Updated 27th November 2025

Suitable for a huge range of applications and industries, cold rooms are essential for many businesses across the country.

But what exactly is involved if you design cold rooms for your business, and what do you need to know about cold room installation?

The experts at MTCSS Contracts reveal all!

What does design and install include?

The process of choosing a cold room which is perfect for your application can be a complicated one – there are so many unknowns to consider.

This is why MTCSS Contracts works with you to design a cold storage room that will benefit your business every day.

So, how do MTCSS Contracts design and build your custom cold room?

Step 1: Quoting for a cold room design

Once you’ve contacted us, the team at MTCSS Contracts will discuss your enquiry in depth with you to understand:

What type of cold room you need and the temperature ranges required

For example, chiller temperatures +1⁰C to +10⁰C, freezer cold rooms 0⁰C to -40⁰C, and ambient temperature-controlled rooms +10⁰C to +30⁰C.

This will also inform us of whether or not you need cold room flooring – this is essential for cold room freezers, but not for cold room fridges.

What your cold room will be used for

For those in more niche industries, it’s helpful to know exactly what you want to use the cold room for, to ensure your installation will work functionally when in place.

The size you require

The bigger the cold room, the longer the installation process

The type and amount of cold room doors you’ll need

More doors mean a larger installation time!

Your access requirements
Your preferred time frames for installation

While in-depth, this stage is essential as it allows us to design and quote for a temperature-controlled room that suits your exact specifications.

As part of the quote, we’ll also include drawings of your walk-in cold room or ambient room, so you can see exactly what it will look like and where it will be positioned.

Step 2: Site survey

The next step is a site survey.

As you might imagine, there are significant weight considerations involved with cold room design and use, so it’s essential we come out to view the space you’d like to use for your cold room or temperature-controlled space.

This will ensure it will suit the space you have available and identify anything which could cause delays or issues on site before the project starts.

Step 3: Project Manager allocation and a programme of works

You’ll now be allocated your very own project manager, who will be your main point of contact for the rest of the project.

They will be in touch to discuss:

Your project deadlines
Lead times
Delivery times and installation times

This ensures you have full transparency for the project timeline, and everyone involved knows exactly what will happen moving forward.

As the main contractors on site, your MTCSS project manager will handle every detail of your project moving forward – ensuring every element is carefully planned, deadlines are adhered to, and all health & safety guidelines are followed, including disposal and waste management.

Our team will work closely and manage any other contractors or teams on site, ensuring we work seamlessly and effectively to complete your cold storage project

Step 4: Installation

Then your MTCSS project manager will oversee the cold room installation process to ensure the project runs smoothly and according to deadlines.

While it may differ depending on the design of your cold room, the installation process includes:

Cold room panels and flooring, as needed
Cold room doors of all types
Any storage solutions you opt for
Refrigeration system mounting and pipework
Refrigeration commissioning – which is vitally important for safety and compliance

Step 5: Project sign off

Once the installation is completed, we’ll do a site walk around with a member of your team to ensure you are happy with the installation and finish.

Finally, to ensure you have everything you need, we’ll then issue Operations and cold room Manuals and give you the opportunity to offer us any final feedback.

Installing your own modular cold room

Wondering how to install cold room facilities in your own building? Is it even possible?

Most opt for professional design and installation because it allows for a permanent cold room structure to be added to any requirements you may have.

However, for those looking for a DIY solution, a modular cold room can be quicker and easier, making them ideal for self-installation.

Modular cold rooms require no cutting, no sealing, and are delivered ready to be installed. Choosing this option can reduce costs on installation and labour if you are looking to install them yourself – the MTCSS team can provide installation guides and information to help you with this process.

However, if looking to do it yourself, the refrigeration system required to keep your walk-in cold room cold can be more complex when it comes to installation. Monoblock refrigeration systems (also known as plug-and-play systems) are considered easier to install, as they simply need to be fitted through the wall or ceiling of the cold room, then wired in.

So, with the help of a qualified electrician to install the Monoblock and the recommended safety lights, you can ensure they are configured properly.

Benefits of creating a walk-in cold room

Wondering if a walk-in cold room installation is right for you?

As with all cold room installs, transforming your space comes with a wide range of benefits, including:

Maximising the space you already have available – you don’t need to extend or buy a larger property, fulfilling your storage requirements with what you have!
Reduced costs – by using an existing space, it’s not necessary to consider the costs of weatherproofing or protecting your cold room from the elements, like you would with something new.
Panels can be installed to existing walls for optimal insulation – so your cold room can fit exactly to the room and space you have available, limiting time and expense in purchasing and fitting panels.
Food-safe spaces are fuss-free – quickly and simply create a food-safe and easy-to-clean cold storage solution on site with no lengthy installation process.

However, the benefits of designing and installing your own cold room don’t stop if you

Is a cold room right for your business?

Now you know how to design a cool room and install it with the experts at MTCSS Contracts, you can consider whether you think it’s a good investment for your business.

With a choice of modular or traditional cold room solutions, you could vastly improve your storage solutions while enjoying benefits like better organisation and lower energy bills.

If you decide to go ahead, contact MTCSS by calling us on 01886 833 381, or emailing us at sales@mtcss.co.uk, and our team would be happy to assist with quotes, technical support, and bespoke advice.

Image Source: Pixabay