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Month: July 2025

63 Ann Street, Surry Hills, NSW

Posted on by minerva_admin
Sector

Commercial

Location

Surry Hills, NSW

The project at 63 Ann Street, Surry Hills, involves the fitout of the ground floor, converting it from a Class 5 commercial office to a Class 6 beauty salon.

This transformation requires significant fire engineering considerations to ensure compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA). The key fire safety design elements include modifications to the existing sprinkler system, structural fire protection, and adjustments to egress paths. The project is located in a commercial precinct, necessitating adherence to stringent safety and regulatory requirements.

Key Challenges:

  • Structural Fire Resistance: The reduction in Fire Resistance Level (FRL) of beams and columns from 180/180/180 minutes to 60/-/-.
  • Fire Compartmentation: The timber floor of Level 01 acting as a fire compartment boundary without additional protection.
  • Sprinkler System Modifications: Retaining the existing AS 2118.1-1995 sprinkler system with modifications instead of upgrading to AS 2118.1-2017.
  • Exit Width Constraints: The existing stair width being less than the required 1.0m.
  • Occupant Evacuation: Ensuring safe egress for both staff and visitors, given the change in occupancy classification.
63 Ann Street, Surry Hills, NSW
63 Ann Street, Surry Hills, NSW

Key Solutions:

  • Structural Fire Protection: Application of intumescent paint to achieve a 60-minute FRL for beams and columns, ensuring stability in case of fire.
  • Fire Compartmentation Strategy: Fire engineering analysis demonstrating that the timber floor will not be compromised by expected fire conditions.
  • Sprinkler System Adjustments: Retention of the existing system with the installation of fast-response sprinkler heads (RTI of 50, activation at 68°C) to enhance fire suppression capabilities.
  • Optimised Egress Pathways: Fire engineering analysis confirming that a stair width of 800mm is adequate for occupant evacuation, given the expected occupant load.
  • Fire Safety Management Plan: Monthly inspections of fire protection measures, particularly the intumescent paint, to ensure ongoing compliance and system effectiveness.

Key Outcomes:

  • Compliance Achieved: Fire engineering solutions successfully demonstrate compliance with BCA Performance Requirements CP1, CP2, and EP1.4.
  • Preservation of Existing Infrastructure: Retaining the current sprinkler system and timber floor structure while ensuring adequate fire safety performance.
  • Efficient and Safe Evacuation Routes: Fire safety engineering confirms that occupant evacuation times remain within acceptable limits despite the reduced stair width.
  • Minimised Fire Risk: Enhanced fire suppression measures, including fast-response sprinklers, provide improved safety for occupants.
  • Sustainable and Cost-Efficient Approach: Avoidance of unnecessary upgrades while ensuring fire safety compliance.

A Benchmark in Fire Safety and Compliance

The 63 Ann Street fitout project demonstrates how fire engineering solutions can effectively balance compliance, cost-efficiency, and design flexibility. Through strategic fire safety measures, the project maintains structural integrity, optimises fire suppression, and ensures occupant safety. This development sets a benchmark for commercial fitouts requiring innovative fire safety strategies.

39 Park Street, Narrabeen, NSW

Posted on by minerva_admin
Sector

Residential

Location

Narrabeen, NSW

The project at 39 Park Street, Narrabeen, involves the construction of a new five-storey residential building.

The development comprises a basement car park and four levels of residential apartments. The fire engineering assessment was necessary due to specific non-compliances with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) provisions. Performance solutions were developed to address these deviations while ensuring the building maintains fire safety compliance. Key considerations included egress strategies, fire hydrant design, and structural fire protection measures.

Fire Safety Challenges:

  • Structural Fire Resistance: A structural column within the roof structure will not be provided with a Fire Resistance Level (FRL), necessitating a performance-based justification.
  • Egress Compliance: The basement car park is designed with a single exit instead of the required two, requiring alternative egress solutions.
  • Fire Hydrant System Openings: The fire hydrant system is designed to AS 2419.1-2017 instead of AS 2419.1-2005, impacting compliance with BCA requirements.
  • Fire Extinguisher Placement: Portable fire extinguishers are installed on the mid-landing of staircases rather than at the levels they serve.
39 Park Street, Narrabeen
39 Park Street, Narrabeen

Fire Engineering Solutions:

  • Structural Fire Protection: The roof column is assessed as part of the overall roof structure, ensuring that its failure does not compromise fire safety performance.
  • Optimised Egress Strategy: The single exit in the basement is justified through performance-based fire engineering, considering occupant distribution, fire detection systems, and ventilation measures.
  • Fire Hydrant Compliance: The hydrant system provides full coverage within 70 metres of the fire brigade appliance and up to four storeys, ensuring adequate firefighting capability.
  • Extinguisher Placement Justification: Fire extinguishers on mid-landings remain accessible within 10 metres of unit entries, ensuring compliance with performance requirements.

Project Outcomes:

  • Achieved BCA Compliance: Performance solutions were successfully developed to address fire safety concerns while meeting regulatory requirements.
  • Improved Fire Safety Without Additional Costs: Alternative design solutions optimised fire safety measures while avoiding unnecessary structural modifications.
  • Enhanced Occupant Safety: The combination of smoke detection, sprinkler protection, and improved egress provisions ensures safe evacuation in the event of a fire.
  • Fire Brigade Accessibility Ensured: Fire hydrant locations and signage facilitate effective fire brigade intervention.

A Benchmark for Fire Engineering in Residential Developments

The fire engineering solutions implemented for 39 Park Street, Narrabeen, demonstrate a commitment to safety, compliance, and innovation. The project successfully navigated challenges related to egress, structural fire protection, and hydrant system compliance while preserving design intent. This development sets a strong precedent for integrating performance-based fire safety solutions in residential buildings.

Reserve Bank of Australia, H.C. Coombs Centre, NSW

Posted on by minerva_admin
Sector

Workplace

Location

Kirribilli, NSW

The H.C. Coombs Centre, located at 122A Kirribilli Ave, Kirribilli, NSW 2061, is undergoing a refurbishment and upgrade to enhance its functionality while ensuring compliance with fire safety requirements.

The project involves the addition of new sanitary facilities, additional rooms, and an upgrade of the fire services, including fire hydrants and sprinklers. The building is classified as Class 9 under the BCA and constructed as Type A, reflecting its significant commercial use.

Key Fire Safety Challenges:

  • Compliance with Fire Separation Requirements: The fire wall between the Coombs Centre and Carabella House does not extend to the roof, necessitating an alternative solution to prevent fire spread.
  • Egress Constraints: The building features reduced egress widths and ceiling heights in certain areas, particularly Fire Stair 1 and heritage stairs, which require mitigation to ensure safe evacuation.
  • Unprotected Openings: Openings within 3 metres of the Carabella House and site boundary pose a risk of fire spread.
  • Extended Public Corridors: The public corridors in the Class 3 portion exceed the permissible length, increasing the risk of smoke logging.
  • Fire Hydrant Accessibility: The fire hydrant outlets are not within fire-isolated stairs, necessitating additional provisions to facilitate firefighting operations.
HC Coombs Centre
HC Coombs Centre

Key Fire Engineering Solutions:

  • Fire Separation Measures: Fire-resistant construction and the provision of sprinklers minimise fire spread between the Coombs Centre and Carabella House, addressing the issue of the fire wall not reaching the roof.
  • Egress Enhancements: Caution tape and padding in low-clearance areas, along with compliance with NFPA 101 anthropometric data, ensure occupants can evacuate safely despite reduced dimensions.
  • Protection of Openings: Radiative heat assessments confirm that fire spread through openings is mitigated, and appropriate barriers are provided where necessary.
  • Corridor Smoke Management: Sprinkler protection and fire-resistant compartmentation ensure extended corridors remain tenable in case of fire.
  • Fire Hydrant Signage and Accessibility: Signage and hydrant block plans improve firefighter access, mitigating risks associated with hydrant location.

Key Outcomes:

  • Achieved Full Compliance with BCA Performance Requirements: The fire engineering solutions ensure compliance despite deviations from Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions.
  • Preserved Architectural Integrity: Heritage elements such as existing stairways were retained while integrating fire safety solutions.
  • Enhanced Egress and Safety Measures: Alternative pathways and clear signage facilitate safe evacuation.
  • Improved Firefighting Provisions: Upgraded fire hydrant systems and sprinklers provide enhanced protection against fire hazards.
  • Long-Term Sustainability and Adaptability: The fire safety solutions implemented ensure the building remains compliant and safe for future use.

A Landmark in Fire Safety and Innovation

The refurbishment of the H.C. Coombs Centre successfully integrates modern fire safety solutions with heritage and commercial considerations. The project exemplifies engineering excellence, balancing compliance, sustainability, and user safety in a highly regulated environment.

Glenmore Park High School, NSW

Posted on by minerva_admin
Sector

Education

Location

Glenmore Park, NSW

The Glenmore Park High School New Hall project involves the construction of a new two-storey multi-purpose school hall at Glenmore Park High School, NSW.

The facility is designed to include a raised stage area, back-of-house holding rooms, change rooms, storage areas, two flexible learning spaces, and a performance hall with seating for over 400 occupants. The development also requires demolition and site clearance before construction. The hall is a significant addition to the school’s infrastructure, enhancing its ability to host large-scale educational and cultural events.

Key Challenges:

  • Safety and Compliance: The design required a performance-based solution due to non-compliant exit provisions in several areas, including the Control Room and Services Rooms on the first floor.
  • Architectural Constraints: The omission of a proscenium wall and fire safety curtain to maintain an open-plan stage design while ensuring compliance with fire separation requirements.
  • Sustainability Considerations: The integration of solar panels required an appropriate isolation switch and fire safety measures to mitigate electrical fire hazards.
  • Cost Efficiency: Rationalisation of smoke exhaust rates from 65,000 L/s to 30,000 L/s was necessary to balance safety compliance with budget constraints.
  • Technical Complexity: Reduced egress widths and heights in plant areas required special signage, fire-resistant padding, and restricted access provisions.
Glenmore Park High School, NSW

Key Solutions:

  • Optimised Egress Solutions: A performance-based design allowing for a single exit in certain areas while implementing additional safety measures, including enhanced signage, restricted access, and training for maintenance personnel.
  • Fire Suppression Systems: Additional portable fire extinguishers were provided in areas without fire hose reel coverage, ensuring manual fire suppression capabilities.
  • Smoke Hazard Management: A rationalised automatic smoke exhaust system was implemented above the stage, supported by make-up air provisions through hydraulically operated doors.
  • Structural Fire Protection: The Chair Store was fire-separated with walls achieving a 120/120/120 fire-resistance level (FRL), mitigating fire spread risks in the back-of-house area.
  • Enhanced Fire Safety Systems: The Siemens Cerberus Pro smoke detection system, using advanced signal analysis, was incorporated to reduce false alarms while maintaining effective smoke detection.

Key Outcomes:

  • Achieved Full Compliance with the BCA: All identified deviations from the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) provisions were addressed through robust performance solutions.
  • Maintained Architectural Integrity: The omission of the proscenium wall was successfully managed while ensuring fire separation requirements were met.
  • Enhanced Safety and Efficiency: The rationalised smoke exhaust system provided effective smoke management while reducing unnecessary system over-design.
  • Sustainability and Innovation: The integration of solar panels with appropriate fire safety measures supports the school’s sustainability objectives.
  • Improved Occupant Awareness and Training: Additional signage, restricted access, and fire safety training were implemented to enhance occupant preparedness.

Setting a New Standard in Educational Facilities

The Glenmore Park High School New Hall project exemplifies the seamless integration of fire safety with modern educational infrastructure. Through innovative fire engineering solutions, the project successfully addressed key challenges while ensuring compliance, safety, and sustainability. This development sets a benchmark for future school projects, demonstrating excellence in fire safety engineering within an educational setting.

1 Chandos Street, St Leonards, NSW

Posted on by minerva_admin
Sector

Office & Commercial

Location

St Leonards, NSW

The fire safety upgrade of 1 Chandos Street, St Leonards, was initiated in response to a Fire Safety Order issued by North Sydney Council.

The commercial office building, spanning 12 storeys with two basement levels, required enhancements to meet compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA). The project incorporated a services upgrade and implemented several performance solutions to enhance occupant safety while maintaining the building’s operational functionality.

Key Challenges:

  • Egress Compliance: The building featured a reduced number of exits and exit discharge locations, requiring performance-based egress solutions.
  • Fire Hydrant and Sprinkler: The location of the fire hydrant and sprinkler booster was non-compliant, necessitating an alternative fire suppression strategy.
  • Smoke Management: The original design did not provide stair pressurisation for above-ground egress stairs, impacting safe evacuation conditions.
  • Exit Discharge Constraints: The basement stair discharged into the entry lobby instead of directly outside, requiring alternative safety measures.
  • Fire Control Centre Location: The fire control centre was retained in a non-compliant location, necessitating alternative access solutions.
Chandos

Implemented Solutions:

  • Performance-Based Egress Design: A reduced number of exits was justified through evacuation modelling, ensuring safe occupant movement.
  • Fire Hydrant and Sprinkler Modifications: Portable fire extinguishers were installed throughout the building, while existing basement sprinkler protection was retained.
  • Smoke Lobby Implementation: Smoke lobbies were introduced as an alternative to stair pressurisation, providing sufficient smoke separation for evacuating occupants.
  • Fire Load Management in Entry Lobby: The entry lobby was designated as a fire-load-controlled area, limiting potential hazards for occupants exiting from the basement stair.
  • Fire Control Centre Signage & Accessibility Improvements: Firefighter access to the fire control centre was improved through dedicated signage and management procedures.

Key Outcomes:

  • Regulatory Compliance: The implemented performance solutions ensured compliance with the BCA.
  • Enhanced Occupant Safety: The new fire safety measures provided improved protection and safe evacuation conditions.
  • Optimised Fire Systems Integration: The upgrades successfully incorporated alternative fire safety measures without disrupting the building’s existing operations.
  • Improved Fire Brigade Accessibility: Modifications to hydrant locations and signage improved fire brigade intervention response times.
  • Long-Term Building Safety: The upgrade ensured future adaptability and continued fire safety compliance.

A Comprehensive Fire Safety Upgrade for Enhanced Compliance and Safety

The fire safety upgrade at 1 Chandos Street, St Leonards, effectively addressed regulatory non-compliances while maintaining the building’s operational efficiency. Through strategic implementation of performance solutions, the project achieved a balance between compliance, safety, and functional design. This upgrade ensures that occupants and first responders are provided with a safer environment, meeting modern fire safety standards and reinforcing the long-term resilience of the building.

56a The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach, NSW

Posted on by minerva_admin
Sector

Residential

Location

Ettalong Beach, NSW

The project at 56a The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach, involves the development of a four-storey residential building with a basement level.

The primary frontage of the building faces The Esplanade, while vehicular access to the basement is provided via Broken Bay Road. The project required a comprehensive fire engineering assessment to address compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and ensure the implementation of necessary fire safety measures.

56a The Esplanade

Key Fire Safety Challenges:

  • Protection of Openings in External Walls: Several openings within 3m of the adjacent allotment boundary did not comply with BCA Clause C3.4.
  • Lift Door Insulation: The lift shaft required a 90/90/90 FRL rating, but lift doors on Level 1 only achieved an FRL of -/60/-.
  • Egress Compliance in Basement: The basement provided only a single exit instead of the required two, with extended travel distances up to 34m instead of the allowable 20m.
  • Fire Hydrant System Compliance: The project proposed compliance with AS 2419.1:2021 instead of AS 2419.1:2005, requiring justification under the fire engineering approach.

Project Outcomes:

  • BCA Compliance Achieved: The fire engineering strategies successfully addressed all identified DtS non-compliances.
  • Enhanced Fire Safety Measures: Upgraded alarm systems and strategic use of sprinklers improved occupant safety beyond standard compliance levels.
  • Improved Emergency Egress: Performance-based solutions ensured equivalent or better evacuation times compared to standard compliance requirements.
  • Future-Proofed Fire Protection: Adoption of AS 2419.1:2021 positioned the project in alignment with anticipated regulatory changes.

Fire Engineering Solutions:

  • Heat Attenuation Screens: Unprotected openings were justified through thermal radiation analysis, with specific windows protected by attenuation screens to mitigate fire spread.
  • Sprinkler Protection for Lift Doors: Fast-response sprinkler heads were installed near lift doors on Level 1 to enhance fire resistance and limit heat transfer.
  • Optimised Egress Startegy : An advanced Building Occupant Warning System with voice alarms was implemented to offset the extended egress distances, coupled with emergency lighting and signage improvements.
  • Fire Hydrant System Justification: The adoption of AS 2419.1:2021 was supported by fire engineering analysis and deemed equivalent or superior to AS 2419.1:2005, aligning with future BCA amendments.

A Benchmark in Fire Engineering for Residential Developments

The fire engineering solutions implemented for 56a The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach, demonstrate a well-balanced approach to safety, regulatory compliance, and design efficiency. Through advanced risk assessment methodologies and strategic fire protection measures, the project establishes a high standard for fire safety in mixed-use residential developments.

Hub Wynyard, Carrington Street, NSW

Posted on by minerva_admin
Sector

Office & Commercial

Location

Carrington, NSW

The Hub Wynyard project involves the fitout of Levels 11 and 12 of the commercial office building at 10 Carrington Street, Sydney, to create a new co-working ‘clubhouse.’

The fitout includes workspaces, meeting rooms, and quiet booths, offering a dynamic and flexible working environment for businesses and entrepreneurs. The project addresses challenges related to fire safety compliance while preserving the intended functionality and aesthetic of the fitout.

Hub Wynyard
Hub Wynyard

 Key Fire Safety Challenges:

  • Compliance with Updated Fire Standards: The fitout must reconcile compatibility issues between the base building’s fire safety infrastructure (BCA 2015) and updated fire safety standards (BCA 2019 Amendment 1).
  • Quiet Booth Fire Hazard Properties: The materials used in the quiet booths do not meet standard fire hazard properties, and these spaces lack fire safety provisions such as sprinklers, smoke detection, and emergency warning systems.
  • Occupancy Management: The number of workstations exceeds the occupant capacity allowed under the base-building Fire Engineering Report, necessitating an effective occupant management strategy.
  • Hydrant Coverage Shortfall: Certain focus rooms on Level 11 are beyond the reach of a single hydrant hose, requiring an alternative firefighting approach.

Fire Safety Solutions Implemented:

  • Fire Standard Compliance Strategy: The fire safety provisions of the base building were assessed against BCA 2019 standards, demonstrating equivalence in performance through a comparative approach.
  • Quiet Booth Fire Protection Measures: While sprinklers and smoke detectors were omitted inside the booths, additional fire safety measures were implemented, including external smoke detectors, additional sprinklers above the booths, and strategically placed emergency speakers emitting sound at 95dB.
  • Occupancy Management Plan: A Bellwether occupancy monitoring system was installed, along with management protocols to restrict the maximum number of occupants per level to 260.
  • Hydrant Coverage Strategy: Fire hydrant block plans and signage were provided to inform firefighters of the need for two lengths of hose to reach certain areas, ensuring effective fire response.

Project Outcomes:

  • Achieved Full Compliance with BCA: The implemented fire safety solutions successfully addressed the identified compliance gaps, ensuring adherence to the BCA.
  • Preserved Functional and Aesthetic Integrity: The fire safety measures integrated seamlessly into the design, maintaining the intended functionality and high-quality workspace environment.
  • Effective Occupancy Management: The occupancy monitoring system and operational management practices ensured safe and efficient use of the space.
  • Enhanced Fire Brigade Response Capability: The provision of clear hydrant coverage plans and additional signage facilitated effective firefighting operations.
  • Innovative Approach to Fire Safety in Co-Working Spaces: The solutions employed set a precedent for fire safety in flexible work environments.

A Benchmark for Safe and Functional Co-Working Spaces

The Hub Wynyard fitout successfully balances compliance, functionality, and design intent. Through strategic fire engineering solutions, the project enhances fire safety while maintaining a modern and flexible co-working environment. This project serves as a model for integrating performance-based fire safety solutions within commercial fitouts, ensuring both regulatory compliance and occupant safety.

Tresillian Family Care Centre, Wollstonecraft, NSW

Posted on by minerva_admin
Sector

Healthcare & Community

Location

Wollstonecraft, NSW

The Tresillian Family Care Centre, located at 25 Shirley Road, Wollstonecraft, is a five-storey residential care facility designed to support families with newborns and toddlers

The centre features a lower ground car park, consulting suites on the ground floor, short-term residential accommodation on levels 1 and 2, and a teaching and seminar space on level 3. The development integrates modern fire safety solutions to ensure compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) while maintaining a welcoming environment for families in need of support. Key project considerations include heritage constraints related to the adjacent Guthrie Centre and the need for performance-based fire safety solutions.

Tresillian, Wollstonecraft
Tresillian, Wollstonecraft

Key Challenges:

  • Safety and Compliance: The proximity of the Guthrie Centre, with unprotected external openings, necessitated a fire separation strategy without requiring upgrades to the existing structure.
  • Architectural Constraints: The need for an open and community-oriented design led to the omission of traditional bounding construction and fire-resistant compartmentation in some areas.
  • Sustainability Considerations: Sprinkler coverage was optimised to exclude certain external areas, such as the lower ground boardwalk, to preserve the site’s heritage features.
  • Cost-Efficiency: Extended travel distances in the car park and residential levels were addressed through a combination of smoke detection and enhanced management provisions.
  • Technical Complexity: The integration of a rationalised stair pressurisation system required careful analysis to ensure compliance with BCA smoke hazard management provisions.

Fire Safety Solutions Implemented:

  • Structural Fire Protection: A performance-based fire separation solution was adopted to ensure compliance without modifications to the Guthrie Centre.
  • Optimised Egress Solutions: A combination of extended travel distances and alternative exit strategies was justified through smoke compartmentation and enhanced fire detection.
  • Material Selection: Toughened glass with sprinkler protection was utilised for fire compartmentation where traditional fire-rated walls were impractical.
  • Integration with Building Systems: The fire hydrant system was designed in accordance with AS 2419.1-2017, ensuring adequate fire brigade intervention capabilities.
  • Evacuation Management: Staff were trained in emergency evacuation procedures, and Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) were developed for overnight residents.

Project Outcomes:

  • Full Compliance Achieved: Performance solutions successfully demonstrated compliance with NCC 2019 Amendment 1 requirements.
  • Preservation of Architectural Intent: Fire safety measures were integrated seamlessly with the building design to maintain the centre’s welcoming environment.
  • Cost-Effective Fire Engineering Solutions: Rationalised fire resistance levels and alternative exit strategies minimised construction costs while maintaining safety.
  • Enhanced Occupant Safety: The implementation of a structured fire management plan ensures timely evacuation and improved fire response capabilities.
  • Long-Term Sustainability: Fire safety solutions were designed with adaptability in mind, ensuring the facility meets evolving fire safety standards over time.

A Benchmark in Healthcare Fire Safety

The Tresillian Family Care Centre sets a new benchmark in fire safety for healthcare facilities, balancing innovative engineering solutions with stringent compliance requirements. By integrating advanced fire separation strategies, optimised egress solutions, and a robust fire management plan, this project ensures a safe and supportive environment for families. The successful implementation of these measures underscores the project team’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and excellence in fire engineering.

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