63 Ann Street, Surry Hills, NSW

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.

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.