Landsec’s ‘Net Zero’ Timber Square development safeguarded by Ramtech

Timber Square will be well connected to walking and cycling paths and is just ten minutes away from London Bridge and London Waterloo. This large-scale development is a landmark project in terms of sustainability (more of which anon).

In order to properly cover the extensive site, Ramtech’s partners Wingate installed both the WES3 wireless fire alarm system and the REACT emergency notification system.

The vision for Timber Square is not just to create a sustainable building, but also to set a new benchmark for environmental responsibility in construction. The development will feature state-of-the-art facilities and design elements that promote energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and enhance the overall quality of life for its occupants.

By retaining 85% of the existing structure and using cross-laminated timber, the project will achieve significant CO₂ reductions. Further, the development will feature air source heat pumps as the primary heat source, thereby lowering its carbon footprint. Even the construction process is carried out with sustainability in mind.

The project builds on lessons learned from The Forge, the UK’s first ‘Net Zero’ commercial building, to pioneer new approaches. Timber Square uses modern construction methods and low-carbon materials, reducing CO₂ emissions by 50% when compared to typical office buildings. Along with being built with sustainable materials and a low carbon footprint, Timber Square is expected to generate £205 million in social and local economic value during its lifecycle.

The project will offer extensive public realm improvements. It will enhance pedestrian routes and create a vibrant community space.

Risk landscape for ‘Net Zero’ buildings

Timber Square presents unique challenges and risks, particularly so concerning fire safety. As the project will be mainly built out of timber, which is sustainable and eco-friendly material, it’s also combustible. In the construction phase, the risk is heightened due to exposed timber and the presence of combustible materials on-site.

The key fire safety risks associated with timber frame construction include rapid fire spread, structural integrity and exposure due to construction. Timber structures can facilitate the rapid spread of fire if not properly protected, posing significant risks to both the construction site and surrounding areas.

In the event of a fire, the structural integrity of timber can be compromised more quickly compared to steel or concrete, potentially leading to collapse.

During the construction phase, the timber is often exposed before fire protection measures are fully in place, increasing the vulnerability of the site.

As construction begins on this ambitious and environmentally conscious project, Ramtech’s partner Wingate installed over 400 devices in order to properly cover the site. These environments can be quite precarious. One small fire can quickly grow out of control if not addressed immediately. Wingate successfully installed 420 WES3 devices and plans to increase the units as the project progresses.

WES3 is a fully customisable temporary wireless system, which was designed to provide a simple, fast and secure method of communicating fire and medical emergencies in such a complex environment.

Wireless flexibility

Ramtech’s devices offer wireless flexibility for dynamic environments along with a quick installation and relocation process. WES3 is capable of reliably detecting early fires, sending a rapid response to workers and project managers through the REACT emergency notification system.

Ramtech’s REACT platform is a cloud-based solution that can raise alerts in real-time. REACT allows sites full 24-hour coverage as alerts are sent out via a simple-to-use mobile app.

REACT can be integrated with various devices and platforms for more comprehensive coverage, in turn providing users with important information regarding the WES3 units, such as their battery life or connection status.

Installing the WES3 system was incredibly straightforward thanks to its completely wireless design. It’s easy to install and reposition the units as the site grows. The added benefit of the REACT system is that it notifies of any maintenance issues with the WES3 system, ensuring that they can be addressed on a prompt footing.

Landmark project

Adam Jurka, sales manager at Ramtech, commented: “Timber Square is a landmark project for sustainable construction. We’re proud to support it with our WES3 and REACT systems. These technologies provide reliable and rapid fire detection and emergency communication, ensuring that the site remains safe as it progresses towards its ambitious environmental goals.”

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