Code Consulting + Performance Based Design
Interpreting and applying building and fire safety codes can be a daunting task. With our in-depth knowledge of the regulatory landscape, we help clients successfully navigate code requirements and identify building and fire safety strategies that best fit the needs of their project. Our active involvement in international building and fire safety organizations allows us to stay informed of current standards and code updates and ready to address any potential concerns throughout the planning and installation process.
Achieving Effective Code Compliance + Address Design Needs
Using our deep knowledge of code requirements and regulatory intent, our building code consultants help you create the most effective strategy, from audit and planning to project completion. Our code consulting services will help you navigate the complex landscape of regulatory agencies to reduce delays, manage costs and support construction timescales. We also help ensure that your building, industrial or infrastructure project is compliant with the latest legislation to mitigate risk and address design needs.
Performance-Based Design
Our team can assist in obtaining the required building approval from the relevant authorities. Using the criteria in internationally recognised fire safety standards and other technical documents, we advise clients about the suitability of solutions, configurations and components specifically in relation to the activity risk profile. We also verify that configurations comply with basic pre-design requirement standards. This includes determination of maximum occupancy, minimum means of egress, active and passive protection measures, and selection and restriction on fire reaction for materials.
Compliant Design Solutions
While traditional code compliance works for many design projects, building and fire safety codes can often limit design flexibility and hinder the architectural design intent for unique, complex and state-of-the-art projects. Using our critical understanding of code requirements and regulatory intent, we work with clients to find design solutions that will demonstrate that aspects of a project can meet or exceed the prescriptive code requirements.
BIM-based Fire Safety Design
Building Information model (BIM) -based fire safety design links a 3D model to fire safety requirements, improving project management and reducing the risk of human error. For example, the BIM model automatically links parameters such as fire doors and fire compartmentation data for other disciplines to use in their design plans, improving the quality of data transfer and speeding up quantity surveying. This reduces errors caused by traditional manual processes and saves time at all stages of the project. The model also benefits performance-based design and project phasing, streamlining collaboration with authorities and other parties. |
Fire Safety Data Throughout the Lifecycle of the Building
The benefits of BIM based fire design are visible to all parties involved. Architects benefit from automated data processing, contractors from more accurate quantity surveying as well as having BIM based design during construction phase, and end users of the building from a better overall picture in BIM format. Fire safety data is easily accessible throughout the lifecycle of the building, facilitating maintenance and supporting future legislative requirements such as machine-readable building permits. This modern approach reduces the number of modifications done on-site, saving time and costs while ensuring a higher-quality end result.
Fire Safety Engineering + Design
for Every Stage of a Building’s Life Cycle
- Concept Stage
In the concept phase, the fire consultant steers the project's direction from a fire safety point of view. The most significant cost savings are achieved during this phase because the building plans are still being drawn. - Building approval process
The fire engineering plan prepared during the design phase is added to the building permit application. A well-prepared document summarizes the fire specifications and helps to streamline the approval process with fewer requests for clarification from authorities. - Building site phases all the way up to the final inspection
Our specialists’ daily routines include site supervision, consultation during the construction and supervising the fire-stopping and sealing contractor. Our strength is in putting the theory into practice. - Redevelopment planning in different types of properties
Redevelopment of large properties must take fire safety into account. For example, shopping malls are constantly evolving, and fire protection plans need to be updated accordingly. Any changes in the fire compartmentalization are also critical from the safety standpoint. - Partial demolition of the building
Fire safety engineers also work at the demolition sites. In this case, we assess which parts of the building can be demolished so that the remaining portions remain fire safe.
RELATED INSIGHTS + RESOURCES
Project Profiles
Worship Square
Discover our latest contribution to Worship Square in Shoreditch, London. This newly completed office development, with its innovative workspace design, sets a new standard for net-zero carbon construction and operation.
