Kentec’s Taktis fire panels protect landmark University of Nicosia student accommodation

The integrated fire system has been installed by Kentec Installation Partner Glosec Dragon, itself a Cyprus-based business specialising in the design, installation and maintenance of security, surveillance, hazard prevention and hospitality systems.

The UNIC student residences have been designed to set a new standard in modern student living. They consist of two separate complexes, namely SIX and TRIANGLE, which provide a multitude of dining, relaxation and entertainment options, among them a cafe, a mini-market, a gym, television rooms and games areas.

Split between six distinctive 12-storey towers, SIX comprises 307 luxury student residences and is protected by two Taktis eight-loop addressable fire panels. TRIANGLE complements SIX with an additional 147 modern and spacious rooms. One six-loop Taktis panel has been installed at TRIANGLE.

Operating across both SIX and TRIANGLE’s fire protection systems are 578 Apollo heat detectors, 530 sounder bases, 94 Call Points and 339 optical detectors. Three Taktis Vision Repeaters provide information on the status of the fire alarm system in key positions across the residences via large, full-colour, touch-screen graphical displays.

Taktis provides an expandable solution, which includes a full suite of graphics, communications (copper and fibre), analytics and remote management tools. Multiple protocols can be supported on each panel to give installers and end users alike the maximum choice when it comes to their systems’ design, while the scalable nature of the product provides the highest level of future-proofing and networking capabilities.

A 7” full-colour resistive touch-screen display and a clear, uncluttered intuitive interface renders the system easy to use even for those with minimal or no training. That could prove to be essential in the event of an emergency.

Remote monitoring requirement

Stathis Ierodiaconou, managing director of Glosec Dragon, commented: “The business has worked with Kentec for more than two decades now and we’ve managed to develop a trusting relationship. Our experience of working with Kentec meant that we knew Taktis was the right system for this project’s scope and needs. The project required that remote monitoring was possible from one Control Room to cover both the SIX and TRIANGLE residences. It also needed to be an expandable system which can grow as the development itself expands in form and function.”

With Glosec Dragon also installing and maintaining a suite of CCTV, wireless access control, intercom, parking and energy-saving systems at the site, Ierodiaconou affirmed that integration was essential. “Taktis is easy to install,” he said. “It integrates well with other systems and the end user customer feedback has been good.”

Anastasia Christodoulou, manager at the UNIC residences, is adamant that student safety is paramount and observed: “We required complete assurance that our fire protection system is providing the utmost protection. We were assured that Taktis does just that, and that its advanced integrative capabilities mean a future-proofed and user-friendly system.”

Costas Constantinides, head of international development at Kentec, concluded: “The Taktis panel with EN54-13 certification was the ideal choice for this development. The powerful and sophisticated Taktis panel was chosen to ensure the fire safety system had the required reliability, scale and flexibility to protect large numbers of students at what is such a prestigious development.”

*Further information is available online at www.kentec.co.uk