Underground Drain.Pipes connected to fixtures through traps. Pipes laid with proper slope. Vertical stacks connect to underground drains. Inspection chambers provided at junctions. Final connection made to sewer/septic tank.12
Fixtures → Traps → Soil/Waste Pipes → Drain → Manhole → Sewer/STP Blackwater: WC waste Greywater: Bath, basin & sink wasteSanitation system is a network that safely collects, carries, treats and disposes of wastewater and sewage from a building.Aim: Hygiene • Health • Odour control • Safe disposal18SANITATIONSystem NBC 2016 – Part 9, Section 2: Drainage & Sanitation
Advantages / Disadvantages +Improves hygiene +Prevents foul odour +Safely removes sewage +Reduces contamination -Needs regular maintenance -Blockages may occur -Leakage can cause dampness -Requires service space Sanitation planning influences the building layout by requiring toilets and wet areas to be grouped and vertically aligned. Plumbing shafts and service ducts should be provided for efficient drainage, while proper pipe slopes ensure smooth wastewater flow. Keeping wet areas close to vertical drainage stacks reduces pipe length, prevents unnecessary bends, and makes inspection and maintenance easier. The key principle is to stack wet areas vertically for efficient drainage and simplified maintenance.14
What are its parts?Sanitary fixtures – WC, basin, urinal Traps – Prevent sewer gases Soil pipe – Carries WC waste Waste pipe – Carries wastewater Vent pipe – Releases gases Manhole – Inspection & cleaning Building drain – Carries sewage to disposal What types are available? One pipe Soil+waste in one pipe Two pipe Soil & waste seperated Single stack Common vertical stack Partially ventilated Extra ventilation for traps16
FIXTURE SANITATIONNEW INNOVATIONS & TECHNOLOGIES Modern sanitation is becoming smarter and more sustainable through sensor-based fixtures, vacuum drainage, greywater recycling, leak detection, low-flow toilets, decentralised STPs, AI monitoring, and bio-digesters. These technologies help reduce water consumption, detect problems early, treat wastewater efficiently, and promote reuse of resources.
FIXTURES COLOURED WATER CLOSET INTELLIGENT WATER CLOSET TANKLESS WALL MOUNTED WATER CLOSET ₹20,000/- TO ₹30,000/- COLOURED WASH BASIN OVER THE COUNTER BASINS UNDER THE COUNTER BASINS ₹1,00,000/- TO ₹2,00,000/- ₹80,000/- TO ₹90,000/- ₹5,000/- TO ₹10,000/- ₹5,000/- TO ₹10,000/- ₹5,000/- TO ₹6,000/- ₹15,000/- TO ₹20,000/- ₹40,000/- TO ₹50,000/- ₹40,000/- TO ₹50,000/- SHOWER CONSOLECeiling ShowerBathtub18 Hindware Products – A curated selection of Hindware’s sanitary and bathroom solutions, showcasing modern design, functionality, and innovative technology for contemporary architectural spaces.
Water Source → UGT → Pump → OHT → Distribution Pipes → Fixtures A network of pipes, tanks, pumps, valves and fixtures that supplies clean water throughout a building.Plumbing How is it installed? Source → Storage → Pump → Riser → Distribution Pipe → Fixture Pipes are generally routed through walls, floors or plumbing shafts and tested for leakage after installation. NBC 2016 – Part 9: Plumbing Services IS 2065 – Water Supply in Buildings
Advantages / Disadvantages+Reliable water supply +Convenient distribution +Hot & cold water possible +Storage during supply interruptions-Installation cost -Requires maintenance -Leakage can damage finishes -Requires service spaceHow does it affect architecture? Water plumbing influences building planning by grouping wet areas, placing plumbing shafts near toilets and kitchens, and coordinating pipe routes with walls, floors, and sections. OHT and UGT require dedicated spaces, while stacking toilets vertically helps reduce pipe length and simplifies maintenance.New Innovations & Technology 💧 Smart Sensors: Detect leaks and water wastage. Smart Meters: Track water usage. Greywater Recycling: Reuses wastewater for flushing/gardening. Rainwater Harvesting: Collects rain for reuse. Touchless Fixtures: Reduce water use and improve hygiene. IoT Plumbing: Enables remote monitoring and control. Prefabricated Pipes: Faster and easier installation.20
PLUMBING FIXTURES Pipe Types PVC: Lightweight, economical and corrosion-resistant. CPVC: Suitable for hot and cold water. GI: Strong and durable; used for water supply. Copper: Durable and suitable for hot water. HDPE: Flexible and commonly used for underground supply. Pipe Joints Joints connect pipes and change their direction or size. Threaded joint – mainly GI pipes Solvent-weld joint – PVC/CPVC Compression joint – easy to install and repair Flanged joint – used for larger pipes and equipment Valves Valves control, stop or regulate water flow. Gate valve – on/off control Globe valve – regulates flow Ball valve – quick shut-off Check valve – prevents backflow Float valve – controls tank filling22
IREFightingFire-fighting services are the systems and equipment designed to detect, control and extinguish fire while ensuring safe evacuation. They include fire hydrants, sprinklers, pumps, alarms, extinguishers and fire- water storage. NBC 2016 – Part 4: Fire & Life Safety provides provisions for: Fire prevention Life safety & evacuation Means of egress Fire detection and alarm Fire-fighting installations Fire resistance Smoke control Compartmentation Key BIS standards include: IS 3844 – Internal fire hydrants & hose reels IS 13039 – External hydrant systems IS 2190 – Portable fire extinguishers
Advantages / Disadvantages +Protects life and property +Controls fire spread +Enables quick response +Supports safe evacuation +Improves building safety -Requires additional service space -High installation cost -Requires regular maintenance -Needs coordination with architecture and structure -Leakage or accidental discharge may cause water damage Fire Detection → Alarm → Fire Pump → Pressurized Water → Hydrant / Sprinkler → Fire Control → Safe Evacuation The system provides water or extinguishing agents to the fire location while protected escape routes allow occupants to exit safely.24
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How is it installed?How does it affect architecture? Fire-fighting services influence architecture through planned fire access, hydrant locations, protected escape routes, fire shafts and compartments. In section, risers, tanks, sprinklers and fire-rated elements are vertically coordinated for safety and easy maintenance. The system should be integrated into the design from the beginning.Fire-fighting services are planned as a vertical and horizontal network. Fire Tank → Pump Room → Vertical Riser → Landing Valve / Sprinkler → Fire Pipes are routed through service shafts and coordinated with structural elements, ceilings and other building services. Fire stairs, exits and fire-rated doors are integrated into the building layout.26
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS“I love the fire… I can use it as a feature of an architectural ensemble.” — Frank Lloyd Wright
An automatic fire- suppression system that releases water when heat from a fire activates the sprinkler head. Sprinklers Fixed flexible hoses connected to the water supply, used for quickly controlling small fires. Hose Reels Fire Tanks Dedicated water storage tanks that provide the required water supply for firefighting systems such as hydrants and sprinklers. Hydrant System A network of pipes, valves and hydrants that supplies pressurized water for manual firefighting. . HYDRANT SYSTEM28
What does NBC/BIS say? → NBC 2016 – Rainwater harvesting provisions → IS 15797:2008 – Rooftop rainwater harvesting guidelines How does it work? Rainfall → Roof/Catchment → Gutter → Filter → Storage Tank → ReuseRAINWATERHarvesting Rainwater harvesting is the collection, filtration, storage and reuse of rainwater, mainly from rooftops and paved surfaces. It also helps recharge groundwater and reduce storm-water runoff.
RAIN TO RESOURCEInitial installation cost Requires regular cleaning and maintenance Storage space is required Water availability depends on rainfall Poorly maintained systems can contaminate stored water DISADVANTAGESReduces dependence on municipal water Recharges groundwater Reduces surface runoff and flooding Provides water for non-potable uses Supports sustainable building designADVANTAGES30
How is it installed?Roof → Gutter → Downpipe → First Flush → Filter → Tank / Recharge Pit Provide a sloped roof towards collection points. Connect downpipes to a filter and storage/recharge system. Keep recharge structures away from contamination sources. Provide an overflow for excess rainwater. Recharge design should consider local soil and groundwater conditions.32NEW INNOVATIONS & TECHNOLOGIES Modern rainwater harvesting uses smart sensors, automated storage tanks, advanced filtration and IoT monitoring to improve water collection and quality. Modular recharge systems help store and gradually recharge groundwater, while AI-based systems can predict rainfall and optimize water storage and reuse.
HEY,DEAR READERSEditor-in-ChiefCarly Ferris