NDY was engaged as the fire services engineers on the heritage listed Brisbane City Hall restoration project. Our engagement was as consultant engineers for the fire detection, fire sprinkler, fire hydrant and fire hose reel systems.

During the design phase, NDY identified that the installation of a traditional fire sprinkler system would ultimately mean the demolition of the existing ceilings in areas of high heritage value. This included the three main entrance foyers, the council chambers and the Oak Table function room.

In order to provide a solution for protection to these areas, NDY designed a performance based water mist fire suppression system to these sensitive areas. This provided the following benefits to the project:

  • Achieved the client’s objective of preserving the heritage value of the building retaining existing ornate ceilings
  • Water mist nozzles were installed in the walls, rather than in the ornate ceiling
  • Water mist uses a fine water particle to eliminate the heat and oxygen out of a fire for rapid suppression activated by an aspirated smoke detection system
  • The use of fine water mist particles significantly reduces the potential for water damage to the heritage building fabrics.

Project Details

Services:
Fire Protection

Client: Abigroup

Architect: Tanner Architects

Contractor: Abigroup

Value: $150 m

Completion: 2012