Architects and builders are being asked to deliver more within the same footprint. Higher construction costs, tighter lot sizes, and continued demand for multifamily housing are pushing project teams to rethink how space is allocated. Mechanical systems are no longer just a design consideration. They also affect installation complexity, retrofit feasibility, and long-term serviceability. This shift has driven the development of more flexible HVAC system platforms, including Midea’s EVOX lineup — recognized by ACCA as an example of space-efficient HVAC design for multifamily projects.
HVAC design now influences how units are laid out, how space is experienced, and how projects perform financially. Traditional approaches, such as floor-mounted air handlers and dedicated mechanical closets, remain common. However, they consume usable square footage.
Designing for space efficiency
Space efficiency is now a primary design consideration across multifamily new construction and residential retrofit projects. Architects, builders, and contractors are placing greater emphasis on how HVAC systems integrate into the building envelope and existing infrastructure. Systems that reduce their physical footprint without compromising performance are gaining attention. Within platforms like EVOX, this includes a mix of ducted, ductless, and ceiling-mounted compact air handling solutions designed for different building conditions.
Rethinking the mechanical closet
Mechanical closets are often treated as a standard requirement, but they come at a cost. They occupy floor area that could otherwise support living space or more storage.
Ceiling-mounted air handling systems offer an alternative. By relocating equipment into the ceiling cavity, contractors and project teams can reclaim floor space while reducing the need for major layout changes. Within platforms like Midea EVOX, the inverter-driven Pancake Air Handling Unit (AHU) is one example — a ceiling-mounted system available in 18K, 24K, 30K, and 36K BTU configurations that eliminates the need for a dedicated mechanical closet. It is designed to integrate with existing ductwork and controls, helping contractors avoid major structural or electrical modifications during retrofit projects.
Designing within real-world constraints
Space-saving solutions must also align with construction realities.
Projects frequently involve limited ceiling plenum space, existing ductwork, and legacy control systems. Redesigning around these constraints can add cost and delay. HVAC systems that adapt to these conditions can simplify installation, reduce callbacks, and minimize coordination challenges across trades.
Key considerations include compact equipment profiles, compatibility with standard 24V controls, and sufficient static pressure to support existing duct layouts. Platforms that support both traditional 24V and advanced communication protocols allow contractors to integrate new equipment without overhauling existing infrastructure or rewiring control systems. The Midea Pancake AHU, for example, offers dual-voltage capability (115V or 208/230V) and RS-485 controls compatibility — features designed to reduce electrical infrastructure requirements in both new construction and renovation projects.
Maintaining performance and comfort
Reducing HVAC footprint does not sacrifice performance. Modern heat pumps can deliver reliable heating and cooling across a range of climate conditions and building types – and they’re being designed with smaller footprints and greater flexibility. The Midea Pancake AHU, for instance, maintains up to 100% heating output at -4°F (-20°C) and continuous operation down to -22°F (-30°C) — performance that extends reliable comfort into cold-climate multifamily applications.
Inverter-driven heat pump technology supports this by adjusting output in real time to match demand while maintaining more stable operation across changing load conditions. This improves temperature stability and overall comfort compared to fixed-speed systems. Quiet operation and concealed installation further enhance the occupant experience. These design advantages can also support unit marketability by reducing the visibility of mechanical equipment.
For contractors, high-efficiency systems may also align with federal, state, and utility rebate programs that help support project adoption and homeowner value.
Integrating HVAC earlier in design
The role of HVAC in building design continues to evolve. Mechanical systems are increasingly considered earlier in the design process, alongside architectural and structural decisions.
Solutions such as Midea’s EVOX platform, which includes ducted systems, ductless options, and compact air handling units, reflect this shift. Within this platform, the new ceiling-mounted “Pancake” Air Handling Unit serves as a low-profile option for multifamily projects where traditional floor-mounted equipment is not practical. Its low-profile, ceiling-mounted configuration supports space optimization while maintaining compatibility with existing systems. High CFM output up to 899 CFM also supports longer duct runs and complex multifamily layouts without requiring major duct redesigns.
For contractors, builders, and architects, early coordination helps reduce downstream changes and installation delays. As projects become more space-constrained, that integration will play a larger role in multifamily building design and tenant satisfaction. System platforms that offer multiple configurations within a single ecosystem will be increasingly important for meeting these evolving design and construction demands.
Midea is an ACCA Platinum Strategic Partner. To learn more about our Strategic Partnership Program, contact partners@acca.org or visit acca.org/partners.
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