Smoke ventilation and natural ventilation in a single system
Doubling up to provide natural ventilation for a major B&Q retail warehouse in Bedford are Adexsi’s Certilight dual-casement smoke ventilators. the 5300 m2 store incorporates a builders’ yard and garden centre. It is the first phase of an £18.5 million development programme.
Having a robust smoke-ventilation strategy is vital in such a high-value building visited by members of the public, but B&Q was keen that the chosen system could do much more.
Smoke-ventilation specialist Adexsi UK was asked by main contractor R. G. Carter to provide a solution that would also deliver a high level of thermal control and improved air quality.
The Certilight ventilators supplied are installed either side of the ridge line of the roof. They are well insulated to reduce heat losses from the warm-air heating system.
During summer, the ventilators will automatically open to introduce cooler air when the internal space reaches a certain temperature, working in tandem with the BMS.
The uninterruptible power supply required to ensure the smoke-ventilation system operates are installed in the main plant room. This approach avoids working at height to maintain the battery packs. It also reduces cable runs to the roof and makes for easier and cheaper installation of the complete system.
Certilight twin-flap ventilators are designed to open 1000 times for smoke ventilation and up to 10 000 times to provide daily ventilation.
Chris Shepherd, Adexsi’s national sales manager, says, ‘We have developed an extensive understanding of the particular needs of this type of retail facility. This means we are well placed to work closely with end clients on innovative solutions that meet their changing requirements. We are very hopeful that the innovations at Bedford can now be more widely applied across B&Q’s extensive property portfolio.’
