Date: 18 December 2012
Pioneered by Bede Developments, ‘Zone Bede Park’ is an exclusive development which incorporates only the highest specification of products to provide a premium standard of living for those studying at De Montfort University.
Converting a three storey listed building into 49 studio and five two bedroom apartments, Bede Developments strived to future-proof the accommodation by specifying high quality materials and fittings throughout the whole development.
Working with fire protection consultant, Colt, Bede Developments designed the building to offer maximum containment and fire protection, with particular consideration given to the communal spaces on each of the floors – which included a number of glazed areas. Pyroguard EI30, with full integrity and insulation performance was identified as the best solution for achieving maximum protection.
Neil Thakkar and Viresh Popat, Partners in Bede Developments, explain: “To encourage true community spirit within the development, we designed three dedicated communal areas, which include a cinema room, chill-out lounge and leisure room/gym. Rather than have these closed off, we wanted to open up the space with natural light – but to achieve this required the installation of windows in the fire containment areas.
“Having exceeded the fire protection levels required throughout the building, we knew this could potentially be compromised with the addition of windows, so worked with CGI International to specify the best fire glass products. Moreover, the technical team at CGI provided us with extensive guidance to ensure the correct timber framing system was also installed.”
Covering a total area of approximately 18m2, nine Pyroguard EI30 INT screens at 2m x 1m were installed in hardwood timber frames. Supplied as cut sizes with detailed handling guidelines, Bede Developments was able to complete the installation efficiently and accurately to keep the project on track. Neil continues: “It genuinely was the complete solution with CGI International. They ensured we fully understood the importance of a system specification and saw this through to the on-time delivery of everything to site.”
In line with the premium standard of living being promoted, sound insulation was also a major consideration. Offering sound reduction of 38dB, Pyroguard EI30 INT supported Bede Developments in reducing the passage of sound from the communal areas into neighbouring living spaces. Finally, as the creation of bright, open and welcoming communal environments was a key objective, Pyroguard EI30 INT again provided an ideal specification with light transmission of 85%.
Paul Wakeling, Project & Specification Manager, CGI International, concludes: “Zone Bede Park is an excellent illustration of balancing style and substance. Offering the highest standard of living in terms of fixtures and fittings, the development gets the fundamentals right with the specification of high performance fire protection. Student residences and communal areas pose a real fire risk so it’s great to have been able to work on a project which sets a benchmark for best practice.”
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