NORTHCOTT THEATRE

PROJECT: Northcott Theatre, University of Exeter

CLIENT: University of Exeter

SCOPE OF PROJECT: Installation of smoke vent and associated smoke control panel and accessories

PRODUCTS: Es-Louvre and Em-Vent control panel

Call 01483 271371 Email sales@whitesales.co.uk Visit www.whitesales.co.uk

THE BENEFITS

• The Whitesales Es-Louvre smoke vent is designed for exposed buildings under high wind loads

• Because it is easily maintained from the outside, the theatre management didn’t have to source expensive crash deck for internal maintenance

• Independently tested and certified to EN12101-2 with a certified aerodynamic value that guarentees BS9999 D 5.4 Guidance for Total Smoke Ventilation

• Custom manufacture and bespoke sizing meant we provided optimum smoke extraction

• By incorporating the Em-Glaze aluminium structure, we created an integrated watertight unit that performs well thermally as well as delivering smoke extraction and natural ventilation for low-cost comfort

THE CHALLENGE

Northcott Theatre has a separate stage with a proscenium arch and fire safety curtain. This means that fire safety needs to comply with British Standards section D 5.4 for separate stage ventilation. Simply put, this involves providing natural exhaust ventilation through an aerodynamic-free area of 10% of the stage area. This can open automatically or by manual release from two specific locations.

The aperture above the stage equated to an aerodynamic aperture of 20.66sq m - which is just greater than the 20.24sq m required. However, a certified smoke ventilator to EN12101-2 standard was still required, with a known aerodynamic value which would not obstruct the aperture. The site situation also made the building vulnerable to high winds and our client wanted easy maintenance, optional manual reset capability and day-to-day comfort ventilation. The entire project needed to be completed during the summer holidays so that the theatre was ready for all duties come the autumn term.

THE SOLUTION

Whitesales’ engineers tested the potential of several design ideas, including boarding in and creating smaller apertures for additional individual smoke vents. Although these methods were effective, they were judged too costly. The final solution involved utilising a gable-ended ridgelight and incorporating 12 wind-resistant Es-Louvre smoke ventilators within the framework. Whitesales also designed, built and installed a dedicated custom-made control system certified to EN12101-10 to control the 24-volt actuators operating the vent louvres. This solution exceeds the stringent demands of BS9999 D 5.4 Guidance for Total Smoke Ventilation and meant that this part of the project was completed within one week.

Aerodynamic value important for University theatre

Whitesales promised and delivered within time, on budget, and proved to be a competent

and trustworthy partner in this project

Rob Pammenter, Intoheat Ltd