DFC began our involvement on Vita Pebble Mill in 2016 and provided fire strategy advice from concept design to client handover and occupation. This RIBA Stage 2-7 service is one that we are pleased to offer our clients. Remaining involved through the construction and handover stage of a project allows us as fire engineers to ensure the concepts of the fire strategy are maintained throughout the process.

It is inevitable that assumptions and details developed during the desktop phases of RIBA Stages 2-4 are challenged when faced with on-site construction methods and materials. It is therefore vitally important that the fire engineer remains involved through this process to assist in the development of modified details, alternative products, selection and approval of both active and passive products, and is involved as a stakeholder in ensuring quality of workmanship on-site. As the building nears completion, active systems are tested and programmed as part of the cause and effect strategy, and the fire engineer’s involvement in this process is also crucial.

In the Summer of 2019 DFC were part of the design team that successfully handed over the Vita Pebble Mill project to our client. DFC engineers were on-site during the construction phase with regular interaction with the Main Contractor and selected subcontractors. As the building neared completion, DFC led the cause and effect commissioning process to ensure that the fire detection and alarm system response, including ventilation and shutdown processes took into consideration the requirements of the fire strategy.

Below are a selection of images of the finished development. A new home for 360 students within walking distance of of the University and the city’s best bars, restaurants, shops and sights.

Glancy Nicholls Architects also commissioned a 3D walkthrough of the finished building. Take a look below at the finished article and take a virtual tour through the building.