Hochiki Europe protects historic war records in Lincoln 

Working closely with Freedom Fire and Security Maintenance, leading manufacturer of life safety systems, Hochiki Europe, has provided a range of solutions to The International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincoln. The memorial is home to one of the most comprehensive records of the Bomber Command unit in the world.
Lincolnshire is a county that contributed heavily to the United Kingdom’s efforts in World War II. It is for this reason that the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Tony Worth CVO, wanted to create a facility that would recognise and commemorate those who served in the Bomber Command Unit.
As part of the estimated £16million building project, local providers of fire and security systems, Freedom, were brought on board to specify and install a fire alarm system that would offer unparalleled performance without disrupting the aesthetics of the space.
Working closely with Hochiki Europe, Freedom selected a range of products from the company’s ESP range. The ESP collection of intelligent addressable fire detection and alarm equipment offers high performance and reliability, combined with an enhanced open protocol.
Recognising that many specifiers need to consider the aesthetics of life safety solutions as well as performance when selecting products, Hochiki Europe’s ESP range features ivory, black and white sensors.
Freedom opted to use black sensors to minimise their visual presence throughout the centre. It was for this same reason that the sensors had to be carefully positioned throughout the building. Having carried out multiple site surveys, Freedom fit the sensors so that both design and safety regulations were successfully met.
In total, 58 optical smoke sensors were installed throughout the site, along with three heat sensors, 23 remote LED indicators and 14 manual call points. All devices are controlled via two intelligent fire panels provided by Kentec Electronics, part of the Hochiki group of companies.
Speaking about the project, James Slater, manager at Freedom Fire and Security, commented: “These innovative solutions from Hochiki Europe have allowed us to offer the centre reliable and flexible solutions that protect these important records from behind the scenes.
“The fact that the ESP range features an open protocol is an added bonus for us, as it gives us even more flexibility on system design and installation.”
Neil Eves, Systems Sales Manager at Hochiki Europe, noted: “Due to high occupancy levels and complex layouts, museums and other large facilities, such as the International Bomber Command Centre, are particularly challenging environments when it comes to life safety. Our ESP range ensures all spaces can be protected to regulations efficiently, ensuring the safety of visitors and employees.”
“In buildings where aesthetics and design are also important, it’s vital to consider equipment which doesn’t compromise on the overall look and feel of the space. Using black sensors from our ESP range was key to achieving this in the new Lincoln memorial.”
The International Bomber Command Centre opened in January 2018. For more information on Hochiki Europe’s ESP intelligent product range, visit: www.hochikieurope.com/esp.
To find about more abut the International Bomber Command Centre, visit: www.internationalbcc.co.uk 
PHOTO CREDIT: International Bomber Command Centre