Exclusive smoke ventilation solution from SE Controls for London’s Marconi House

London’s prestigious Marconi House apartment and hotel development, which is already set to be one of the capitals most sought after addresses, is using an advanced SHEVTEC® smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system from SE Controls to provide smoke free escape routes for residents and staff in the event of a fire.

Located on The Strand, the building has a long and varied history, originally housing the Gaiety Theatre’s restaurant before being redeveloped as the headquarters of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company and being chosen the location for the BBC’s first landmark radio broadcast in 1922.

The latest phase in its evolution, which has been designed by Foster & Partners includes the construction of a five star 157-bedroom hotel linked to and exclusive development of 86 apartments behind the original stone façade that still bears the Marconi name. Alongside this, the five star hotel development provides 157 bedrooms, which is served by a separate and completely independent SHEVTEC smoke ventilation system.
 

As each building has different layouts and specification, SE Controls worked closely with Lloret Fire and Security on the hotel development and Nomico/Galliard on the apartments to create smoke ventilation solutions dedicated to the apartments and hotel while integrating fully with the fire alarm systems.

SE Controls was responsible for the supply, fitting and commissioning of the North and South stair smoke shaft control systems, involving the installation of SHEVTEC automatically opening smoke shaft door actuators on each of the apartment block’s eight levels, primarily to provide pressure relief to the stair core pressurisation systems and passive smoke extraction to the communal lobbies when activated by the fire alarm.

The actuators are controlled by OS2 control panels, which are located on each floor together with tamper proof manual control points (MCP) for use by fire service personnel. Two repeater panels are also installed in the concierge area and the fire control room to provide a constant display of status and activation in the event of a fire.

Within the hotel, smoke ventilation is handled by two smoke shafts with one located in the North stairs and the other dedicated to the ten floor bedroom corridors, which also provides natural ventilation to the building in normal operation.

The extensive SE Controls’ solution incorporates SHEVTEC automatic multi-blade dampers on each floor, including basement levels, together with 28 OS2 Type 21 controllers, 31 fire servicetamper proof MCPs and reset points two repeater panels to provide full status monitoring. All systems used within the SE Controls system are CE marked and conform to the latest legislation requirements for performance, fire safety and operation including the EN12101 and BS9999 standards.

In normal operation, all dampers are open to provide natural ventilation, but automatically close when activated by a signal from the fire alarm system except for the damper located on the floor where the fire has started. This provides pressure relief to the staircase system and enables smoke to be vented from the fire floor, while stopping any cross contamination onto other floors and allowing smoke free escape to be possible on all floors.

Fire service manual control points are located next to each damper to enable control of the vent by fire officers. If a fire should occur on any non-bedroom floors, the system is configured so that all dampers will close to allow evacuation, while still allowing Manual Control Point override.

SE Controls’ Managing Director, Will Perkins, commented: “The developers have not only focused on the quality of the facilities, services, construction and finish within Marconi House, but also on the fire safety strategy and its vital role in ensuring the safety of residents, staff and hotel guests. Smoke ventilation is a vital element in this process and I’m delighted that we were able to put our extensive experience in residential smoke ventilation systems to use on this prestigious development.”

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.

Innovative smoke and natural ventilation from SE Controls at Building Services show

Innovative smoke ventilation and natural ventilation control solutions form the primary focus of the SE Controls’ stand at this year’s CIBSE Conference and Exhibition.

A fully working model of SE Controls’ SHEVTEC® Extended Travel Distance System is integrated into the exhibition stand design to demonstrate the highly effective smoke ventilation solution, which received full Registered Detail Certification from the LABC (Local Authority Building Control) earlier this year.

The fully compliant and CE marked system gives local building control officers (BCO’s) the confidence to accept the SHEVTEC Extended Travel Distance System knowing that it has already been rigorously evaluated and tested. It also incorporates a range of additional features that enable specifiers, designers and developers to achieve a more cost effective solution without compromising safety, including the ability to reduce the size of smoke shafts to less than half of the 1.5m² required by an Approved Document B compliant natural ventilation system.

SE Controls is also launching an innovative new natural ventilation control solution, NVLogiQ, at the show, which is designed to maintain precise control over indoor air quality, temperature and energy consumption as a compact stand alone unit or as a networked system.

Using new control and performance algorithms developed in conjunction with Loughborough University’s Building Energy Research Group, NVLogiQ not only provides advanced monitoring and control of NV systems in individual rooms or zones, but also combines integrated data logging for detailed building performance and environment analysis.

NVLogiQ constantly monitors indoor air quality, temperature and humidity and via separate PSU’s (power supply units) and actuators, automatically manages the operation of windows, louvres and vents within a building’s natural ventilation (NV) system, as well as controlling the heating.

With a footprint of just 160mm x 105mm, NVLogiQ can be located almost anywhere within a building in close proximity to desks and work areas, allowing the precise monitoring of carbon dioxide (CO₂), temperature and humidity to maintain indoor air quality and comfort levels.

NVLogiQ’s integral data logging capability presents a range of opportunities for consultants, contractors and facilities mangers to not only verify a building’s NV design and performance, but to also enable accurate post occupancy evaluation to be easily undertaken.

Further information on NVLogiQ, SHEVTEC and SE Controls’ full range of smoke and natural ventilation solutions can be obtained at the exhibition in addition to visiting www.secontrols.com or by calling +44 (0) 1543 443060.

‘Why Automate Windows' Part 2

'Window Orientation and Cabling'

Will Perkins - Managing Director - SE Controls

In this series of articles by Will Perkins we look at the provision of adaptive natural ventilation for healthy and efficient buildings and the safety provision of smoke ventilation. The series attempts to explain some of the pitfalls in the lack of early design and understanding of such systems.

The process of opening windows of any orientation can be automated to provide easy access to the outside air for natural ventilation or for the provision of smoke ventilation no matter where the windows are located. There are various types of window openings currently available:

‘Hung’ on the outer frame, ‘hung’ refers to the part of the frame which is hinged allowing the vent pane to open, ‘top hung’ refers to a window which is hinged at the top, ‘top hung - open out’ suggests that the window is hinged at the top and opens outward. There are many types of arrangement using these two parameters, including ‘bottom hung - open out’ providing a hopper type window, generally used for smoke ventilation.

‘Hung’ windows can be fitted on ‘butt’ hinges to the outer frame, but more frequently are fitted on ‘variable geometry friction hinges’. These are usually made of stainless steel and are concealed in the space around the vent frame to outer frame and are actually fitted near to the ‘hung’ outer frame member, being placed on corresponding jambs. They are known as variable geometry as the hinges often move the vent frame away from the ‘hung’ outer frame once they are opened.

Centre pivot, or offset pivot windows have simple pivot points on the jambs and can rotate 180 degrees for easy cleaning. These are available in both horizontal and vertical pivot arrangements.

Both ‘hung’ and ‘pivot’ arrangements can be used in sloped facades or roofs.

Glazed or solid banks of opening louvres can also be incorporated into an effective natural and/or smoke ventilation system.

Parallel opening windows are becoming a frequent feature in modern architecture, offering  a simple ‘push out’ arrangements taking the whole vent away from the facade line and offer an excellent mode of ventilation.

All these arrangements can have one or more actuators fitted to provide simple operation and security. In order to calculate the number and size of the actuators required the size and weight of the window needs to be identified, together with its material, the hinge mechanism, and what free area is needed for ventilation. Free area is the area open to allow for ventilation which needs to take into consideration cills and reveals which compromises the free area.

The Geometric Free Area (GFA) of the opening window is calculated as the leading edge of the opening vent ‘x’ the distance opening, plus the two open triangles on each side of the open vent. The GFA can never exceed the maximum opening in the outer frame, or the ‘throat’ as which air can pass. Building Regulation, Approved Document B 2007, states that the method of calculation should only include the leading edge of the opening vents by the maximum opening of the window. Here adjustments may need to be made to the calculation regarding both possible obstructions and the presence of reveals and cills.

Depending on the opening, or stoke distance of the vent to outer frame, a variable efficiency is achieved for the free area provided, this is known as the coefficient of discharge (CV). Depending on the design of the windows and the area being ventilated, this is crucial to efficient operation and the design of the window configuration that needs to be detailed at the early design stages. More importantly the provision of free area for smoke ventilation is crucial in case of fire - again early involvement of a ventilation specialist is crucial.

Once the windows are designed, actuators will need to be placed on brackets to ensure that when a window vent opens the chain actuator operates to the geometry of the opening window. It is vital that this is correctly achieved for all opening positions of the vent to ensure long life of the actuator and correct operation as specified. A poorly designed actuator fixing can cause the actuator to clash with the outer frame which may not be noticeable, but will ultimately lead to damage to the frame and failure of the actuator Early confirmation of design details will ensure that the correct parts and preparations are completed on the windows to make site fixing effective and efficient, accurate and most of all to a high standard. Cabling between the actuator and the control panels seems like a straightforward task, but not one that should be tackled without prior planning, particularly if 240v actuators are being used. If tails are going to be left are these going to run through the window material, if so are bushes required and internal preps to the windows and or curtain wall? What material, what colour of cable should be used - who is going to install and where to? So many questions - all of these need to be answered at the design stages so that a safe and efficient installed system is provided.

To meet the aesthetic requirements of the client, consideration and detailing at early design stages again is crucial. Whilst the sheathing colours of cables may not match the colours of the window system, actuators can be powder coated to match the internal finish of the window making the installation as neat as possible.

As mentioned throughout this series, one of the most important aspects in delivering a cost effective and efficient system is the early involvement of a natural ventilation and smoke control specialist. A complete installation involves many trades working side by side and one experienced specialist overviewing the whole provision.

In the next and final issue we will cover the control of the actuators and the contractual process along with covering free area calculations guidance under the new Approved Document B 2007, and how to achieve this effectively and safely.

SE Controls operate across the globe with offices in several continents, with dedicated specialists offering clients expert advice based on local legislative requirements. Visit the website at www.secontrols.com for further information. To discuss your requirements with SE Controls, or request literature, please call their head office in Lichfield on 01543 443060.

Focus on waste management and recycling pays off for SE Controls

An ongoing programme of effective waste reduction, management and recycling by Staffordshire based smoke control and natural ventilation solutions specialist, SE Controls, has enabled the company to ensure that none of its waste goes to landfill sites.

Since mid 2008, SE Controls has partnered with commercial waste management and recycling business, Briers, to not only reduce the level of waste it produces, but to also improve the efficiency while increasing the proportion of waste material that could be recycled.

In addition to metals, plastic, paper and cardboard waste produced by the company from its day to day operations, a proportion of the SE Controls waste is made up of electronic components and equipment, which is managed in compliance with WEEE regulations.

Mark Soleil, SE Controls’ operations Director, explained: “All businesses have an obligation to meet the minimum standards for waste management, but at SE Controls, we’re always looking to reduce our waste material and its impact on the environment, as well as reducing our packaging waste costs.”

He added: “Our partnership with Briers has proven to be highly productive and we have worked together closely. Their high quality recycling solutions coupled with our focus on reducing scrap and waste has enabled us to achieve our present situation where no waste from our UK operations is sent to landfill.”

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.

SE Controls takes the heat out of new London apartment development

Safety and comfort are at the heart of a major new residential development by Linden Homes in Hammersmith, London, which is using a combined smoke and natural ventilation solution from SE Controls to protect residents in the multi-storey apartment building.

Designed by HAP Architects, the new development is located on Hammersmith’s Glenthorne Road and provides 81 apartments from ground to sixth floor penthouse level, together with a communal roof top terrace, private gardens and secure parking.

To provide a safe means of escape for residents in the event of a fire as well as enabling fire fighters to enter the building, SE Controls developed the smoke ventilation system to remove smoke from corridors and stairwells by using a mix of natural air buoyancy venting and fan extraction through smoke shafts.

On floor one to five, smoke ventilation is provided by extract fans located in the building’s cycle store, with replacement air being supplied through ground floor and air inlet shaft, while the sixth floor is vented by a 1.5m² vent in the top floor corridor and stairs by a similar arrangement at the head of the stair.

In addition to smoke ventilation, the SE Controls’ solution is also designed to provide mechanically assisted natural ventilation to help maintain a comfortable temperature within the building’s corridors. As central heating and hot water distribution pipe work feeds each apartment via the corridors, the potential for the corridors to become overheated in some situations has also been addressed by the system.

On the first five floors, extract fans, which run at half speed, remove warm air from the corridors and the system’s smoke dampers are opened as required by the building’s natural ventilation control panel. On the sixth floor, a dedicated tamper proof thermostat controls the lobby vent while hooded vents allow ventilation during inclement weather conditions.

The integrated smoke and natural ventilation control strategy was developed by SE Controls to meet the specific needs of the apartment building and involved the use of nine OS2 controllers and tamper proof manual control points, as well as a range of temperature sensors and smoke sensors, all of which are linked to the main system control panel with a failsafe battery back up.

Under normal operation, the natural ventilation (NV) system is active between 08:00 and 20:00, which provides ventilation and corridor cooling to the building. The NV controller scans the temperature sensors and allows the end of corridor Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs) to open when required. However, in the event of a fire, where the system is triggered either by a smoke sensor or manually activated, all NV functions are stopped and the OS2 controller for the affected zone signals the fans to run at full speed.

SE Controls’ Project Leader, Brett Cave, explained: “Smoke ventilation is a safety critical factor in residential building design as it not only aids escape and enhances safety, but also assists the fire service by improving access to the building.  This project is one of an increasingly large number where we have developed a combined smoke and natural ventilation solution control strategy that not only enables high safety levels to be maintained, but also improves the environment of the building’s occupants.”

Smoke ventilation and control in apartment buildings is a key issue and is the subject of a seminar organised by the Smoke Control Association (SCA), where SE Controls’ Managing Director, Will Perkins, will be presenting on natural smoke ventilation technologies as one of the event’s main speakers. The event is being held on 10^th April 2012 at FETA’s headquarters in Hare Hatch, Reading and is aimed at Building Control Officers, the Fire Service and other stakeholders. Details and booking instructions are available from FETA’s website www.feta.co.uk.

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 by calling +44 (0) 1543 443060.

SE Controls gains LABC approval for new smoke ventilation solution

An advanced smoke & heat exhaust ventilation (SHEV) system developed by smoke and natural ventilation specialist SE Controls has received full Registered Detail Certification from the LABC (Local Authority Building Control) following a detailed and extensive performance evaluation process.

The new SHEVTEC® Extended Travel Distance System was developed by SE Controls to provide an off the shelf solution for developers to deliver extended travel distances with a single escape staircase while avoiding the expense of costly CFD modelling.

Due to the safety critical nature of its application, the new system took more than two years to develop fully with SE Controls’ designers and engineers making extensive use of advanced computational fluid dynamics techniques to model a wide range of operating scenarios, building layouts and escape situations.

In addition, the LABC certification registration gives local building control officers (BCO’s) the confidence to accept the SHEVTEC Extended Travel Distance System knowing that it has already been rigorously evaluated and tested. The system’s components are all tested and CE marked to the most recent European Standards and SE Controls believes it the only company that can offer such a high performance solution.

The fully compliant and CE marked system also incorporates a range of additional features that enable specifiers, designers and developers to achieve a more cost effective solution without compromising safety. The SHEVTEC Extended Travel Distance System offers further cost savings to developers by reducing the size of smoke shafts to less than half of the 1.5m² required by an Approved Document B compliant natural ventilation system.

The innovative system has already been installed by SE Controls in a major accommodation project for around 1000 students in Nottingham, which was also monitored and scrutinised as part of the detailed LABC verification process.

Will Perkins, SE Controls’ Managing Director, explained: “This is a significant achievement in smoke ventilation and fire safety as the new system not only provides an effective solution for buildings outside of Approved Document B, but also provides greater freedom for architects, specifiers and developers. Clearly, we are all delighted to be awarded approval by the LABC as it now provides local authorities with a ready made fully compliant solution.”

Recent guidance published by the Smoke Control Association (SCA) covering ‘Guidance on smoke control to common escape routes in apartment buildings, flats and maisonettes’ is the focus of a key seminar being held on 10^th April 2012 at FETA’s headquarters in Hare Hatch, Reading. Aimed at BCOs, the Fire Service and other stakeholders, details and booking instructions are available from FETA’s website www.feta.co.uk.

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.