Ulsterbank Belfast
Fire Detection System & PAVA Solution at Ulster Bank HQ in Belfast Northern Ireland
The project
The development was created around the façade of an old Methodist church designed by Dublin architect, Isaac Farrell and consists of a reinforced concrete frame with flat slab floor construction including a double storey basement. It required a life cycle replacement of its existing fire alarm system, which had been in service for 18 years, along with additional detection as necessary to validate L1 coverage.
Overview
Owned by RBS, Ulster Bank is a leading bank in Ireland with a branch network across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Its 125,000sq ft seven storey headquarter building is built on top of a two-storey basement providing 120 parking spaces.
The Installation
Aramark Ireland were appointed by Ulster Bank to perform the role of main contractor for the works. Following a tender process, fire alarm specialist Ashdale Engineering Ltd was appointed to replace the existing closed protocol fire alarm system and PAVA system
Aramark project manager Michael Hyland said: “We were pleased to be able to appoint Ashdale for the key role of fire alarm replacement. Having delivered a similar project with them in 2015 for the same client we had total confidence in their ability. Ashdale performed flawlessly and the project was delivered on time and within budget.”
The works had to be conducted out of normal hours to avoid disruption to the bank. This meant the team working overnight over a 12-week period and making sure the system was fully functional and all work areas clean and tidy for staff coming in the next day.
In the role as principal contractor Aramark were also responsible for all the health and safety management relating to the project. Some of the work involved detection replacement in the 25-metre-high atrium, working at height over areas of plant, lift shafts and HV switch rooms. H&S manager for Aramark Gary Henderson said: “The project certainly had its challenges but with planning, consultation and coordination with Ashdale and other contractors we were able to deliver the project safely and without incident.”
Products Used
Apollo’s Soteria range of devices were selected for this project. This included the optical smoke detector, heat detectors, multi sensors, manual call points and Interfaces. Covering a range of areas from open plan offices, car park, plant rooms, kitchens and canteen. Soteria met the customers’ expectations of enhanced detection to minimise the risk of false alarms and provide a future proof system using next generation technology.
A total of 645 optical detectors, 89 heat detectors, 24 multi sensors, 83 manual call points and 78 interfaces combines to provide the ideal solution for Ulster Bank. All controlled by a fire panels from Advanced.
The Final Verdict
David Moore, team leader at Ashdale, said: “The decision to select the Apollo Soteria range of device for this project was an easy one. Having used Soteria on a number of other projects recently we knew the devices are easy to install and commission, and provide a modern aesthetically pleasing look in a modern office environment.”
Colin Simms, operations director at Ashdale, added: “It was great to be able to continue our long relationship with Apollo on this project. Ashdale have represented Apollo Fire Detectors for over 30 years in Northern Ireland. With over 27 years’ experience with the product myself, it’s great to see how fire detection technology has developed from the days of Series 90 to the highly advanced Soteria devices we have today. The open protocol and backward compatibly yet future proof design, continue to be key factors for us when we make our recommendations to our clients for fire detection.”