The Bimbadgen Estate Winery, 790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin, NSW

Sector

Residential

Location

McDonalds Road, Pokolbin, NSW

The Bimbadgen Estate Winery, located at 790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin, NSW, is expanding its facilities with the addition of a new gin distillery.

This project involves converting an existing 40m² space within the winery into a distillery, ensuring compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA). The distillery will be accessible only to employees and will be separated from the public areas by an aluminium-framed glass wall. The project aims to maintain the aesthetic and functional integrity of the winery while integrating modern fire safety measures.

Key challenges:

Safety and Compliance: Ensuring compliance with BCA Type B construction requirements for a Class 8 facility while maintaining the existing structure’s integrity.
Architectural Constraints: The integration of fire-rated materials without impacting the visual and functional appeal of the winery.
Sustainability Considerations: Balancing fire safety solutions with environmental sustainability, particularly regarding smoke detection and suppression systems.
Cost Efficiency: Implementing fire safety solutions that adhere to regulations without significantly increasing project costs.
Technical Complexity: Adapting existing egress pathways to accommodate the distillery’s new function while maintaining safe evacuation routes.

Key solutions:

Structural Fire Protection: The distillery will comply with Type B construction as per BCA Specification C1.1, ensuring appropriate fire resistance levels.
Optimised Fire Separation: Aluminium-framed glass partitions will provide separation while maintaining visibility and preserving architectural integrity.
Enhanced Detection Systems: Extension of the existing smoke detection and alarm systems in accordance with BCA Clause E2.2 and AS1670.1-2004.
Fire Suppression Measures: Installation of fire hose reels, hydrants, and portable extinguishers to enhance fire suppression capabilities.
Egress Compliance: Ensuring at least one compliant exit with appropriate width, signage, and emergency lighting as per BCA Clause D1.2.

Key outcomes:

Achieved Full BCA Compliance: The project successfully meets all relevant fire safety regulations.
Preserved Architectural Integrity: The use of fire-rated glass partitions maintains the aesthetic of the winery.
Enhanced Safety Measures: Fire detection and suppression systems provide robust protection for staff and assets.
Cost-Effective Implementation: Fire safety solutions were integrated within budget constraints without compromising compliance.
Sustainable Design Considerations: The fire safety systems were designed to minimise environmental impact while ensuring protection.

A New Standard in Fire Safety for Boutique Distilleries

The Bimbadgen Estate Winery’s gin distillery sets a new benchmark for fire safety in boutique manufacturing spaces. Through careful planning and integration of fire-resistant materials, optimised egress solutions, and enhanced suppression systems, the project ensures regulatory compliance while maintaining the winery’s distinctive character. This development highlights the importance of balancing innovation with safety in the expansion of existing hospitality and production facilities.