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Smoke control for 758-room modular development
Modern modular construction demands smoke control systems that meet stringent safety specifications while adapting to off-site manufacturing constraints. The Lewisham Exchange project required comprehensive fire safety engineering for 758 student rooms and 67 affordable homes across towers of 20 and 35 storeys.
The modular construction approach, while reducing construction waste by 90% compared to traditional methods, presented unique engineering challenges for smoke control system integration and compliance verification. Pre-fabricated modules required precise coordination between mechanical systems and structural elements, so the fire safety strategy needed to accommodate manufacturing tolerances while maintaining strict performance criteria. Traditional site-based installation methods would not suit this accelerated construction programme.
Key project metrics
Mixed-use development across 20 and 35 storey towers requiring comprehensive smoke control protection
Modular construction approach reduces construction waste compared to traditional building methods
Factory-tested, pre-configured fans reduce on-site commissioning time by approximately 40%
ZerAx fans deliver high efficiency with 98% recyclability rate after 20+ years lifespan
ZerAx fans deliver EN12101-3 compliance
The engineering team designed and delivered a comprehensive NOVENCO Clear Choice depressurisation system meeting all applicable standards. Because the modular approach demanded flexible integration, the solution needed to balance regulatory compliance with practical installation constraints. The team configured the system to work within pre-fabricated structural modules while ensuring full verification at each construction phase.
The installation encompasses lobby smoke ventilation for three separate staircases, final exit route protection with dedicated extract systems, basement smoke clearance for below-grade areas, and dual-purpose corridor ventilation using existing infrastructure. This integrated approach eliminated redundant ductwork while maintaining independent safety zones throughout the development.
System components and compliance
The system utilises highly efficient NOVENCO ZerAx smoke fans, engineered for compliance with EN12101-3 requirements. These fans are increasingly specified for BREEAM certified constructions due to verified high efficiency and 98% recyclability rate after 20+ years life span. The modular installation sequence required fans to arrive pre-configured and factory-tested, reducing on-site commissioning time by approximately 40%.
System components achieve comprehensive EN12101 series compliance across multiple categories. Natural smoke ventilators meet Part 2 requirements, while smoke fans comply with Part 3 specifications and include Danfoss FC102 frequency converters for exact design speed commissioning as per CFD specifications. Ductwork connecting fans to smoke shafts satisfies Part 7 standards, and smoke control dampers serving all lobbies achieve Part 8 compliance. Control systems meet both Part 9(pr) and Part 10 requirements, ensuring integrated system coordination.
The system design adheres to Smoke Control Association guidance documents and satisfies BS9991 and BS7346-8 requirements. The supply and extract ZerAx fan configurations ensure precise performance specifications with full commissioning verification. Each fan unit underwent individual performance testing before installation, providing documented evidence of compliance for building control approval. Fast-response pressure controls maintain optimum airflow during operational conditions.
90 %
waste reduction98 %
recyclabilityExcellent
BREEAM ratingEnvironmental performance excellence
The project achieved BREEAM 'Excellent' rating with rooftop photovoltaic panels supporting sustainable energy requirements, demonstrating integration of fire safety with environmental performance. The combination of high-efficiency fans, recyclable components, and dual-purpose ventilation contributed to the development's sustainability credentials while maintaining full code compliance.
Environmental performance excellence
The project achieved BREEAM 'Excellent' rating with rooftop photovoltaic panels supporting sustainable energy requirements, demonstrating integration of fire safety with environmental performance. The combination of high-efficiency fans, recyclable components, and dual-purpose ventilation contributed to the development's sustainability credentials while maintaining full code compliance.
Dual-purpose system design
The dual-purpose design incorporates separate fans for corridor heat extraction while utilising existing smoke shafts, maximising system efficiency while reducing infrastructure requirements. This configuration reduced overall system complexity by consolidating ventilation and smoke control functions where code requirements allowed.
Fast-response pressure controls maintain optimum airflow during operational conditions, ensuring the system performs precisely as designed under both normal and emergency conditions.
