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.
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.
