Project Summary:
Micro-industrial warehousing designed with people-centric innovation, featuring dual-height units that combine functionality and modern aesthetics.
Client: Astina Group
Location: Emu Plains, NSW
Builder: Astina Group
Astina Space’s first micro-industrial warehousing, needed a fire safety solution that not only ensured regulatory compliance but also aligned with their commitment to modern, people-focused design. The facility’s dual-height units and unique layout presented specific challenges, particularly concerning the protection of firewall driveways, a crucial safety feature in such spaces.
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) Clause C3.5 mandates that doorways in a fire wall, unless part of a horizontal exit, must be safeguarded by either two fire doors or fire shutters. However, traditional fire shutters often fail to meet the operational and aesthetic demands of innovative designs. To address these constraints, the fire engineers at i-Fire Engineers developed a bespoke Performance Solution that redefined fire safety for Astina Space while exceeding standard requirements.
Technical Issue
The aesthetic design of each building includes a void similar to an atrium which interconnects 6 levels. This allows for introducing more natural light in to the building and increasing the opportunity for people to interact and share ideas. These features of the building add favourably to the 5 Star Green Office Design v3 target achievement for the project. As there are 6 levels interconnected through the void, the large floor area and volume created this means that the building is required to meet the atrium provisions in Part G of the BCA. This is a very costly and restrictive in design.
Revolutionising Fire Safety: The Solution
At the heart of this solution were Greene Fire’s FireMaster S fire and smoke curtains, paired with wall-wetting sprinklers. Together, these advanced systems replaced conventional fire shutters, creating a seamless, integrated approach that adhered to the highest safety standards without compromising the facility’s design integrity.Enhanced Fire-Resistance Levels
One of the most notable achievements of the solution was its ability to surpass the required fire-resistance level (FRL) for Type C construction. While the BCA requires an FRL of 90 minutes, the solution achieved an impressive FRL of -/120/-, providing extended protection and greater peace of mind for building occupants and operators.Automatic Fail-Safe Mechanisms
The FireMaster S curtains were engineered with automatic fail-safe closure mechanisms. In the event of power loss or system failure, the curtains would deploy automatically, ensuring that fire and smoke containment remained uncompromised. This design prioritised reliability and resilience, key factors in high-stakes environments like industrial warehousing.
Advanced Smoke Detection and Monitoring
To ensure rapid and effective response during an emergency, state-of-the-art smoke detectors were installed within 1.5 metres of the fire curtains on both sides. These detectors, compliant with AS1670.1-2018 standards, were designed to activate the building’s occupant warning system as soon as smoke was detected. Two 9 meter wide by 17 meter draw NVS™ models were installed in the West building. These are the largest horizontal fire curtains installed in the world with No Visible Supports and achieve an FRL of -/120/-!Centralised Emergency Communication
The smoke detection system was linked to a Penrith fire station via an integrated fire alarm monitoring system. This connection facilitated prompt communication with emergency services, significantly reducing response times and ensuring coordinated action during critical moments.
Precision Testing for Maximum Performance
Before installation, the fire curtains underwent rigorous testing in accordance with AS1530.7 standards, a process that validated their exceptional performance in smoke containment. The tests demonstrated a maximum smoke leakage rate of just 0.3 m³/min per m² at 200°C, underscoring the curtains’ capability to maintain containment even under extreme conditions.Maintaining Clear Zones and Compliance
Comprehensive management protocols were implemented to ensure that curtain drop zones remained clear of obstructions or fuel loads. Additionally, permanent safety signage was installed to guide personnel and maintain compliance over the long term. These measures further enhanced the operational effectiveness of the fire safety system.
Adding Layers of Protection with Wall-Wetting Sprinklers
To complement the FireMaster S curtains, wall-wetting sprinklers were strategically installed on both sides of the curtains. Designed to meet the rigorous requirements of AS2118.2-2021, these sprinklers provided an additional layer of protection, effectively suppressing any fire or smoke that might escape the initial containment zones.Centralised Control for Enhanced Flexibility
The entire system was managed through a sophisticated Fire Detection Control Indicating Equipment (FDCIE), which provided a centralised platform for monitoring and responding to fire events. This system allowed building operators to:
- Monitor real-time performance of fire and smoke curtains.
- Activate or deactivate specific zones based on situational needs.
- Coordinate with emergency services through integrated communication systems.
A New Benchmark in Fire Safety for Industrial Warehousing
By integrating advanced the FireMaster S curtains with wall-wetting sprinklers and state-of-the-art detection and monitoring systems, Greene Fire has helped deliver a fire safety solution that went beyond compliance.Tailored to Astina’s Vision
The system aligned perfectly with Astina Space’s commitment to modern design and innovation, ensuring that fire safety measures supported, rather than hindered, the facility’s operational goals and aesthetic standards.Conclusion
This project highlights how advanced engineering, rigorous compliance, and a deep understanding of client needs can come together to create truly exceptional outcomes. Greene Fire’s collaboration with the fire engineers and builders ensured a fire safety system that protected both people and property while supporting the facility’s innovative design ethos. With this project, Greene Fire has once again demonstrated its capability to redefine fire safety for modern industrial applications.Get In Touch
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