SE Controls wins ‘historic’ award from The National Archive

A major project to replace and upgrade the glazed roof at The National Archive (TNA) in Kew has resulted in SE Controls’ smoke ventilation solutions being recognised within TNA’s Team Awards, which have been awarded collectively to the internal departments, external partners and contractors involved in the successful completion of the project.

The National Archive is the central repository for all UK historic and government records covering almost 10 centuries of information going back to the Domesday Book of 1085. As a result, while the safety of the building’s staff and visitors is the critical concern in the event of a fire, it is also vital that the archive is protected from damage.

By replacing the existing roof glazing, which had begun to leak in a number of places, TNA took the opportunity to improve the overall quality of the glazing, as well as bringing the smoke ventilation and actuation system up to the latest regulatory standards to ensure compliance with the relevant fire safety and building legislation.

The previous pneumatically controlled smoke vent and window automation system was replaced with a new integrated window and actuator solution, which is fully compliant to the latest EN12101-2 standard and is linked to SE Controls’ smoke and environmental control panels within the building’s eight smoke control zones.

HTP Architects designed the new glazed roof and Structura UK was the principal contractor on the project, with both companies also being part of the collective award from TNA. Throughout the project, the entire upgrading was undertaken while the building was occupied and provided full access to the public to ensure no disruption was caused.

SE Controls specialises in the design, project management and installation of advanced smoke ventilation and natural ventilation solutions to meet the needs of architects, contractors, building services engineers and facilities managers worldwide. Further information on SE Controls’ products, solutions and projects can be obtained by visiting www.secontrols.com or calling +44 (0) 1543 443060.