A blend of historic charm and modern functionality, the Printworks Belfast has undergone a significant renovation to meet the demands of contemporary office spaces while preserving its Victorian heritage. Central to this transformation is a robust fire safety system powered by Hochiki devices, ensuring the protection of occupants and the building’s architectural integrity.
The Printworks Belfast, a historic Victorian warehouse dating back to 1890, located in the heart of Belfast’s vibrant business district. Originally built for R Carswell & Son, a renowned printing and stationery firm, the building has undergone meticulous restoration. Angus Properties acquired the property in 2019 and has transformed it into a modern, open-plan office space while preserving its industrial character. Key features include a new atrium, cobbled courtyard, and additional floors with panoramic city views. The Printworks is now a sought-after location, offering flexible office spaces and potential retail or hospitality opportunities on the ground floor.
The comprehensive modernisation of the Printworks Belfast across its five floors, necessitated the installation of a robust life safety system that would safeguard future occupants while integrating sympathetically with the building’s historical features.
365 Fire Security, a premier provider of life safety solutions, was entrusted with installing the fire safety systems at Printworks Belfast. This marked the company’s inaugural use of Hochiki equipment, renowned for its dependability, quality, and user-friendly installation. The decision was influenced by a recommendation from James Morrison, National Key Accounts Manager for Hochiki, who highlighted the advantages of Hochiki’s cutting-edge technology and streamlined installation process.
The installation at Printworks Belfast encompassed a variety of standard heat and smoke detectors from Hochiki, interconnected to a central fire alarm control panel equipped with a selection of other Hochiki field devices. The heat and smoke sensors are engineered to deliver swift and precise fire detection, ensuring optimal safety for the building’s occupants.
Wesley Allan, Managing Director at 365 Fire Security explained how the Hochiki equipment proved to be an asset in the Printworks Belfast restoration project. “Its ease of installation was a significant advantage, given the complex nature of the building and the need to minimise disruptions during the upgrade works. Even though we installed over 500 devices, the process was remarkably smooth thanks to Hochiki’s consistent base design. This standardisation significantly simplified the installation process and reduced the overall project timeline.”
The detectors provide comprehensive fire protection across all five floors, offering reliable and early detection of potential hazards. Moreover, the devices seamlessly integrate with the building’s architectural elements, preserving its historic charm while ensuring state-of-the-art fire safety.
The successful installation of Hochiki’s fire detection system by 365 Fire Security has fortified Printworks Belfast with a robust and reliable life safety infrastructure. This project exemplifies the effectiveness of Hochiki’s technology in a complex, mixed-use building, balancing historical preservation and modern safety standards.
“Despite having no prior experience with Hochiki devices, the Printworks Belfast project has convinced us of their exceptional quality and reliability. Unless specified otherwise, we’ll now make Hochiki our first choice for fire detection systems and devices.”
Consequently, Printworks Belfast is now primed for its modern office space role, equipped with a fire safety system that safeguards both the building’s heritage and its occupants. The triumph of this installation marks a promising commencement for 365 Fire Security’s utilisation of Hochiki equipment, underscoring the systems’ user-friendliness, dependability, and effectiveness in intricate and demanding environments.
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