Smoke-venting system is tested for real
A fan-assisted smoke-venting system in a luxury flat development in west London was recently put to the test when fire broke out. The system was designed and installed by Fire Design Solutions as part of a project in 2007 for developer Berkeley First, working on behalf of Notting Hill Housing Group.
The ventilation system was triggered by the company’s smoke-detection system and removed smoke from the building to stop it spreading. Being able to operate at over 800°C helped prevent costly damage to the rest of the building.
Purging smoke from the building helped all residents evacuate in less than five minutes and provided a clear path for firemen.
The fire is believed to have been started deliberately in a bedroom. After the incident, the system continued to be fully operational, requiring only cleaning.
The system by Fire Design Solutions is said to offer higher floor-space efficiency than rivals, increasing saleable area, achieved with low-area smoke shafts. The system allows for travel distances of up to 30 m in a single direction, enabling many large buildings to be built with a single stair.
