Sector
Residential
Location
Chermside, QLD
This residential project at 26-28 Curwen Terrace, Chermside, QLD, required a fire safety solution as innovative as its design.
Our fire engineering approach balanced the needs of modern living with compliance measures to ensure safety and flexibility for this 10-storey residential development with basement carpark facilities.
The Challenges
- Mixed-use fire separation: Ensuring safe integration of Class 2 residential spaces and Class 7a carpark areas, particularly where glazing and fire walls intersect.
- Modern materials and systems: Accommodating PVC ductwork and balcony blinds while mitigating fire risk.
- Egress pathways: Extending exit travel distances and refining discharge points while optimising evacuation safety.

The Solutions
- Performance-based fire separation: Fire-rated walls with external wetting sprinklers and toughened glazing to separate the residential and carpark areas.
- Innovative material solutions: Allowing PVC ducts in concealed spaces with stringent material performance criteria and enhanced sprinkler protection.
- Improved egress design: Rationalising exit travel distances and additional fire-rated lobbies to optimise fire-isolated stairway discharge locations in order to maximise entry foyer flexibility.
The Outcomes
- Enhanced safety and compliance: A Performance Solution achieving compliance with the NCC 2019 Amendment 1, safeguarding both residents and visitors.
- Architectural integration: Ensuring that modern material choices and design features, such as balcony blinds, align with fire safety requirements.
- Future-ready residential spaces: A building designed with long-term peace of mind for all occupants.