Reserve Bank of Australia, H.C. Coombs Centre, NSW

Sector

Workplace

Location

Kirribilli, NSW

The H.C. Coombs Centre, located at 122A Kirribilli Ave, Kirribilli, NSW 2061, is undergoing a refurbishment and upgrade to enhance its functionality while ensuring compliance with fire safety requirements.

The project involves the addition of new sanitary facilities, additional rooms, and an upgrade of the fire services, including fire hydrants and sprinklers. The building is classified as Class 9 under the BCA and constructed as Type A, reflecting its significant commercial use.

Key challenges:

Compliance with Fire Separation Requirements: The fire wall between the Coombs Centre and Carabella House does not extend to the roof, necessitating an alternative solution to prevent fire spread.
Egress Constraints: The building features reduced egress widths and ceiling heights in certain areas, particularly Fire Stair 1 and heritage stairs, which require mitigation to ensure safe evacuation.
Unprotected Openings: Openings within 3 metres of the Carabella House and site boundary pose a risk of fire spread.
Extended Public Corridors: The public corridors in the Class 3 portion exceed the permissible length, increasing the risk of smoke logging.
Fire Hydrant Accessibility: The fire hydrant outlets are not within fire-isolated stairs, necessitating additional provisions to facilitate firefighting operations.

Key solutions:

Fire Separation Measures: Fire-resistant construction and the provision of sprinklers minimise fire spread between the Coombs Centre and Carabella House, addressing the issue of the fire wall not reaching the roof.
Egress Enhancements: Caution tape and padding in low-clearance areas, along with compliance with NFPA 101 anthropometric data, ensure occupants can evacuate safely despite reduced dimensions.
Protection of Openings: Radiative heat assessments confirm that fire spread through openings is mitigated, and appropriate barriers are provided where necessary.
Corridor Smoke Management: Sprinkler protection and fire-resistant compartmentation ensure extended corridors remain tenable in case of fire.
Fire Hydrant Signage and Accessibility: Signage and hydrant block plans improve firefighter access, mitigating risks associated with hydrant location.

Key outcomes:

Achieved Full Compliance with BCA Performance Requirements: The fire engineering solutions ensure compliance despite deviations from Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions.
Preserved Architectural Integrity: Heritage elements such as existing stairways were retained while integrating fire safety solutions.
Enhanced Egress and Safety Measures: Alternative pathways and clear signage facilitate safe evacuation.
Improved Firefighting Provisions: Upgraded fire hydrant systems and sprinklers provide enhanced protection against fire hazards.
Long-Term Sustainability and Adaptability: The fire safety solutions implemented ensure the building remains compliant and safe for future use.

A Landmark in Fire Safety and Innovation

The refurbishment of the H.C. Coombs Centre successfully integrates modern fire safety solutions with heritage and commercial considerations. The project exemplifies engineering excellence, balancing compliance, sustainability, and user safety in a highly regulated environment.