78 Dalhousie Street, Haberfield, NSW

Sector

Library

Location

Haberfield, NSW

The Haberfield Centre and Library, located at 78 Dalhousie Street, Haberfield, NSW 2045, is undergoing an extensive refurbishment to enhance its community and library services.

The building, classified as Class 9b (assembly) under the Building Code of Australia (BCA), features multiple library rooms and a dedicated children’s area. Due to the nature of occupancy, key fire safety measures have been assessed to ensure compliance with the relevant performance requirements of the BCA.A significant aspect of the project involves upgrading the egress system. The design proposes the use of sliding doors in lieu of swing doors with panic bars, necessitating a Performance Solution to ensure safe evacuation during emergencies. The fire safety assessment ensures that compliance with BCA standards is met while maintaining the functional and aesthetic integrity of the library and community centre.

Key challenges:

Safety and Compliance: The interconnecting stair between Levels 02 and 04 creates an atrium-like condition that does not meet BCA Specification G3.8 fire safety requirements.
Architectural Constraints: The project design includes glazed separations at Level 03, which deviate from standard fire-rated wall construction.
Egress and Travel Distances: Travel distances exceed standard DtS limits, necessitating justification through performance-based fire safety engineering.
Sprinkler Coverage: Sprinkler protection is not provided beneath the interconnecting stair flights and landings, requiring an alternative risk mitigation strategy.
Stair Pressurisation: The existing stair pressurisation system must be modified to accommodate the performance-based compartmentation strategy.

Key solutions:

Automated Sliding Doors for Safe Egress: Doors D-01 and D-14 will open upon fire detection or power failure, remaining open until manually reset to ensure an unimpeded escape path.
Fail-Safe Mechanism: Both sliding doors are designed to remain open during emergency situations, preventing delays in evacuation.
Manual Override: A push-to-open button with battery backup will be installed, ensuring accessibility even in the event of a system failure.
Enhanced Signage and Wayfinding: Emergency lighting and clearly marked exit signage will be installed to guide occupants efficiently to the nearest egress points.
Integrated Building Management Plan: Fire safety management protocols will be implemented, including regular inspections and maintenance of fire protection systems.

Key outcomes:

Achieved BCA Compliance: The Performance Solution ensures adherence to BCA Performance Requirement DP2 for safe movement and evacuation.
Preserved Architectural Integrity: The project successfully integrates fire safety solutions without compromising the library’s functional and aesthetic design.
Enhanced Fire Safety Measures: Implementation of fail-safe sliding doors, emergency lighting, and improved egress routes significantly improve occupant safety.
Sustainability and Efficiency: The upgraded fire systems align with sustainability objectives by using energy-efficient components and materials.
Seamless Evacuation Strategy: The integration of automated doors and clear wayfinding measures ensures swift and safe evacuation in emergency situations.

A Benchmark for Public Safety and Design Excellence

The refurbishment of the Haberfield Centre and Library demonstrates a successful balance between safety, compliance, and architectural integrity. By implementing innovative fire engineering solutions, the project ensures a high standard of fire safety while maintaining the building’s heritage and functional objectives. The outcome sets a new benchmark for fire safety in public buildings, providing a safe and welcoming space for the community.