Fire Detection Old and modern:


the challenge of fire detection for high value prestige property


The Medieval Crypts – replica light fittings made to the original designs hides the visual detection points


Providing effective fire detection for high value heritage and commercial properties, ancient and modern, is a challenge. The material composition, voluminous spaces and aesthetic considerations relating to many high value properties require solutions that can accommodate these issues with sensitivity while not compromising on effectiveness.


Mark Tansey of FireVu has 30 years experience in the fire detection and prevention industry. Mark describes the challenges affecting effective fire detection that cross centuries of high value property design.


surge of modern buildings that have gained iconic status within a very short space of time.


The amazing creativity of architects worldwide has led to a


The Gherkin, a building we help protect, is just one example of a property with a completely original and unique design. It cost £138,000,000 (with a £90,600,000 land value) to build at the turn of the century. In 2006, when it was last sold this had shot up to £595,000,000.


Commercial properties such as The Gherkin, competing for tenants, need to not only ensure their safety but also project a faultless image for their clients, which are using the stature of the properties to in turn attract business and enhance their own brand.


There can be no compromise on the reputation of the building and this very much includes eliminating the risk of fire.


Only a few weeks ago a newer addition to the London skyline, The Shard, was the subject of national media coverage when smoke was seen billowing from its basement. Luckily, it proved to be a false alarm, but the potential for serious damage to its reputation and commercial viability was highlighted.


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It might seem at first glance that heritage buildings bear little in common with the issues of modern constructions.


Surely, a building such as London Guildhall, built in 1411 with a special place in the life and history of the nation has different considerations?


True, it might not always have the same commercial pressure for a return on investment, but in terms of design issues the correlation is surprisingly strong.


Aesthetic considerations A key difference of course is heritage property must adhere to the demands of its listed status; fire detection and prevention systems should not affect the beautiful aesthetics.


Crypts required an unobtrusive system that would not compromise the historic and aesthetic integrity of the building. Stone facades and ornate decoration limited the options. Indeed, for many listed buildings even drill holes are forbidden such is the standard of compliance that is demanded..


In this case original light fitting were recreated, providing a discreet home for visual detectors for the Medieval Crypts.


The Great Hall offered additional possibilities for housing visual detectors. Located above the stage and from the balconies, the solution is almost undetectable, hidden in the wooden structures. Only the most astute and alert would notice, from close-up, the presence of a fire detection system.


Modern buildings generally don't have the same regulatory considerations although cameras are often expected to be unobtrusive, not unduly affecting the design.


In the case of The Gherkin, cameras were placed at the top of 25m light wells (described below) ensuring they were very discreet while well placed for effective fire detection surveillance.


In the case of London Guildhall, the Great Hall and Medieval


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