Design encompassing fire, health, and life safety measures
In a recent webinar hosted by Architecture Today and sponsored by Siderise, industry experts discussed the critical balance between sustainability and safety, particularly focusing on fire, health, and life safety in architectural design. The event, chaired by Architecture Today Editor Isabel Allen, featured speakers Sam Harland, Dr Liam Ross, Darren Brennan, and Simón Santamaria.
The speakers reinforced that fire, health, and life safety design is no longer an afterthought but a critical, integral component of architectural expertise. Here are some best practices for architects to achieve this balance:
## Strategic Material Selection
Architects should think strategically about combining warm, organic materials with cold, mineral ones to maintain fire safety while incorporating sustainable elements. Use materials that are both environmentally friendly and meet fire safety standards.
## Design and Specification Strategies
Ensure that design and specification documents support Gateway Two submissions effectively, which involves detailing fire safety measures alongside sustainability goals. Maintain thorough documentation to evidence competence in balancing sustainability and safety, as required by updated building regulations like the Building Safety Act.
## Integrating Fire Safety Measures
Incorporate fire safety features early in the design process to ensure they align with sustainability goals without compromising safety. Develop strategies that strike a balance between fire safety and sustainability by considering the overall building design and its impact on the environment.
## Collaboration and Communication
Work closely with clients and stakeholders to ensure that sustainability and safety needs are met through effective communication and collaborative design processes. Ensure that all team members, including the Principal Designer, have the necessary competence and training to handle fire, health, and life safety aspects while considering sustainability.
## Risk Management and Compliance
Identify potential risks early in the design process and develop strategies to mitigate them while maintaining sustainability goals. Stay updated with the latest building regulations and ensure compliance to avoid legal and safety issues.
The refurbishment of four historic residential blocks within Chelsea's Sutton Estate, by HTA Design and Civic Engineers, is an exemplar project that balances high-quality retrofit with a strong focus on fire safety. Darren Brennan emphasized the importance of early engagement with manufacturers in achieving compliant and coordinated fire safety strategies.
Siderise was brought in early during the design phase to address passive fire protection and drainage requirements for Waterhouse Gardens, a five tower residential development on the former Boddingtons Brewery site in Manchester. The event highlighted the need for early coordination, clear accountability, and cross-disciplinary understanding in delivering safe, sustainable, and compliant buildings.
The speakers also discussed the elemental relationship between fire and carbon, describing fire safety and sustainability as "two opposing forces in the building lifecycle." Ross used the Grenfell Tower refurbishment as a cautionary example, highlighting the dangers of unbalanced trade-offs between fire safety and operational carbon.
The Building Safety Act introduces new responsibilities that architects must integrate into every stage of design. Sam Harland, Associate Director at Civic Engineers, discussed the reshaping of responsibilities for structural engineers and design teams due to the Building Safety Act.
Fire Safety for Very Tall Buildings (2022) outlines fire safety objectives, and Siderise specifications packs provide direct access to product information, including data sheets, third-party certifications, standard details, and specification clauses through NBS, and BIM content.
In conclusion, achieving a balance between sustainability and safety in architectural design requires strategic thinking, effective communication, and a strong focus on fire safety. By following these best practices, architects can create buildings that are not only environmentally friendly but also safe and compliant.
Architects should ensure that their design and specification documents not only support fire safety measures but also sustainability goals, as required by updated building regulations such as the Building Safety Act. Effective communication and collaboration with clients and stakeholders are crucial to ensure that both sustainability and safety needs are met.
In keeping with this, architects should also think strategically about combining materials that are both environmentally friendly and meet fire safety standards, such as warm, organic materials with cold, mineral ones, to maintain fire safety while incorporating sustainable elements. This strategic material selection is essential for achieving a balanced approach to fire safety and sustainability in architectural design.
