Like Mel, I did mine in a linear setup. I used lots of valves to help isolate fixtures and each major element of the system. To summarize:At the water inlet, it T's. One side goes to the tank fill with a valve on that line right after the T. That allows me to connect to a water supply while not filling the tank, or fill the tank if I want. The other side goes directly to a T on the cold supply line after the pump with a valve immediately after the inlet T. This allows me to fill the connect/disconnect the water connection without back flow from the system and prevents the chance that the inlet connection's plug might leak.The line coming from the tank to the pump has a valve on it, as does the output side of the pump. This way I can isolate the pump to change the pump without any appreciable water flow or back flow. On each side of the pump I used an 18" reinforced flex hose in a loop to accomodate pump vibration.After the water pump outlet valve, it has a T that branches off to the hot water heater. As usual, I have valves on both the inlet and outlet of the water heater. Again to facilitate service as needed.Next on the cold side is the aforementioned T leading to the water inlet valve. Then begins the linear run to the fixtures, with a valve just above the floor for each fixture. And also to a garden style valve/hose connection in the utility bay.Likewise the hot water line coming off of the water heater outlet valve goes in linear fashion to the fixture connections with a valve at each above the floor.Off hand, I think I have twelve valves in the system, but no manifold. For the pipe I used CPVC FlowGuard Gold (400psi cold burst strength and high impact resistance). The pipes are supported frequently using plumbers tape hangers (provides flexible support) and never pass through metal bulkheads due to the layout of my system. Where they pass through the floor, I used oversized holes with the pipe centered in it and filled the gap with expanding foam. This prevents any direct structural surface contact with the pipe. Fixtures are connected with reinforced flex tubing. If a pipe would have needed to go through a metal bulkhead, I would have used a rubber grommet for it.I have only had the plumbing system for 3 months now, and haven't travelled with it, but we do full time in it. So it has been used extensively. It works perfectly and there are no leaks so far.There are many ways to do it. That was my way. YMMV
... One day I hope my 9 can meet your 9 ...