Fire sprinkler systems are one of the most effective tools for protecting lives and property.
This is especially true in complex settings like mixed-use buildings, where they help control fire spread across varied spaces.
These systems activate quickly to contain flames, reducing risks to occupants and minimising structural damage and repair costs.
Base Fire Sprinklers brings over 30 years of experience in the fire safety industry, with a team of qualified experts who manage fire sprinkler system installations across diverse building types and environments.
Certified by leading industry bodies like FIRAS and UKAS and approved by SafeContractor, Base Fire Sprinklers stands out for its commitment to safety, quality, and compliance.
As members of both the Fire Protection Association (FPA) and the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA), we stay at the forefront of industry best practices and standards.
Contact us today.
If you’re looking for a fire sprinkler system installation company to help you navigate the challenges of installing a fire sprinkler system into a mixed use building, contact Base Fire Sprinklers.
Call now on 0800 009 6906.
What is a Mixed Use Building?
In the UK, mixed-use buildings are defined as structures that combine multiple occupancy types within a single property, often blending residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial or recreational spaces.
Common examples include buildings with retail shops on the ground floor, offices on higher floors, and apartments above.
These diverse spaces bring together different uses under one roof, each with unique fire risks and occupancy regulations. Because of this complexity, mixed-use buildings face unique fire safety challenges that require specialised fire protection solutions.
I would like to compliment the engineers that we have met on site who have completed the servicing and repair works on the systems....I cannot find one area where I would be unhappy with the service we have received.
Jack Newell, Weaver Vale Housing Trust
Why install fire sprinklers in mixed use buildings?
Fire sprinkler systems are crucial for mixed-use properties, where a fire in one area - such as a commercial kitchen or retail store - can quickly spread to adjoining residential or office spaces. Sprinklers are designed to activate immediately in the area of a fire, preventing its spread and allowing for safe evacuation of occupants across different sections of the building.
Key benefits of fire sprinklers in mixed-use buildings include:
Life Protection Across Occupancy Types: In a mixed-use building, each space has unique risks and occupancy patterns. A fire in a commercial area requires rapid control to protect residents and offices above from smoke and fire spread where evacuation routes may differ.
Minimised Structural and Property Damage: Fire sprinklers contain a fire at its source, reducing overall building damage. This is particularly critical in multi-use settings, where adjoining businesses and living spaces may contain high-value assets or sensitive materials.
Compliance with Regulatory Standards: UK regulations mandate specific safety measures for mixed-use properties, especially in buildings with residential components. Fire sprinkler systems help building owners meet these stringent requirements, safeguarding tenants and business operations alike.
Overall, sprinklers provide essential fire control tailored to the demands of mixed-use buildings, enhancing both safety and compliance.
What fire safety regulations apply to mixed-use buildings?
The legal requirements for fire sprinklers in the UK are often a mix of national and local standards and regulations related to the use and occupancy of the building. This makes mixed use buildings a unique case, as they contain both residential and commercial premises and can present particular conditions for the installation of fire sprinklers.
BS9251:2021 is considered the standard for residential premises, and it will affect the residential portions of a mixed-use building. The exact way in which this regulation will need to be applied depends on the height and size of the building. Other factors may also influence the installation of fire sprinklers in the residential dwellings of a mixed-use building, such as water supply, layout, and future plans for expansions and renovations.
Non-residential, commercial, and industrial premises within mixed-use buildings in the UK will likely be installed in accordance with BS EN 12845. This British Standard outlines the requirements for both the initial planning and installation and the maintenance of commercial fire sprinklers in the UK.
Additional regulations may apply to buildings with commercial and residential sections, such as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and sections of the Fire Safety Order. Our knowledge of national, local, and industry-specific fire safety regulations makes Base Fire Sprinklers a leading partner in fire safety for all building owners and developers looking for compliance and safety for their occupants and assets.
What are the challenges in mixed-use fire sprinkler installation?
The main unique feature of mixed-use buildings is the presence of both commercial and residential premises. These have both different usage patterns and different fire risks, all of which needs to be considered at all stages of the project.
During our initial fire risk assessment of a mixed-use building, we will analyse the building layout and define which areas need to be compliant with which regulations, and plan a cohesive fire sprinkler system design that ensures both legal compliance and the safety of the occupants in case of a fire-related incident.
Some of the factors we consider when installing a sprinkler system in mixed-use buildings include:
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Visual impact, especially for the residential part. We often install concealed sprinklers in order to maintain the look of each room as intact as possible
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Water supply, including type and pressure. While in some cases the standard mains water supply may be enough, a dedicated tank is sometimes required. You can use our water tank size calculator to find out your requirements.
What is the process for mixed-use building fire sprinkler installations?
The installation of fire sprinklers in mixed-use buildings requires a very strict protocol, as different standards and regulations apply to different sections of the premises. Base Fire Sprinklers brings decades of experience to every stage of the process, ensuring that each system is installed precisely and effectively, with minimal disruption to occupants and ongoing operations.
We begin every project with a thorough consultation and assessment of the site to understand your needs and how to meet them. We will work to identify any particular fire risks, such as high-traffic areas, low ceilings, or electrical equipment. This will inform the approach of our installation process.
Using data from the assessment, our design team creates a customised fire sprinkler plan tailored to the building’s mixed occupancy requirements. We use software like AutoCAD and Canute FHC to develop highly accurate layouts, incorporating BS 9251 and BS EN 12845 standards to meet both residential and commercial fire safety needs. Every relevant regulation will be considered to ensure compliance with all UK standards and local and industry-specific legislation.
The system will then be installed with your specifications in mind. If the premises are already being used, we will make sure to minimise disruption by coordinating our work with you and your occupants. From water supply, to piping, to sprinkler heads, we ensure the system is installed to the highest level of quality.
Once the installation is complete, we conduct rigorous testing to verify that the system functions seamlessly across all occupancy areas. This includes testing water flow, pressure, and sprinkler activation to ensure that each part of the building has optimal coverage and responsiveness in case of a fire.
It is important to make sure the system is properly inspected and maintained after installation. British Standards such as BS 9251 and BS EN 12845 define the process of testing and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems as well as their planning and installation.
What are the costs of fire sprinkler installations in a mixed-use building?
The cost of installing a fire sprinkler system in a mixed-use building can vary widely, influenced by factors such as building size, occupancy requirements, and system complexity. Base Fire Sprinklers aims to provide cost-effective solutions that deliver maximum fire protection and compliance without exceeding budget constraints.
Budgeting for Retrofitting Mixed-Use Building Sprinklers
Retrofitting a fire sprinkler system into an existing building generally involves higher costs compared to new installations. Adjustments to walls, ceilings, and water systems are often needed to incorporate sprinkler infrastructure. Base Fire Sprinklers reduces these costs by using efficient installation techniques that minimise structural impact. For buildings undergoing renovation, early coordination with Base allows for smoother integration, saving time and expense by aligning fire sprinkler installation with other planned upgrades.
Cost Optimisation with Base Fire Sprinklers
At Base Fire Sprinklers, we prioritise cost-efficiency without compromising safety. Our experts provide transparent pricing and customised solutions, ensuring that each installation is aligned with both the building’s unique fire safety needs and budget requirements. This approach enables property owners to meet regulatory standards and achieve long-term fire protection value while managing expenses effectively.
Why Choose Base Fire Sprinklers for Mixed-Use Building Installations
When it comes to fire safety in mixed-use buildings, Base Fire Sprinklers brings the expertise, precision, and customer focus needed to protect every type of space effectively. With over 30 years of industry experience, we have completed installations in diverse building types across the UK, delivering custom solutions that comply with both residential (BS 9251) and commercial (BS EN 12845) fire safety standards.
Our team is certified by FIRAS, UKAS, and SafeContractor, and we’re active members of the Fire Protection Association (FPA) and British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA), ensuring that our practices reflect the highest standards in fire safety. We provide tailored installations that maximise both safety and aesthetic integration, whether for new constructions or retrofit projects.
Choosing Base Fire Sprinklers means choosing a partner dedicated to quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction. Our team is committed to making fire protection a seamless and reliable part of your building’s safety infrastructure. Contact us today to discuss your mixed-use fire sprinkler needs.