Hochiki Europe’s technology safeguards The Printworks in Belfast

The historic Victorian warehouse dates back to 1890 and is located in the heart of Belfast’s vibrant business district. Originally built for R Carswell & Son, a renowned printing and stationery firm, the building has now undergone meticulous restoration.

Angus Properties acquired the site back in 2019 and has since transformed it into a modern, open-plan office space, while in parallel preserving its industrial character. Key features include a new atrium, a cobbled courtyard and additional floors complete with panoramic city views.

Not surprisingly, perhaps, The Printworks is now a highly sought-after location, offering flexible office space alongside the potential for retail or hospitality opportunities on the ground floor.

Life safety considerations

The comprehensive modernisation of The Printworks Belfast across its five floors necessitated the installation of a robust life safety system that would safeguard future occupants, while also integrating sympathetically with the building's historical features.

365 Fire Security was entrusted with installing the fire safety systems at The Printworks Belfast. This project has marked the company’s inaugural use of Hochiki equipment, which is renowned for its dependability, quality and user-friendly installation.

The decision was influenced by a recommendation from James Morrison, national key accounts manager for Hochiki, who highlighted the advantages of the company’s cutting-edge technology and streamlined installation process.

Central control panel

The installation at The Printworks Belfast encompasses a variety of standard heat and smoke detectors from Hochiki, interconnected to a central fire alarm control panel equipped with a selection of other Hochiki field devices.

The heat and smoke sensors are engineered to deliver swift and precise fire detection, ensuring optimal safety for the building’s occupants.

Wesley Allan, managing director at 365 Fire Security, said: “Ease of installation was a significant advantage, given the complex nature of the building and the need to minimise disruptions during the upgrade works. Even though we installed over 500 devices, the process was remarkably smooth thanks to Hochiki’s consistent base design. This standardisation significantly simplified the installation process and reduced the overall project timeline.”

The detectors provide comprehensive fire protection across all five floors, offering reliable and early detection of potential hazards. Moreover, the devices seamlessly integrate with the building’s architectural elements, preserving its historic charm and, importantly, ensuring state-of-the-art fire safety.

Robust and reliable

The successful installation of Hochiki’s fire detection system by 365 Fire Security has fortified The Printworks Belfast with a robust and reliable life safety infrastructure. This project exemplifies the effectiveness of Hochiki’s technology in what is a complex and mixed-use building, balancing historical preservation with modern safety standards.

The Printworks Belfast is now primed for its modern office space role, equipped with a fire safety system that safeguards both the building’s heritage and its occupants. The installation marks the commencement of 365 Fire Security’s use of Hochiki equipment, underscoring the Hochiki systems’ user-friendliness, dependability and effectiveness in intricate and demanding environments.

*Further information is available online at www.hochikieurope.com