Siemens realises fire detection solution for The Roof Gardens

The decision to invest in and restore the world-renowned 6,000 m² site to its former glory included the need for a fire protection system which would safeguard the value of the Grade II-listed building, including its rooftop gardens designed by landscape architect Ralph Hancock back in the 1930s.

Siemens’ Gold Solutions Partner, namely London Fire & Security, proposed a system based around the Cerberus PRO, Siemens’ EN 54-13 approved fire alarm system, with the new ASD+ aspirating smoke detection for certain areas.

Cerberus PRO features ASA detectors with their patented detection chamber design, dual optical sensing technology and Advanced Signal Analysis  (ASA) designed to optimise response. In operation, it enables smoke detection in areas where thermal detection would ordinarily be necessary and provides reliable detection with no false alarms.

Reflecting the importance of maintaining the surroundings and ambience for The Roof Gardens’ members in those areas where conventional point detectors would negatively impact on the aesthetics of a venue which combines old and new architecture, Siemens’ ASD+ was employed.

The venue’s art deco toilets are a good example. The capability to conceal the air sampling pipework and just have small sampling holes visible enabled London Fire & Security to offer an unobtrusive option which still met all of the performance requirements and the relevant regulations.

New generation

Siemens has offered ASD systems for a number of years now, but this new generation – the ASD+ – features two new detectors, both of which are specifically designed to provide solutions for larger and more complex projects.

A single device can cover an impressive area of up to 6,700 m² (currently the largest coverage area available on the market). Even for Class A installations with the highest sensitivity requirements, up to 2,000 m² of detection coverage is achievable with a single ASD+ detector. This makes the technology ideally suited to applications typified by their large open areas (The Roof Gardens being a prime example), with the detectors located for ease of access.

The project has featured the installation of ASA detectors, sounder beacons, Call Points and ASD+ pipework and detectors with the relevant interfaces, all monitored by Cerberus PRO panels to provide site-wide detection.

Chris Saxby (managing director of London Fire & Security) commented: “We’re pleased to have added The Roof Gardens to our portfolio of prestigious projects across the capital. As a company, we always look to promote the benefits of ASA detection and its ability to provide fault-free fire alarms. Siemens always provides us with excellent support, and that was the case again with this project where we’ve worked closely with the client to ensure that we provided a solution to meet the specific requirements of the site.”

Securing the contract

Marios Malone, fire systems sales manager with Siemens, stated: “For what is such a prestigious venue, the reputation that Siemens enjoys globally as a fire systems solutions provider must certainly have played a part in the business being able to secure the contract.”

Malone continued: “Also important is the ASA detectors’ ability to detect real fires and avoid false alarms and, therefore, unnecessary evacuations given the focus on providing a relaxed atmosphere for members and their guests. This is also reflected in the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the system, which is conducted on a remote basis.”

Further, Malone noted: “As a cloud-based technology, Cerberus PRO enables many of the tasks that had traditionally been conducted on-site to be transacted remotely. This presents significant opportunities for disturbance-free testing, which doesn’t impact the venue’s day-to-day operations.”

*For further information on Siemens’ fire safety systems for buildings visit www.siemens.co.uk/cerberus

**Additional detail concerning Siemens’ Smart Infrastructure proposition can be viewed online at www.siemens.com/smart-infrastructure