• • • SAFETY IN ENGINEERING • • •
BUILDING SAFETY WITH FLEXIBILITY: THE SCOTT HARBOUR TRANSFORMATION
Scott Harbour, an iconic office complex in Cardiff Bay, has recently undergone a remarkable transformation that redefines flexibility and safety in modern mixed-use developments
By Ian Humby, UK Sales Manager, Hochiki Europe T
he 90,000 square-foot, five-storey building, originally a commercial office, has been converted into 78 quality residential apartments, complemented by retail and commercial units. Spearheaded by Rightacres Property Company Limited, the redevelopment has placed strong emphasis on compliance, adaptability and futureproofing, particularly within its fire safety strategy. To meet these challenges, Hochiki Europe’s ESP Addressable fire detection range was specified by Huvo (formerly Discount Fire Supplies) and expertly installed by P.E.S. Fire and Security. The resulting system delivers a balance between advanced functionality and aesthetic discretion, an important consideration in modern, high- specification developments.
Adapting to a changing building landscape
The transformation of Scott Harbour presented significant technical and regulatory challenges, particularly around its intended use. The combination of residential apartments, retail and office space demanded a fire detection system capable of responding differently to diverse occupancy patterns and fire risks. For instance, the sounder activation requirements for residential corridors differ greatly from those in the commercial areas of the building. To address this the team at P.E.S. Fire and Security implemented Hochiki’s flexible product solutions, including specialised heat detectors positioned at apartment entrances to protect main corridor escape routes. These devices were designed to interface directly with Automatic Opening Vents, forming a vital component of the building’s fire strategy and ensuring safe evacuation routes.
Martin Truscott, Managing Director at P.E.S. Fire and Security, emphasised the importance of adaptability on such a complexed project: “Hochiki’s ESP range made installation remarkably straightforward, even as the internal layouts evolved. Its flexibility meant we could accommodate ongoing design changes without needing to rewire or redesign the entire system.” This flexibility not only saved time and cost but also allowed the project to maintain momentum through continuous phases of design adjustment, a common challenge in large scale redevelopments.
Futureproofing through open protocol design
The main reason in selecting the ESP Addressable system was its open protocol design, which enables easy integration with multiple third-party systems. Given that the non-residential areas’ specific functions were undecided during installation, the fire detection network needed to remain flexible in its configuration for future tenants and other safety systems.
The open protocol ensures compatibility with a wide range of control panels and ancillary systems, from Building Management Systems to access control, sprinkler and pump interfaces. This flexibility guards against vendor lock-in and provides Rightacres with long-term value and autonomy in system maintenance and upgrades. As mixed-use developments become increasingly common, the ability to integrate seamlessly across platforms is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. The Scott Harbour installation exemplifies how a future ready fire safety solution can support both regulatory compliance and operational adaptability.
Balancing safety, performance and aesthetics
The new apartments were designed to meet modern standards of comfort and design, meaning that safety devices needed to complement rather than detract from the interior environment. Hochiki’s discreet, low-profile devices blend seamlessly into the building’s finishes, ensuring that safety does not compromise appearance, a growing expectation among developers and end users alike.
Integration was also crucial for sustainability. The fire detection system interfaces with the site’s solar PV installation and energy management systems, helping maintain a unified and efficient building infrastructure. This holistic approach reflects a broader industry shift towards smart, connected buildings where safety, efficiency and comfort are managed cohesively.
Minimising false alarms,
maximising confidence For mixed-use buildings, where residents and businesses coexist, false alarm management is a serious concern. Hochiki’s advanced detection technology, combined with precise zoning and control, minimises unwanted alarms while maintaining rapid response to genuine incidents. This reduces disruption for residents and ensures commercial continuity, essential qualities for any development aiming for long term tenancy agreements.
The installation at Scott Harbour demonstrates how thoughtful system design and collaboration between specifiers, installers and manufacturers can deliver both compliance and confidence.
A model for the future of mixed-use safety
As urban redevelopment continues across the UK, projects like Scott Harbour showcase the evolving demands placed on fire detection systems. Adaptability, integration and aesthetic sensitivity are now as important as reliability and compliance. Through collaboration between Rightacres, Huvo
and P.E.S. Fire and Security, supported by Hochiki Europe’s open protocol technology, the Scott Harbour project stands as a benchmark for best practice in mixed use fire safety. Its success underscores a vital message for the industry: flexibility is not just a design advantage; it is a safety imperative.
Read the full Scott Harbour case study and explore Hochiki Europe’s complete fire detection solutions at:
https://hubs.la/Q03NTpp40
https://www.hochikieurope.com 24 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • OCTOBER 2025
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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