Indoor Farm Design & Construction Management

Geoflow Australia Pty Ltd (Trademark Geoflow) provides design and construction management for commercial indoor farm and complex HVAC solutions including geothermal and solar thermal.

Indoor farm uses LED lighting to replicate the sun and a high-capacity HVAC system to reduce air negative pressure to allow plants to grow. The following lists the methods that Geoflow has gained through years of experience to ensure the delivery of a profitable farm.

The following is based on Geoflow experience in dealing with its past clients. Following the following guidelines can guarantee the

crop quality and production yield.

At Geoflow, we trive to do all detailed assessment, modelling, and BIM visualizations for all items below to ensure no single system is designed in isolation and that all different components of the system will work as a unit machine. Geoflow preengineering and engineering follows all the steps below to ensure best possible solution is delivered.

Our Process in summary

0. Basis of Design (BoD):

Define project goals, crop types, temperature/RH/VPD targets, and applicable standards. Minimal calculations required.

1. Pre-Engineering, schematic design & Feasibility

We start with a detailed understanding of your crop type, yield targets, and operational goals. At this stage, we:

Model annual energy and water demand.
Define grow-room zoning, canopy areas, and air distribution strategy.
Optimise floor plan layouts in BIM (LOD 200) for the best use of space.
Evaluate renewable options such as geothermal or solar-thermal integration.
Deliver a concept design, energy model, and ROI analysis.

2. Engineering & Tendering and subcontractor selection

In the detailed design stage, our team develops full MEP and BIM models. We coordinate all disciplines — Architectural, Structural, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lighting, automation — in a single shared model to:

Eliminate clashes,
Maximise maintenance access, and
Enable remote collaboration and rapid implementation.

Our engineering philosophy ensures every component contributes to yield, reliability, and energy efficiency.

Defining growth conditions

At the earliest project stage, investors and growers define the annual production targets and establish the crop performance criteria that will guide the design. Geoflow collaborates closely with horticulture consultants, agronomists, and controlled-environment specialists to set precise limits and targets for every growing parameter.

This process defines the minimum and optimal environmental conditions required for each crop stage — from propagation to flowering — ensuring every design decision supports maximum yield and energy efficiency.

Key parameters established in this phase include:

Lighting Intensity (PPFD): Target photon flux density for each growth stage
Room Temperature: Optimised temperature ranges to support plant metabolism
Relative Humidity: Defined for each phase to maintain consistent transpiration
Vapour Pressure Deficit (VPD): Ideal balance between temperature and humidity for healthy growth
CO₂ Concentration: Controlled levels to enhance photosynthesis and growth rate
Air Exchange Rate: Minimum air changes per hour and internal air velocities for climate stability
Photoperiod: Day/night light schedules tailored to plant physiology
Irrigation Strategy: Volume, frequency, and delivery method (ebb & flood, drip, or mist)
Nutrient Requirements: EC and pH limits to maintain consistent root-zone health
Water Quality and Temperature: Maximum and minimum limits for irrigation and drain water
Drain Water Recycling: Filtration, UV sterilisation, and reuse strategy to reduce water consumption
Ergonomics & Labour Access: Pathways and bench configurations optimised for efficient plant handling and reduced downtime

By accurately defining these grow-condition parameters, Geoflow ensures the engineering design directly aligns with crop biology, operational efficiency, and ROI goals. This scientific, grower-driven approach is what makes Geoflow’s indoor farms among the most profitable, stable, and easy to operate in the global CEA market.

Indoor Farm Floor Plan Optimisation

Floor plan optimisation is one of the most critical steps in the design of an indoor farm. The layout directly determines crop yield, workflow efficiency, and construction cost.

At this stage, Geoflow works closely with the project grower and horticulture consultants to define the number and size of each growing zone — including flower rooms, propagation rooms, mother and stock plant rooms, and canopy surface areas — based on the project’s target yield and operational strategy.

Our engineering team uses Building Information Modelling (BIM) to develop the farm layout at Level of Development (LOD) 200 during the pre-engineering phase. This digital model allows early visualisation of how HVAC ducting, irrigation, lighting, racks, and access routes interact within the available building envelope. It helps prevent space conflicts, improves airflow distribution, and ensures efficient movement of people, materials, and plants throughout the facility.

Typical Planting Densities

Grow Area	Typical Plant Density (per m²)	Notes
Stock / Mother Plant Room	5	Lower density to allow access and canopy management
Propagation Area	Packed trays or grow media side-by-side	Maximises seedling throughput
Vegetative (Veg) / Generative Stage	30	Designed for rapid biomass growth
Flower Room	8–10	Optimised for lighting and air distribution uniformity

Indoor Farm Construction

The construction phase of an indoor farm requires a detailed understanding of both horticultural requirements and building engineering principles. Geoflow applies a design–build engineering approach to ensure that the physical structure fully supports environmental control systems and complies with future GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards.

Most projects begin with a metal-clad warehouse shell or tilt-up concrete panel structure, providing a durable, sealed, and thermally stable envelope for controlled-environment agriculture.

At the pre-engineering stage, Geoflow’s in-house civil and structural designers prepare detailed drawings and load calculations to ensure that all structural components meet the mechanical, electrical, and HVAC system requirements.

Key Construction and Structural Features

Steel framing designed to support heavy suspended loads such as air-handling units (AHUs), chilled-water piping, CO₂ headers, and grow-light gantries.
GMP-grade insulated sandwich panels for walls and ceilings, achieving airtightness, cleanability, and thermal isolation between zones.
Hot-dip galvanisation for all structural steel members exposed to humidity or nutrient vapour, ensuring corrosion resistance and long service life.
Embedded anchor points and platforms for future equipment upgrades or modular expansion.
Load-bearing analysis integrated in the BIM model to verify equipment weight distribution and ceiling-mounted service routing.

Interior Design – Racks

For flower rooms, Geoflow proposes two-tier mobile grow racks mounted on flat, anti-tip tracks and fitted with ebb-and-flood trays suitable for drip irrigation systems. Each rack runs the full length of the grow room to maximise canopy coverage and service accessibility.

The ABS trays are thermoformed with a Korad UV-stabilised film that provides long-term resistance to ultraviolet light, microbial growth, and nutrient-related corrosion. Each tray offers a load-bearing capacity of 150 kg/m², with an additional 20 kg/m² allowance for lighting fixtures.

The racking frame is fabricated from hot-dip galvanised steel with a powder-coated finish incorporating anti-microbial and anti-fungal additives. Colour is matched to RAL 9016 (Traffic White) for a cleanroom-grade appearance.
The coating is engineered to withstand:

Ozone exposure up to 55 ppb, and
Hot-water wash-down at 50 °C, 100 bar pressure, 30 cm distance.

Structural specifications

Vertical beam thickness: 1.5 mm
Horizontal beam thickness: 1.4 mm
Slats: 1.4 mm
Base frame: 1.8 mm

All wheel assemblies across each track are mechanically linked using stainless-steel drive pipes, ensuring synchronised movement and even weight distribution. All moving components — bearings, shafts, and handles — are made from rust-resistant stainless steel or aluminium alloy.

Each bench includes two drive handles per side, equipped with a lock mechanism to secure the position during operation or maintenance. Track inserts and side rails are constructed from stainless steel to prevent corrosion in high-humidity environments.

Within the flower rooms, perforated PVC air-distribution pipes are installed between grow cubes to promote bottom-to-top airflow, reducing microclimates and improving evaporative balance around the canopy

Ease of Access for Maintenance

Effective maintenance accessibility is a core engineering principle in the design of indoor farms. Geoflow recommends positioning all air-handling units (AHUs), chilled-water piping, and air-distribution ductwork to remain fully accessible at all times — without requiring system shutdowns or panel removal.

During pre-engineering, equipment placement and access pathways are modelled within the BIM environment to verify clearance zones and maintenance reach envelopes. This allows technicians to safely inspect, clean, and service components such as filters, fans, dampers, and valves without compromising biosecurity or crop operation.

Although adjusting the layout early in design to provide access typically adds minimal cost, it has significant long-term benefits for system reliability, compliance, and energy efficiency. Poor accessibility can increase maintenance time, cause downtime, and lead to premature component failure.

Geoflow uses BIM model families that include clearance volumes and access zones for every maintainable component. These are overlaid in the coordination model to ensure conflict-free access and compliance with both OHS and manufacturer service recommendations

Air Distribution

Uniform air distribution is critical to maintaining stable temperature, humidity, and CO₂ concentration within grow rooms and avoid microclimates. Geoflow’s engineering design utilises a combination of wall plenums and ceiling plenums to deliver controlled, even airflow throughout each growing zone.

Perforated metal plates are used along the discharge surfaces of the wall and ceiling plenums to ensure laminar air movement and avoid turbulence or dead zones. The target air velocity of approximately 0.5 m/s provides gentle canopy movement that promotes leaf gas exchange, assists in moisture removal, and reduces the risk of microclimate formation around the plant canopy.

All major mechanical equipment, ductwork, and chilled-water piping are located outside the grow environment, ensuring:

Ease of maintenance and inspection,
Minimised contamination risk, and
Compliance with current and future GMP requirements.

This arrangement allows the internal grow space to remain clean, sealed, and optimised for crop performance while maintaining service access for operational reliability.

HVAC Solution

The HVAC system in an indoor farm is designed to maintain stable temperature, humidity, and airflow conditions that align with the crop’s biological requirements. The goal is to control Vapour Pressure Deficit (VPD), the primary parameter that governs plant transpiration and health. Typical environmental targets are 21–28°C and 55–80% RH, adjusted to achieve the following VPD values for each plant growth stage:

Propagation: 0.8 kPa
Vegetative: 1.0 kPa
Early Flower: 1.2 kPa
Late Flower: 1.6 kPa

Temperature and humidity setpoints are tuned to maintain the desired VPD across the canopy, verified through commissioning and CFD analysis during detailed design.

Proper dehumidification is the key differentiator between a successful high-tech farm and an underperforming facility. High airflow and sufficient air-change rates minimise humidity gradients and stabilise plant microclimates.

Partial-Load Strategy (Start-up & Scaling)

Indoor farms often operate at partial capacity during early phases while production and client base ramp up. To avoid unnecessary energy consumption, the HVAC solution should efficiently handle part-load operation while remaining scalable. This is achieved by modular plant design and advanced control logic.

Zoned systems allowing independent operation of grow areas.
Variable Speed Drive (VSD) pumps capable of operating at 20% nominal flow.
Variable-speed chillers with efficiency maintained at 20% load.
Multiple chillers for redundancy (N+1 configuration).
Heat recovery through condenser water for post-dehumidification reheat.

Air Distribution, Filtration & Pressurisation

Fresh air intake systems are equipped with HEPA filtration to maintain clean positive pressure, supporting GMP-compliant design. Room pressurisation cascades from clean to less-clean areas and is validated during commissioning. Ducts and plenums are designed for uniform velocity distribution across the canopy, confirmed using CFD modelling and field balancing (TAB)

Materials & Buildability

Closed-cell Armaflex insulation on chilled-water lines
Metal cladding used only where exposed to mechanical damage or direct sunlight.
Motorised butterfly valves for isolation and V-port ball valves for modulation control.
Cooling towers equipped with davit arms for fan motor replacement and reduced downtime.

Controls & Analytics

VPD-based control sequences are implemented to coordinate cooling, reheat, and dehumidification cycles. Energy, humidity, and water consumption are continuously monitored via SCADA or BMS platforms to track efficiency KPIs:

Maintain VPD within ±0.1 kPa of target across 90% of canopy area.
Maintain temperature uniformity ±1°C and RH ±5%.
Dehumidify in response to transpiration rate.
Continuously verify energy efficiency through measurable KPIs (kW/ton, kWh/kg yield).

Lighting Design

Efficient lighting design is central to crop yield and energy performance in indoor farms. LED grow lights are recommended as the cost savings on electricity use pay back for the higher capital cost of LED light,s and they provide precise spectral control for each crop stage.

Geoflow defines nominal PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density, µmol/m²·s) levels for each grow area based on plant physiology and production goals:

Grow Area	Target PPFD (µmol/m²·s)	Design Intent
Stock / Mother Plant Room	450	Stable vegetative growth and canopy regeneration
Propagation Area	250	Root initiation and compact seedling development
Vegetative / Generative Room	650	Rapid biomass and leaf expansion
Flower Room	1100	Maximised photosynthesis and yield formation

A well-engineered lighting solution shall meet the following design criteria:

Minimum fixture efficacy: ≥ 2.5 µmol/J
Uniformity ratio (min : avg PPFD): ≥ 0.80, verified using 3D photometric modelling or equivalent simulation software with calculation grid spacing: ≤ 100 mm × 100 mm in simulation to ensure accurate spatial uniformity assessment.
Dimming and spectral control: via DALI or 0–10 V interface for photoperiod and intensity scheduling.
Fixture protection: IP65-rated housings for wash-down environments and humidity exposure.

Automation

Geoflow designs and installs fully integrated automation systems that allow the main grower or operations team to monitor and control the entire farm remotely — from HVAC and irrigation to lighting and fertigation. This real-time visibility ensures consistent operation, immediate fault detection, and complete data traceability.

A central SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) platform forms the backbone of the automation system, connecting all subsystems through a unified interface. Geoflow typically employs Siemens-class CPUs for robust industrial performance and long-term reliability.

System Architecture & Components

Valves & Actuators

Belimo motorised valves are used for all water modulation circuits, providing precise flow control and position feedback to SCADA.

Isolation valves may use any reliable local brand, provided they support manual override and open/closed status feedback.

Control Redundancy

A dedicated UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) supports the BMS/SCADA hardware to maintain control continuity during brownouts or power transitions. All critical control panels are designed with local manual override capability.

Disaster-Response Sequences

The BMS defines and tests pre-programmed fail-safe scenarios to preserve plant life during outages or emergency conditions.

Example: In the event of a mains failure and generator switchover, the BMS automatically disables chillers but keeps air fans and outdoor air dampers running to sustain airflow and CO₂ balance.

Monitoring & Sensors

Temperature: Air, chilled-water supply/return, and irrigation-water temperatures are continuously monitored and logged.

Pressure: Water pressure measured at multiple points along the distribution network for leak detection and flow diagnostics.

Environmental: RH, CO₂, and light levels monitored for closed-loop control of each grow zone.

Cameras: One dedicated camera per canopy zone enables remote crop inspection and fault identification, significantly reducing site visits and downtime.

System Coverage

Central automation covers all operational systems except physical security.

The SCADA dashboard provides live status and trend data for:

Irrigation and nutrient dosing systems,
Lighting and photoperiod control,
Energy and water consumption,
Camera feeds for canopy monitoring.
HVAC operation and room-level temperature/humidity,

Electrical

Electrical design and installation are critical to the performance, reliability, and safety of indoor farm operations. Geoflow’s electrical systems are designed to support continuous, energy-intensive loads while maintaining compliance with local electrical installation standards and optimising operational efficiency.

Design Methodology and Traceability

All electrical load calculations, power distribution, and cable-sizing verifications are fully traceable through Geoflow’s proprietary Excel-based Electrical Calculation Register.

This live document records:

Connected and demand loads for each grow room and mechanical system,

Diversity factors and demand profiles per operational phase,

Voltage drop, cable sizing, and circuit protection validation,

Power factor correction and harmonic distortion checks, and

Redundancy provisions for critical loads (e.g., HVAC, irrigation, lighting control, SCADA).

The calculation register forms part of the QA documentation, ensuring transparency and auditability from concept to commissioning.

BIM Integration and Cable Routing

Cable routing, containment, and spacing are coordinated within the BIM model to avoid clashes and maintain safe thermal conditions.

By modelling cable trays and conduits in 3D, Geoflow ensures:

Adequate spacing between power and control circuits,

Effective heat dissipation for grouped cables (reducing derating factors), and

Cost-effective cable sizing by limiting unnecessary overspecification.

Testing and Commissioning

All circuits are tested for:

Continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, and RCD operation,

Load balancing and phase sequencing,

Thermal imaging of live circuits under load, and

Integration with automation (SCADA/BMS) for alarm and power-status feedback.

Water Management

The right water composition, flow, and timing are essential for maintaining a healthy crop — and the financial performance of any indoor farming operation. Geoflow designs and integrates complete water management systems that regulate irrigation, nutrient dosing, filtration, and water recycling to achieve both crop consistency and resource efficiency.

System Design Philosophy

In a controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) facility, every litre of water must serve a productive purpose. The system design focuses on:

Delivering precisely conditioned water with the correct pH and EC values,

Optimising fertiliser dosing to match each crop stage, and

Ensuring closed-loop water reuse without compromising plant or food safety.

Irrigation and Nutrient Control

Geoflow integrates automated fertigation systems (e.g., Priva Connext® or equivalent) into the central SCADA platform, allowing growers to control irrigation timing, flow rates, and nutrient ratios remotely.

Key features include:

Automated dosing of macro and micronutrients with multi-channel precision
pH and EC feedback loops for consistent nutrient delivery
Flow measurement and volume control for each irrigation zone, and
Event logging for compliance, traceability, and audit records

Water Recirculation and Treatment

To meet GMP and food-safety standards, irrigation return water is disinfected and recirculated through a UV sterilisation loop. The treated water is then rebalanced for EC/pH before reuse, significantly reducing total water consumption and discharge volume.

Where biological safety is critical, optional RO (Reverse Osmosis) and activated-carbon filtration are used for make-up water polishing.

Instrumentation and Monitoring

Sensors and instruments are integrated with SCADA for continuous data collection:

Flow, pressure, temperature, pH, and EC sensors for each loop,
UV intensity and lamp runtime monitoring,
Tank-level sensors for feed, return, and nutrient stock tanks,
Automated alarms for deviation in water quality or dosing accuracy.

Engineering Deliverables

Hydraulic schematics and process flow diagrams (PFDs) with component numbering,
Electrical and control I/O schedules for integration with the automation system,
flow-network modelling for pipe sizing and pressure balance,
Bill of materials and maintenance procedures in the BIM-linked O&M database.

This integrated design approach enables safe water recirculation, reduced operating costs, and compliance with the highest food safety and environmental discharge regulations.

Irrigation

Geoflow designs and delivers fully automated irrigation systems integrated into the central SCADA platform. The system records accumulated and real-time water use per grow zone, giving the main grower full visibility into irrigation uniformity, consumption patterns, and nutrient delivery efficiency.

A detailed one-line process diagram is prepared as part of the design package, showing:

Feed, return, and dosing circuits;

Pressure and flow sensors; and
Valve control logic; and
Integration points with fertigation, UV disinfection, and water-recycling systems.
All data points, including flow rate, pH, EC, total water usage and nutrient ratios

Water Quality and Treatment

Reverse Osmosis (RO) units are installed upstream of nutrient tanks to guarantee consistent input-water quality.

RO reject and drainage water are analysed and, where feasible, recycled through filtration and UV sterilisation.

Automated flushing sequences are programmed to prevent stagnation and microbial growth within lines.

Control and Redundancy

All irrigation pumps and solenoid valves are SCADA-controlled with status feedback to enable both manual override and automated scheduling.

Flow and pressure sensors generate alarms for leaks or pressure drops.

Redundant supply pumps and isolation valves are incorporated to ensure uninterrupted irrigation in the event of component failure.

This design approach ensures precise delivery of water and nutrients to each crop stage while optimising resource use, traceability, and long-term system reliability.

Fertigation

Geoflow specifies industrial-grade fertigation systems such as Priva NutriJet® or equivalent for automated fertiliser dosing. Using proven off-the-shelf platforms ensures ease of maintenance, reliable spare-part availability, and seamless integration with the farm’s central SCADA system.

The NutriJet injects the concentrated nutrient solution directly into the main irrigation water stream, maintaining precise and consistent dosing ratios. This high-accuracy method directly enhances crop quality, yield consistency, and nutrient use efficiency across all grow zones.

System Integration

The fertigation system must communicate with the central SCADA or BMS via Modbus or BACnet protocols for full automation, trend logging, and alarm reporting.

SCADA provides operators with real-time visibility of EC, pH, flow rate, and dosing volume across each grow room, enabling data-driven optimisation.

System logic allows manual override, automatic recipe selection, and integration with irrigation scheduling for coordinated nutrient delivery.

Instrumentation and Quality Assurance

Each flower room is equipped with local EC and pH sensors at the irrigation outlet to verify fertiliser quality and ensure stable nutrient concentration at the point of application.

Data from these sensors is continuously trended and logged for performance tracking and compliance documentation.

Automatic flushing and temperature-control sequences are included to prevent nutrient precipitation or biofilm buildup.

Compatibility and Control

Dosing equipment shall be interoperable with all major automation systems and controlled by the central SCADA process computer.

All valves, dosing pumps, and sensors provide status feedback for verification and diagnostics.

This integrated fertigation design ensures precise nutrient delivery, easy maintenance, and long-term system reliability — supporting both crop performance and operational efficiency.

CO₂ Enrichment System

Controlled CO₂ enrichment is critical for optimising photosynthesis and plant growth in indoor farms. Geoflow designs liquid CO₂ injection systems that maintain a stable canopy concentration between 800–1,500 ppm, depending on the crop and growth phase.

System Design and Components

CO₂ Supply: Liquid CO₂ is stored in an external bulk tank and distributed to each grow room through stainless-steel press-fit piping.

Materials

Nozzles: SS303

Valves and Pipes: SS304 / SS316

Pipe Sizes: SS304 pressfit pipes which Ranges from 1½” down to ⅜”, with minimal concern for pressure loss over typical farm distances.

No Insulation Required: CO₂ distribution lines operate above dew point temperatures and therefore do not require insulation.

Valve and Flow Control

Install isolation valves for each discharge nozzle. Use V-port stainless-steel valves for modulating flow.

Incorporate pressure reducers and solenoid valves within a local valve box for zone control and automation.

Distribution and Mixing

Nozzle Design: Use Lechler or equivalent spray nozzles, capable of projecting CO₂ up to 1 m, directed opposite the return-air flow to enhance mixing and uniform canopy coverage.

Injection Timing: Short, controlled pulses are preferred to maintain concentration without oversaturation.

Pipe Supports

Follow manufacturer’s recommended support spacing and alignment for stainless-steel press-fit systems.

This system ensures efficient CO₂ utilisation, precise delivery, and seamless integration with the overall HVAC and SCADA systems, supporting optimal plant growth and energy efficiency.

Pipe Stress Analysis

Chilled-water and heating hot water distribution in indoor farms often requires large-diameter mains. At these diameters and loads, a formal pipe stress analysis is essential to ensure long, maintenance-free service life and compliance with structural limits of existing warehouses.

1) Materials, Weights & Structural Constraints

Example unit weights (approx.): 12″ uPVC ≈ 22.1 kg/m; 12″ carbon steel ≈ 79.7 kg/m (empty, not including water, insulation, or supports).

In warehouse retrofits where roof steel cannot carry heavy mains, consider thermoplastic mains (uPVC/CPVC/PP-R/HDPE) or redesign steelwork and hanger strategy accordingly.

Standardise flanging: make an early decision to use either DIN/EN or ASME/ANSI throughout to simplify procurement, spares, and future maintenance. Avoid mixed standards.

2) Analysis Scope & Load Cases

Perform flexibility and stress checks for at least these load cases:

Sustained: weight (pipe + content + insulation) + pressure.

Thermal expansion/contraction: operating ΔT (chilled water → ambient; reheat loops).

Occasional: seismic, wind (where applicable), water hammer / pump trip transients.

Hydrotest: temporary test pressure loads.

Verify pump nozzle loads against OEM limits and check equipment connections (AHUs, HX, strainers, control valves).

3) Supports, Guides & Expansion Strategy

Use a mixed support scheme: anchors, guides, line stops, and spring hangers as needed.

Provide expansion loops/offsets or flex joints where flexibility is limited.

Maintain allowable spans and hanger spacing per manufacturer tables (higher safety factors in humid/wash-down areas).

Detail restraints at risers and near valves to control thrust and thermal growth.

4) Plastics vs Metals—Temperature Derating & Method

Thermoplastics (uPVC/CPVC/PP-R/HDPE): pressure rating derates with temperature (use manufacturer/ISO 1452/EN 1452 curves). For example, at elevated temperatures the allowable pressure can drop significantly—this must be reflected in sizing and stress checks. The major implication: operating temperature (e.g., 43–60 °C for reheat) can drive large derating factors; confirm pressure class and safety margins accordingly.

Recommended tools: ROHR2 (or equivalent) using a thermoplastic material model with temperature-dependent modulus and allowable stress. Include creep/relaxation effects where required by the standard.

Carbon/Stainless Steel: analyse with CAESAR II (or equivalent), using applicable codes (e.g., EN 13480, ASME B31.1/B31.3) and vendor allowables.

5) Hydraulics, Transients & Detailing

Run steady-state hydraulics (head loss, velocities, NPSH) and transient analysis for valve slams/pump trips (surge).

Add air release/vacuum valves, slow-closing control valves, and soft-start/stop VFD logic to mitigate surge.

Specify pipe supports and corrosion protection compatible with environment (e.g., hot-dip galvanised steelwork in humid zones; 316 SS where chemical exposure is expected).

6) Interfaces & BIM

Model routing, supports, and access clearances in BIM (LOD 300–400) to avoid clashes with racks, ducts, trays, and maintenance aisles.

Publish isometrics, support schedules, and nozzle load summaries; link to the federated model for coordination and O&M.

BIM Modelling

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is central to Geoflow’s engineering workflow. During the pre-engineering phase, detailed Revit modelling is undertaken to ensure precise coordination across all disciplines — mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, and architectural.

Modelling Process and Collaboration

Geoflow’s BIM team operates within a shared central model, allowing multiple modellers and engineers to work concurrently across linked discipline files.

Each discipline (mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, civil, architectural) maintains its own linked model, synchronised to the central coordination file.

The shared model enables real-time detection of clashes, space conflicts, and access issues before construction begins.

Model integrity and coordination are verified through Navisworks clash detection and regular BIM coordination meetings.

Level of Development (LOD) Progression

The modelling detail evolves in stages to match project maturity:

Phase	LOD Target	Purpose
Pre-engineering	LOD 200	System layout and spatial coordination
Detailed Design	LOD 350-400	Precise geometry, Clearance and fabrication
Construction / As-built	LOD 500	Verified installation for long-term management

This progression ensures design intent, constructability, and maintainability are accurately represented in the digital environment — supporting seamless integration between design, fabrication, and operation.

Key BIM Deliverables

3D coordinated model with spatially accurate services

Combined federated model for all disciplines

Equipment schedules linked to model parameters

Exported IFC files for contractor collaboration

As-built model with O&M data for facility management systems

Geoflow’s BIM-first methodology ensures every system is constructible, clash-free, and spatially verified before procurement or fabrication begins.

Tender documents

Geoflow’s engineering process ensures that all tender documentation is directly derived from the Revit BIM model, providing accurate and transparent data for pricing, procurement, and project comparison. This approach allows subcontractors and suppliers to prepare instant and consistent quotations based on verified model information.

Data Integration and Quantification

Each system — mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and process — is modelled in Revit with full data tagging and classification.

From these models, quantities, specifications, and equipment schedules are automatically extracted to produce:

Pipe and valve counts,

Equipment and fitting lists,

Cable tray and conduit lengths,

Ductwork areas and insulation quantities,

Material take-offs by system or zone.

This ensures every element is traceable, measurable, and aligned with the current design iteration.

Model-Driven Data Fields

To support accurate tendering, all Revit elements are populated with metadata such as:

Manufacturer and Model,

Item tag

Unit cost or price range,

Material and dimensions (length, diameter, weight),

System code and service type,

Count, location, and reference tag,

Equipment duty, capacity, and power rating (where applicable).

The more comprehensive the information embedded in the model, the more reliable and streamlined the tender and procurement process becomes. This eliminates manual counting errors and provides direct linkage between the digital model and commercial deliverables.

Deliverables for Tender Issue

Bill of Quantities (BoQ) auto-generated from Revit schedules,

Equipment register summarising all plant and devices,

Annotated drawings and 3D views by discipline,

Technical specifications aligned with BIM parameters,

Exported data sheets in Excel or IFC format for subcontractor use.

This model-based documentation ensures transparency, accuracy, and speed in the tender process — empowering contractors to price confidently and reducing the risk of variation during construction.

Documentation

Comprehensive documentation is a critical asset for an indoor farm — it directly increases the book value of the facility and ensures operational continuity. Geoflow’s philosophy is that all documentation must be detailed enough for any qualified technician or grower to understand, maintain, and operate the farm efficiently — even in the absence of the original designer or operator.

Purpose and Guiding Principle

A well-documented project preserves technical knowledge, simplifies maintenance, and accelerates troubleshooting. Every assumption, calculation, and design decision must be clearly traceable.

Documentation is treated as part of the deliverable scope, not an afterthought.

Structure and Format

All project documentation is to be centralised in a live Google Workspace environment (Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive) maintained collaboratively by all subcontractors and engineers.

The documentation structure should include:

System descriptions and design intent (HVAC, irrigation, automation, etc.),
Calculation reports (mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, structural),
Equipment catalogues and datasheets,
As-built drawings and Revit models,
Schedules, BoQs, and component registers,
Commissioning records and test certificates,
Operation and Maintenance (O&M) manuals.

BIM-Centric Documentation

The BIM (Revit) model serves as the primary technical reference for the entire facility.

All linked documentation — including CAD drawings, PDFs, datasheets, and supplier catalogues — should be associated with corresponding model elements via BIM parameters or hyperlinks.

This allows any user to:

Click on an equipment tag in Revit and open its datasheet or catalogue directly,
Retrieve manufacturer details, maintenance schedules, and calculation sheets instantly,
Search for files across systems through the live Google Doc index.

Collaboration and Version Control

Each subcontractor contributes to a shared live document, linking all relevant files and data sources.

Change history and document versions must be tracked within Google Drive.

Access control should balance security and transparency, allowing engineers and facility managers to update records as the project evolves.

Best Practice Codes

Adopt the following standards and conventions:

File naming: ISO 19650 / company BIM Execution Plan (BEP)
Drawing metadata: Include revision, author, date, and approval status.
Data linking: Revit → Google Doc → shared Drive folders.
Backup and archival: Weekly backups of models and documents to cloud and local storage.
This structured documentation ensures the farm remains operable, insurable, and auditable long after construction — turning design data into a lasting operational resource.

Construction

The success of an indoor farm project depends heavily on execution quality and the capability of the construction team. Geoflow strongly recommends engaging qualified subcontractors for all specialised disciplines — including HVAC, automation, electrical, hydraulic, structural, and architectural works.

Even with detailed and fully coordinated tender documents, assigning design responsibility to each subcontractor within their scope significantly reduces project risk. This approach ensures that the party fabricating and installing each system also verifies the design assumptions, calculations, and constructability. While it may marginally increase initial costs, it prevents costly disputes, redesigns, and delays during construction.

Recommended Approach

Appoint fewer, multidisciplinary subcontractors with proven CEA or cleanroom experience to simplify coordination.

Include design responsibility clauses in all subcontracts, ensuring accountability for as-built functionality and compliance.

Conduct weekly coordination meetings with representatives from all subcontractors, design leads, and project management.

Require as-built documentation and redline mark-ups as part of each progress claim to maintain design traceability.

Verify workmanship through periodic QA inspections, NDT reports (where relevant), and commissioning records.

This structure leads to a more efficient workflow, reduces legal exposure, and provides a clearer chain of accountability — ultimately delivering a higher-quality, compliant, and maintainable facility.