Liverpool Category 4 Sprinkler Apartments Installation
Liverpool
Willow House
Category 4
Project Value
£ 180,000
Design Standards
BS9251:2021
Sprinkler Heads
550
Description
Our client on this project is Ladysmith who are a specialist residential refurbishment contractor based in Liverpool. This was the first of two identical tower blocks we were contracted to install a fully compliant BS9251:2021 Category 4 sprinkler systems on. The building was an empty apartment tower block in Liverpool, Sefton, which required significant refurbishment. Once refurbished, the apartments would be marketed for rent which would help alleviate the shortage of good quality housing in the area.
We were first engaged by Anderson Gables in late 2021, who were the building surveyor and cost consultant on the project. The requirement for sprinklers was a request from the fire service so Anderson Gables contacted Base Fire Sprinklers for an initial consultation.
Base were asked to attend a site survey with Anderson Gables and Ladysmith for an initial discussion to address the client’s needs and requirements. At this meeting we assessed the building and specified a Category 4 sprinkler system would be required due to the building height being greater than 18 metres. Base explained the basics of a sprinkler system, cause and effect and also the operational logistics specific to the project.
Following on from the meeting Base were quickly instructed by Ladysmith to proceed with the design of the Category 4 sprinkler system with a view to begin installation in early 2022. A Category 4 sprinkler system was installed throughout the building. Because the original ceilings were to be retained in the apartments and corridors, the pipework was installed around the perimeter of the rooms with sidewall sprinkler heads.
Following testing, the pipework was boxed in by Ladysmith to conceal the pipework and sprinkler heads. There were some limited plant areas on the ground floor where the pipework was exposed with pendent sprinkler heads. BS9251:2021 requires all valves which control the flow of water to the system be electrically monitored.
We identified a dedicated sprinkler monitoring system which provides continuous monitoring of the sprinkler system and its components. This is crucial to ensure the system is in proper state and condition. If any part that affects the system's automatic operation in the event of a fire fails or is in a faulty condition, a supervisory alarm will be triggered to prompt corrective action.
Due to the limited space inside the building we installed an external insulated tank. The pumps were installed within a small enclosure constructed by Ladysmith. Because of the external water supplies, there was a requirement for trace heating and lagging of sprinkler pipework which required Base to engage with one of our approved specialist subcontractors.
Midway through the project a representative from the fire service was in attendance for a progress review and was impressed with the speed at which the CPVC sprinkler pipework was being installed.
In total 550 sprinkler heads were installed to Willow House providing full coverage of the development.
The system will provide peace of mind to the client and future residents that there is an active compliant fire suppression system in place.
With the installation of a remote monitoring system Base Fire Sprinklers have a full view of the system and will receive notification when there is an activation or fault. This will streamline the servicing process and cut down the response time to any remedial works required.
Base project manager Chris Murphy was delighted with how the project progressed “Ladysmith were a new client and they have been great to work with. We are pleased we were chosen to make a positive contribution to redeveloping this once derelict building into quality new homes for the local area”
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Base Fire Sprinklers are experts in the design, installation and maintenace of residential fire sprinkler systems.
We are proud to have provided exceptional service and support to clients in Liverpool and throughout the North West.
Our team's extensive industry experience and commitment to safety have earned us a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy partner for all of your fire sprinkler needs.
Whether you are a residential property developer, a care home provider, an apartment management company, or school, our systems are designed and installed to BS9251:2021 standards using only approved materials and fully qualified installation engineers.
From fire sprinkler system design to ongoing sprinkler maintenance, we are here to provide you with a fire sprinkler solution that meets your unique needs.
Visit our design, installation, and maintenance pages to learn more about our services or contact us today to discuss your project.