Architects, Designers & Builders

Fire Sprinkler – Design Benefits

Although the life saving benefits that fire sprinklers bring can never be overlooked it is true to say that a fully installed sprinkler system can open up many design opportunities. Today, still, it is surprising to find that a lot of architects, designers and builders are unaware of such design freedoms fire sprinklers can bring.

Ultimately a sprinkler system can provide its occupants with an enhanced level of fire protection. Better still, sprinklers can help you maximise living spaces combining both comfort as well as safety. These days the vast majority of domestic and residential sprinkler systems use concealed sprinkler heads ensuring a minimal visual impact. Furthermore installation is quick and simple thanks to the extensive use of CPVC pipe-work and solvent cement.

In Wales it is now mandatory for all new builds to have a fitted fire sprinkler system. Until compulsory legislation is brought into England and Scotland sprinklers will only ever fulfil the need of a building requirement. As such it is crucial that if a fire sprinkler system is considered it is designed into a project from the offset – this will ensure that costs can be kept to an absolute minimum.

What are the Fire Sprinkler Design Benefits?

The following three building design guides summarise the permissible trade-offs which a fire sprinkler system can bring when in agreement with the relevant Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Key Design Headlines

• An additional and separate staircase is not required in dwellings over 4.5m high from the ground, so long as they are fully fitted with sprinklers 
• Relaxation in boundary distances between properties which have a sprinkler system 
• Residential care homes can increase the quantity of beds as well as negate the need for self-closing doors should a sprinkler system be fitted 
• Fire separate between a store room and a shop front can be relaxed 
• Fire fighting shaft requirements can be relaxed 

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