FPA shortlisted at prestigious 2026 London Construction Awards

The FPA has been shortlisted for its research project focused on ‘Fire Sprinkler System Design for Buildings with Exposed Timber Surfaces’. This is welcome recognition for dedicated research that has undoubtedly helped to advance fire protection measures for mass timber construction.

Developed by Dr Dale Kinnersley, principal consultant for RISCAuthority (the FPA-administered insurance research scheme), the research project has been instrumental in delivering the first fire test-based design methodology for sprinkler protection in mass timber buildings with exposed Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) surfaces.

Mass timber is increasingly recognised as an important material in supporting low-carbon construction and the UK’s ‘Net Zero’ ambitions. However, exposed timber surfaces can present unique fire safety challenges that require specific fire protection solutions.

Running from September 2022 to December 2025, the research investigated how automatic fire sprinkler systems and associated M&E fixings can be adapted for use in mass timber buildings with exposed combustible surfaces. The work also demonstrated how sprinkler systems and fixing methods can be adapted to protect exposed CLT surfaces and maintain structural and service integrity during a fire episode.

Key objective

One key objective of the research project was to provide evidence that would support future updates to UK and European sprinkler standards, which have historically been developed around non-combustible construction and, as such, don’t adequately address the unique fire risks associated with mass timber buildings.

Crucially, the findings have identified an important gap in UK and European guidance relating to the suspension of M&E services (including fire sprinkler system pipework). Subsequent investigation into timber fixings has also highlighted a lack of existing standards in this area.

Importantly, this research has already informed new guidance within the LPC Sprinkler Rules, the UK’s leading sprinkler installation standard, and has been proposed for consideration within future revisions of EN 12845-1.

The work formed the basis of a PhD awarded to Dr Kinnersley in July this year. Dr Kinnersley is delighted to have been nominated for the award, which recognises the culmination of a PhD focused on improving fire safety in mass timber construction.

Dr Kinnersley stated: “This work, optimising sprinkler systems and fixing methods to better protect occupants and property, was made possible through the support of RISCAuthority and the FPA.”

Celebration of innovation

Each year as part of the London Build Expo, the London Construction Awards celebrate achievements, developments and innovation realised across the UK’s built environment sector.

In terms of the Fire Safety Solution of the Year category, the other nominated finalists include Advanced, Ajaz Systems, Golden Fred, British Gypsum and Firesense.

*Further information concerning the London Construction Awards 2026 can be accessed online at www.londonconstructionawards.com

Of course, proving fire safety compliance depends on clear evidence, co-ordinated decisions between trades and collaboration that runs from concept through to completion, not a single sign-off at the end.

As part of the Conference Programme at London Build 2026, specialist practitioners from contractors, manufacturers, consultants and design practices are going to address three of the questions built-environment teams are working through right now.

*Building Safety Act 2022 challenges

The session running under the headline ‘The Building Safety Act in Focus: Challenges, Solutions and Collaboration’ will see Steve Warriner (from Siniat), Damini Sharma of the OM Group; Alasdair Mealey (Laing O’Rourke), Krish Parmar (of Elevate Building Safety) and Alex Masheder from BDP discuss the challenges teams are facing under the Act of Parliament and outline where closer collaboration is easing project delivery.

*Navigating Gateways 2 and 3
‘From Design to Completion: Navigating Gateways 2 and 3’ includes contributions from Graeme Whitty TIFireE (Willmott Dixon) and Lane Line (Laing O’Rourke). They join session moderator Craig Wells from Quelfire in a bid to set out the requirements teams need to navigate through design, construction and completion.

*Demonstrating compliance

‘How Can Compliance for Non-Fire Tested Construction Details Be Demonstrated?’ is the subject of choice for presenters Dr Ian Bradley (PFP Specialists), Callum McLean (Wates Smartspace), Dr Andrew Taylor (Association for Specialist Fire Protection) and Alasdair Turnbull (of Aitken Turnbull Architects) who’ll seek to explore how teams can demonstrate compliance where construction details haven’t been fire tested.

*Further information on London Build Expo 20226 can be accessed at www.londonbuildexpo.com