Plough & Ale Inn, Calderwood, NSW

Sector

Hospitality

Location

Calderwood, NSW

The Plough & Ale Inn project involved the construction of a new single-storey pub and restaurant in Calderwood, NSW.

The facility includes a main bar, gaming area, indoor dining, kitchen, and amenities. Additionally, the design incorporates an outdoor seating area, beer garden, kids’ play area, and an on-grade car park.

Key challenges:

Extended Exit Travel Distances: The dry store area has travel distances up to 22 metres, exceeding the BCA limit of 20 metres.
Fire Hose Reel Omission: The design opts for portable fire extinguishers instead of the standard fire hose reel system.
Smoke Detection System Modification: The standard automatic shutdown of air-handling systems based on smoke detection is omitted.

Key solutions:

Performance-Based Travel Distance Justification: Engineering analysis to ensure safe egress despite extended travel distances.
Alternative Fire Suppression Strategy: Fire extinguishers distributed strategically throughout the building in lieu of fire hose reels.
Air Handling Safety Measures: Additional mitigation strategies to compensate for the absence of automatic smoke shutdown in air-handling systems.

Key outcomes:

Ensured Compliance with BCA Performance Requirements: Fire safety solutions meet regulatory obligations despite deviations from standard measures.
Optimised Design for Functionality: The layout supports operational needs while maintaining fire safety.
Cost-Effective Fire Safety Approach: Minimises unnecessary fire system installations while ensuring adequate protection.
Safe and Comfortable Environment: Enhances safety without compromising patron experience.
Fire Risk Reduction through Strategic Measures: Alternative solutions address potential fire hazards effectively.

The Calderwood Tavern project demonstrates how fire engineering solutions can align with commercial hospitality design requirements. By integrating alternative compliance measures, the project balances safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory adherence.

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