A key contract to provide an
advanced smoke ventilation system to Crest Nicholson Homes’ redevelopment of
Bristol’s iconic Electricity House building, has been awarded to leading smoke
and natural ventilation systems company, SE Controls.
Originally designed by acclaimed
architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in the 1930s, the six-storey Grade II listed
building is being converted into 85 luxury city centre apartments, while
ensuring that many of the original design features are reinstated to enhance
its art deco style.
Electricity House’s main atrium is
at the heart of the SE Controls solution, as the smoke ventilation system is
designed to vent smoke from the atrium in the event of a fire to ensure escape
routes are kept clear.
To achieve this, SE Controls is
designing, installing and commissioning the system, which comprises 37 SHEVTEC®
automatically controlled louvres that are manufactured and tested in accordance
with BS EN 12101: 2. The SHEVTEC® louvres also incorporate ‘fall protection’ to
increase safety, as well as using IP rated external motors, which are essential
to allow easy access for future maintenance.
In addition, 21 low level air inlet
louvres and linear door actuators also form part of the system, all of which
are controlled by a series of OS2 control panels with integral battery back up
and fully compliant with the relevant sections of the BS EN 12010 standard.
Martin Oates, SE Controls’
Commercial Director, commented: “Electricity House is a landmark building
designed by a giant of British architecture, so we’re naturally delighted to be
involved in the project and look forward to its completion, which is scheduled for
later this year.”
He added: “Smoke control and fire
safety is not only a core part of our business, but also an area we’re very
actively involved with via organisations such as the Smoke Control Association,
FIRAS and British Standards, to ensure that design, manufacturing, installation
and maintenance standards are constantly being maintained. Although this is
important for the industry, the real benefit is for residents who rely on our
systems for failsafe performance, if a fire should occur.”
Further information on SE Controls’
products, solutions and projects can be obtained by visiting www.secontrols.com
or calling +44 (0) 1543 443060.
