Approach
Resources
Contact us

Author: Beth Caniglia

How to break the rules the right way in your next Atrium design

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

How to break the rules the RIGHT way - 5 guidelines for designing an atrium for fire safety and architectural vision

Ever seen an atrium designed to ‘Deemed to Satisfy’ (DtS) Provisions of the Building Code of Australia?

We sure haven’t. And the reason is simple. The DtS requirements are so restrictive.

The good news is that it’s entirely possible to build a stunning atrium without compromising the vision you had for your client (architects, we’re looking at you).

The bad news is, if you break one rule in an atrium, things get tricky. And if you break two or even three – the complexity skyrockets.

This is why every atrium we have seen has been fire engineered in some way, shape or form to support architectural vision. So what are the rules that make an atrium work well in fire?

Here are 5 guidelines we’ve discovered after 25+ years and 2100+ projects in the fire safety game.

1. Keep voids similar and stacked throughout the atrium.

If voids don’t align, smoke won’t move predictably (hits the underside of the slabs and ceiling above). That means more complicated smoke control systems. 

2. Do not design the fire stairs near the void.

Open atriums act as a pathway for smoke to travel up to the roof exhaust. If stairs are too close, you’re exposing egress paths and that may challenge the atrium design. 

3. Do not put obstructions (e.g. stairs, slab projections) in the void.

Obstructions interfere with smoke movement causing it to enter floor plates and making smoke control harder than it needs to be. 

4. Try to limit use of natural makeup air.

Natural airflow is incredibly hard to balance, especially as the number of atrium levels increases. This results in different velocities across the louvres and openings. 

5. Limit fuel load in the centre of the atrium.

A high fuel load means bigger fires. This could mean specialised suppression systems are needed as conventional sprinklers may not do the job, particularly with a large atrium base. It can also affect the smoke exhaust sizing. 

Fire Safety Insight

Here’s the secret. These rules can be bent, others broken. But fair warning if you do…

  • Expect a much more complex fire safety strategy, which is harder to test, commission and maintain for the life of the building.
  • Expect more reliance on more sophisticated fire and smoke systems including increased infrastructure (cost and spatials).
  • Expect computer modelling to be extensive and time consuming (iterative), with results requiring some tweaks and changes to the architectural design.
Our recommendation?

Consider your budget early. Remember, the more rules you break, the more complex and costly the solution (both in terms of design and construction) will be.

All that being said – there’s nothing we like more than the meaty challenge of bending and breaking the rules (the RIGHT way) and pushing the limits of fire safety to meet an architectural vision.

But if you’re simply trying to balance aesthetics with simplicity, adhering to as many of these rules as possible will get you the most straightforward fire safety solution.

Find out how we can help you put Fire Safety First. Book a 60 minute training session over lunch to get your team of PM’s upskilled.

2 Richardson Place, North Ryde, NSW

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

 

 

Manildra Sunshine Sugar Warehouse/Refinery Extension, Auburn, NSW

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

Clingcast Metals, Kirrawee, NSW

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

54 Stonemason Drive, Norwest, NSW

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

The 7 sins of fire safety engineering

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

The 7 Deadly Sins of Fire Safety Engineering - critical mistakes that could derail your next project

We’ve delivered over 2100+ projects over the last 15 years and have encountered these 7 sins (in one form or another) repeatedly in that time.

If you don’t want to see your next project fall apart unnecessarily – it will certainly be in your best interest to keep a look out for any of these!

Sin #1 - Believing that fire engineering is too expensive

It’s actually the opposite – bringing in a fire safety team early can save you from expensive changes later down the track.

Many project managers view fire engineering as an optional cost that can be minimised or delayed, but this perspective often leads to far greater expenses when designs need to be retrofitted for compliance.

Early investment in fire safety expertise prevents costly redesigns, reduces construction delays, and eliminates the need for expensive remedial work.

The savings from avoiding just one major design revision typically far exceeds the entire cost of proper fire engineering consultation.

Sin #2 - Thinking that fire engineering only solves problems, and doesn't create opportunities

Leveraging the experience of your fire safety engineer can create a huge amount of architectural and aesthetic freedom that would otherwise have been missed.

Skilled fire engineers can propose alternative solutions that actually enhance your design rather than restrict it, such as using innovative smoke control systems that eliminate the need for unsightly fire walls.

These creative approaches can preserve open-plan layouts, maximize natural light, and maintain the architectural vision while still meeting all safety requirements.

When fire engineering is seen as a design partner rather than a regulatory hurdle, it often unlocks possibilities that make buildings both safer and more beautiful.

SIN #3 - Not engaging with a fire engineer early enough

We’ll keep saying it again and again – the earlier you engage your fire safety engineer, the more you’ll save, the better your building will look and the safer it will be!

Waiting until construction documentation or even the building phase means you’re often locked into design decisions that create unnecessary fire safety challenges. Early engagement allows fire safety considerations to be seamlessly integrated into the conceptual design, avoiding the need to compromise on aesthetics or functionality later.

Projects that bring fire engineers on board during the initial design phase consistently deliver better outcomes with fewer headaches and lower overall costs.

SIN #4 - Not valuing stakeholder consultation

The more buy in every key stakeholder has, right from the start, the more likely your fire safety solution will kick goals from the start too. When architects, builders, developers, and fire engineers collaborate early, everyone understands the fire safety strategy and can work together to implement it effectively.

This collaborative approach prevents the common scenario where fire safety requirements are seen as obstacles imposed by one party on others.

Regular stakeholder meetings ensure that fire safety solutions are practical, constructible, and aligned with everyone’s objectives, leading to smoother project delivery and better outcomes.

SIN #5 - Not engaging with a fire engineer early enough

There are a whole heap of important and legally required approvals you need from governing bodies to make sure your building is up to code – you definitely don’t want to forget about this process and the time it takes.

These approvals can include performance solutions, alternative solutions, and various certifications that must be obtained before construction can proceed or occupation can occur.

The approval process often involves multiple rounds of review and can take weeks or even months depending on the complexity of the project and the jurisdiction.

Failing to account for this timeline in your project schedule can result in significant delays, cost overruns, and frustrated stakeholders waiting for critical approvals to come through.

SIN #6 - Ignoring that fire safety extends to all project areas – including out of scope areas

Fire safety isn’t some isolated, stand alone discipline – it touches every element of a building and should be considered from every angle possible to ensure the highest levels of safety are achieved.

From HVAC systems that can spread smoke, to electrical systems that pose ignition risks, to interior finishes that affect fire spread, every building element has fire safety implications.

Even areas marked as ‘out of scope’ or handled by separate contractors need to be coordinated with the overall fire safety strategy.

A comprehensive approach that considers all building systems and spaces ensures there are no gaps in protection and that all elements work together to create a truly safe environment.

SIN #7 - Not engaging with a fire engineer early enough

When it comes to fire safety, hope isn’t want you want to be relying on. You need to double and triple check implementation and integration thoroughly if you want to be compliant and ensure the safety of everyone in your building.

The gap between what’s designed on paper and what’s actually built on site can be significant, with critical fire safety features sometimes being modified, omitted, or installed incorrectly during construction.

Regular site inspections, thorough documentation reviews, and ongoing coordination meetings are essential to verify that every fire safety requirement makes it from the drawing board to reality.

Without this rigorous verification process, you risk discovering compliance issues during final inspections when they’re most expensive and disruptive to fix.

The difference between a successful project and a problematic one often comes down to how seriously fire safety is taken from the very beginning.

These seven sins might seem like small oversights, but each one has the potential to derail your project timeline, blow out your budget, and compromise the safety of building occupants.

The good news is that they’re all completely avoidable.

By engaging fire safety expertise early, fostering collaboration among all stakeholders, and maintaining rigorous oversight throughout the design and construction process, you can deliver buildings that are not only compliant and safe, but also beautifully designed and cost-effective.

At Minerva Group, our 2,100+ projects have taught us that the best outcomes happen when fire safety is treated as an integral part of the design process rather than an afterthought.

Don’t let your next project fall victim to these common mistakes – reach out to our team and let’s create something exceptional together.

Plough & Ale Inn, Calderwood, NSW

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

171 Clarence Street, NSW

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

Kimberly Clark, 100 Arthur Street, NSW

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

The Log Cabin, Penrith, NSW

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

45 Dudley Street, NSW

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

8-18 Bowden Street, NSW

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

Glenmore Park High School New Hall, NSW

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

2 Park Street, NSW

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

Blackstone Sydney, NSW

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

Everlearn Childcare Centre, NSW

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

122 Crystal Street, NSW

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

The Car Storage Facility, NSW

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

Anglicare, Beenleigh, QLD

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

5 Dudley Street, Highgate Hill, QLD

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

Regal Twin Cinema, Graceville, QLD

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

26-28 Curwen Terrace, Chermside, QLD

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

59 Collings Street, Balmoral, QLD

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

43 Wambool Street, Bulimba, QLD

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

470 Lytton Road, Morningside, QLD

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

383 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, QLD

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

TS Vampire, Tweed Head, NSW

Posted on by Beth Caniglia
Sector

Defence

Location

Tweed Heads South, NSW

This unique refurbishment project at 111 Dry Dock Road, Tweed Heads South, NSW, required a tailored fire safety solution.

Our approach carefully considered the constraints of an existing Class 9b fire strategy while accommodating the building’s new mixed-use functions—all in support of its critical role in cadet training and administration.

The Challenges

  • The building’s change-in-use: Converting portions of the Ground Floor to Class 3 accommodation for cadets, alongside maintaining Class 5 office and Class 9b training/lecture spaces, demanded compliance with updated fire safety standards.
  • Retrofitting fire ratings: The building’s blockwork construction required significant upgrades to meet the fire resistance levels (FRL) for modern use, particularly in areas now serving as accommodation.
  • Egress provisions: Modifying the design to ensure safe and efficient evacuation, while maintaining the building’s architectural integrity, was a key focus.
Tweed Heads South

The Solutions

  • Enhanced fire separation: Upgraded blockwork walls and ceiling systems, incorporating fire-rated plasterboard and mastic sealing to mitigate fire spread.
  • Direct egress routes: Each accommodation unit now includes direct access to the outside for enhanced occupant safety.
  • Improved fire detection and warning systems: Existing systems were upgraded to meet modern standards, including ceiling-mounted smoke detectors and enhanced occupant warning systems tailored to the building’s unique needs.

The Outcomes

  • Compliance without compromise: The Performance Solution ensured the building met relevant standards under the NCC 2022 and Defence guidelines.
  • Safety-first design: Occupants benefit from robust fire safety measures, including early detection and efficient evacuation pathways.
  • A multi-functional space: The refurbished building supports Defence operational needs, offering flexible use for training, lectures, and accommodation.

Bluey’s World, Northshore Pavilion, QLD

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

Which is which? Understanding the different fire safety roles

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

Fire safety roles: a fire safety engineer, fire protection services designer and passive fire installer.

The might all sound similar – and they certainly all play with fire (the safe way of course). 

But these three important fire safety roles are all critical to ensuring fire safety is achieved.

These three distinct roles work together closely to contribute to the fire safety of a project – but they often get confused.

We’ve put together a summary of what each does, along with some tidbits about how they create value and how you can get the most out of each in your next building project. 

As is so often the case – the earlier the better is always true!

fire safety roles
Fire Safety Engineer

A fire safety engineer:

  • Develops Performance Based Solutions to provide value to the project (deviating from the restrictive Deemed to Satisfy Provisions of the Building Code of Australia).
  • Demonstrates safety through showing that the building meets the performance requirements of the BCA.
  • Looks for opportunities to proactively provide value (an experienced fire engineer should do this even before Development Application is submitted and even when not asked to, it’s about achieving the best possible outcome for the project and our clients).
How they deliver value

They create value through:

  • Efficiency – being value for money (hitting budgets!) to support the project program.
  • Future proofing – Championing great design that works now and into the future.
  • Architectural – Supporting creative architectural design to help in leaving a legacy we can be proud of.
Fire Protection Services Designer:

A Fire Protection Services Designer designs the following systems in bespoke software and produces drawings through design stages and for construction e.g. Dwg and Revit:

  • Fire hose reels
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Fire hydrant system
  • Fire sprinkler system
  • Foam suppression
  • Gas suppression
  • Fire detection system – smoke, heat, flame etc.

They possess a sound understanding of all of the Australian Standards associated with the fire safety systems they design.

Where there are opportunities, they often propose Performance Based Solutions for the ‘fire safety engineer’ to consider for the project to achieve an efficient design outcome.

TIP: Communication matters

Open lines of communication between fire protection services designers and fire safety engineers is key to achieve a practical and economic outcome. They need to work hand in hand so that the fire safety engineer can understand and endorse their design proposals (where it stacks up of course, it needs to be safe).

Passive Fire Installer:

A Passive Fire Installer:

  • Installs specific fire rated elements on your project (e.g. light weight fire rated walls, fire rated ceilings, treats fire rated penetrations, fire rating to steel beams and columns etc.).
  • Has specialist knowledge in fire rated systems from various manufacturers in the market (helps you find the right product for the job that is compliant).
  • Determines the available passive fire rating systems that can be installed to achieve the FRLs.

Where there is no tested system available, the passive fire installer may propose for the manufacturer to get more testing done or for a deviation to be proposed to the fire engineer for their assessment.

Often for existing buildings, it is key that the passive fire installer is brought on early to provide advice regarding achieving fire rating and also where finding the right tested system might be challenging.

TIP: Earlier the better

Passive fire installer involvement early is often key for existing building, heritage and adaptive reuse projects.

How to structure an agenda that actually works for your QFES Fire engineering Brief meeting

Posted on by Beth Caniglia

How do you structure the agenda for a Fire Engineering Brief (FEB) meeting with Queensland Fire & Emergency Services (QFES)?

Your application with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is in. 

You’ve figured out who you should invite to the Fire Engineering Brief (FEB) meeting.

There’s just one thing left to do – figure out what you’re actually going to talk about!

Structuring an agenda that’s actually going to work for you is a skill. Luckily it’s one our team of experienced fire engineers has has a lot of practice doing. 

We’ve put together a complete draft agenda for you to use as a cheat sheet, along with our top pieces of advice for how run your next Fire Engineering Brief meeting so that you’re a lot more likely to get the result you’re after.

Before we dive in, a quick recap on who will be there:

Let’s look at an example of a standard Fire Engineering Brief meeting – because of course, different projects will call for different specialists.

For a typical project, the guest list would generally include the following stakeholders:

  • Building Certifier
  • Architect
  • Fire Engineer
  • Client Representative

It could potentially also include

  • Fire Protection Services Designer
  • Mechanical or Structural Engineer
Your draft Agenda for a Fire Engineering Brief Meeting
1. Introduction

To kick things off, the Architect gives a high-level overview of the building and any significant features.

2. Key Building Characteristics

Next, the Building certifier provides the key building characteristics such as:

  • effective height
  • rise in storeys
  • number of storeys contained
  • large isolated building (if applicable)
  • required fire safety systems under the BCA etc.
At this point, the team fields any questions that QFES have with respect to the building design and BCA parameters. 
 
4. Fire Strategy Presentation

Te fire engineer then presents the fire strategy for the development:

  • Systematically works through the fire engineered Performance Solutions and supporting fire design requirements, proposed assessment methodologies and acceptance criteria.
  • Seeks feedback and endorsement of the Performance Solutions proposed.
  • Resolves any feedback during the meeting, if possible (otherwise feedback may require further consultation with the design team post meeting).

Once again, the team fields any questions that the QFES may have.

Often there are queries with respect to the fire safety systems in the building and their design.

This is where a fire protection services designer being present in the meeting can also assist, particularly for complex developments. 

5. Fire protection services

Should the fire protection services designer be attending the meeting, it is often advisable to provide an overview of the fire safety system design. For example:

  • booster locations
  • what standards the fire sprinklers and detection system will be designed to
  • etc.

This can occur between the building certifier giving an overview of BCA compliance and the fire engineer presenting the fire strategy.

This can help set the scene and provide QFES with a better understanding of the building in terms of safety provisions before getting into the fire engineering detail.

6. Mechanical Engineering

Should the mechanical or structural engineers be attending the meeting, it is often advisable for them to support the fire engineer when the relevant Performance Solutions applicable to their specialised field are raised.

The QFES may ask questions pertaining to the mechanical design or structural design to understand cause and effect or other ambiguities.

Meeting Minutes

The building certifier typically takes meeting minutes and distributes these post Fire Engineering Brief meeting.

All attendees need to read the meeting minutes and provide applicable comments to ensure that everything is captured.

The meeting minutes play a key role in ensuring that feedback and discussions are recorded to enable project stakeholders to take appropriate action – whether this is to resolve any outstanding feedback items or to proceed to the Fire Engineering Report based on endorsement of the fire strategy presented.

Remember - it's a team effort!

Whilst the building certifier and fire engineer drive the meeting, everyone is working towards the same goal of demonstrating that the design proposals makes sense, meets the Performance Requirements of the BCA and is safe. 

It’s a team effort to arrive at the best possible outcome for our clients.

Home
About us
Projects
Resources
Services
Contact us
It's time

Ready to put fire safety first?

Book a 60 minute training session over lunch to get your team of PM’s upskilled.