A focus on the human in the building video
The entire Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Services and Sprinkler systems were redesigned and installed to the new post fire layouts. Working closely with our design and construction partners, the various challenges of working on restoring the building were overcome collaboratively with the team
The biggest change was the significant improvement in the energy rating of the building from an “E” pre fire to a “B” EPC post Fire. The nett impact was 30% on the thermal performance and energy reduction as a consequence. This equates to a circa 2,900 mWh total energy reduction and 500,000 kgCO2 total carbon reduction.
As part of the rebuild and design of the historic Banks building the property insurers requested an enhanced full storage, dual supply sprinkler system to be incorporated, this involved diverting a pre existing Culvert under the historic Banks Building and creating a new basement level for Life safety Plant, large water tanks and pump room.
Due to the heritage of the building and its central location in Belfast, diesel pumps could not be facilitated from a maintenance perspective and dual electric pumps were required; this ensures a LPC compliant design, the installation of a dedicated 1.4MW backup generator was required which needed to be carefully designed and coordinated into the building. A challenge in itself.
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