Introduction
Graven Hill, located in Bicester, has become a hub for innovative self-build projects, offering individuals the opportunity to create bespoke homes tailored to their needs. In one such project, a homeowner embarked on the construction of an extensive open-plan property. Recognising the importance of fire safety in such a design and needing to satisfy building regulations, they opted to install an Automist Fire Suppression System.
Background
The self-build property in Graven Hill featured a spacious and modern open-plan design, characterised by large interconnected living spaces over 3 floors. While this layout offered aesthetic appeal and functional benefits, it also presented unique challenges in terms of fire safety. With expansive areas to cover, a comprehensive fire suppression solution was deemed essential.
The Decision to Install Automist
Upon consultation with Fire Mist, the homeowner opted to install the Plumis Automist Fire Suppression System. This decision was informed by several factors:
- Fire Engineer Report: A thorough assessment conducted by a fire engineer highlighted the need for a proactive fire suppression system tailored to the property’s layout and design. The report underscored the effectiveness and suitability of Automist in mitigating fire risks within the expansive open-plan environment.
- Full Fire Alarm System: In conjunction with the Automist system, a full fire alarm system was integrated into the property. This comprehensive approach ensured early detection of any fire incidents, triggering prompt activation of the Automist system and alerting occupants to evacuate safely.
- Extensive Open-Plan Design: The nature of the property’s design necessitated a fire suppression solution capable of effectively covering large areas while minimising water damage and disruption to the interior space. This included fire engineering modelling to assess the system’s response time, effectiveness and suitability for the layout of this property. Automist’s ability to deliver targeted mist-based suppression made it an ideal choice for addressing these requirements.
Implementation Process
The installation of the Automist Fire Suppression System was carried out in collaboration with all other trades working on site at the time of first fix.. Key steps in the implementation process included:
- Site Assessment: Fire Mist conducted a detailed assessment of the property to determine optimal nozzle placement and coverage areas for the Automist system. This involved considering factors such as room layout, potential fire hazards, and accessibility.
- System Integration: The Automist system was seamlessly integrated into the property with discreet nozzles strategically positioned throughout the living spaces. Careful attention was paid to ensuring minimal aesthetic impact while maximising coverage and effectiveness.
- Testing and Certification: Following installation, testing and commissioning procedures were followed to verify the system’s functionality and compliance with relevant safety standards. This included fire engineering modelling to assess the system’s response time and effectiveness and suitability for the layout of this property.
Results and Impact
The implementation of the Automist Fire Suppression System had a significant impact on enhancing fire safety within the self-build property:
- Improved Protection: The Automist system provided enhanced protection against fire hazards, with its rapid response and targeted mist-based suppression capabilities effectively containing potential incidents before they could escalate.
- Minimal Disruption: Despite the extensive installation required to cover the property’s open-plan layout, the discreet design of the Automist nozzles ensured minimal disruption to the interior aesthetics, preserving the homeowner’s vision for their dream home.
- Peace of Mind: With a comprehensive fire suppression system in place, the homeowner gained invaluable peace of mind, knowing that their property and occupants were safeguarded against the devastating consequences of fire.
Conclusion
In the dynamic landscape of self-build projects, prioritising fire safety is paramount. Through the installation of the Automist Fire Suppression System, the homeowner in Graven Hill, Bicester, demonstrated a proactive approach to mitigating fire risks within their extensive open-plan property. By leveraging innovative technology and expert engineering, they not only enhanced the safety and security of their home but also set a precedent for integrating cutting-edge fire suppression solutions into modern residential design.
What is Graven Hill?
As seen on Grand Designs, Graven Hill is a pioneering self-build housing development located in Bicester, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. Its inception dates back to the early 2010s, when the UK government recognized the need for innovative solutions to address the housing shortage crisis and empower individuals to create their dream homes.
The concept behind Graven Hill was to create a unique, sustainable, and community-focused environment where individuals could take control of their housing needs. It was set up as a response to the demand for affordable, customizable housing options that would cater to a diverse range of lifestyles.
Graven Hill offers several key features and opportunities to people who want to build their own homes:
- Diverse Plot Sizes: Graven Hill provides a variety of plot sizes to accommodate different housing preferences and budgets. This ensures that individuals or families can find a space that suits their needs.
- Design Flexibility: Homeowners have the freedom to design and build their homes from scratch, allowing for complete customization. This flexibility encourages innovative and sustainable architecture.
- Community Spirit: Graven Hill encourages a strong sense of community. Residents have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share an interest in self-build projects and sustainability.
- Infrastructure Support: The site offers essential infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and drainage, simplifying the building process for self-builders.
- Guidance and Support: Graven Hill provides support and resources throughout the building journey. This includes workshops, seminars, and access to experts who can assist with planning and construction.
- Sustainability: The development prioritizes sustainability, promoting energy-efficient and eco-friendly building practices. This aligns with broader efforts to reduce the environmental impact of housing.
- Proximity to Amenities: Graven Hill is conveniently located near Bicester, offering access to schools, shops, and transportation links, making it a practical choice for families and individuals.
Overall, Graven Hill represents a forward-thinking approach to housing, allowing people to create their ideal homes while fostering a sense of community and environmental responsibility. It stands as a model for future self-build developments and serves as a testament to the power of innovative housing solutions in addressing contemporary housing challenges
How is the performance and fire safety of Automist tested?
The Automist system has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its reliability and effectiveness in suppressing fires. One of the key testing protocols used for evaluating the performance of the Automist system is outlined in Annex C of the British Standard BS8458. This standard specifies the requirements and test methods for watermist systems intended for life safety and property protection applications.
The testing process typically involves simulated fire scenarios to assess the system’s response time, coverage effectiveness, and ability to suppress fires. These tests are conducted in controlled environments by accredited testing facilities such as Exova Warringtonfire, a renowned testing and certification organisation specialising in fire safety.
The Automist system has been studied extensively by specialist fire engineers. Their findings resulted in the conclusion that the Automist electronically activated nozzles can be expected to operate up to 13 times faster than a traditional domestic fire sprinkler system.
Replicating the activation times of electronic nozzles.
Overall, the testing of the Automist system, including adherence to standards like BS8458 and collaboration with reputable testing facilities like Exova Warringtonfire, ensures that the system meets stringent performance requirements and provides reliable fire suppression capabilities for residential applications.
