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Birmingham's Symphony Hall

Symphony Hall is the centrepiece of Birmingham’s Centenary Square and is considered one of the finest concert halls in the world. In 2020, work commenced on a £13.2m project entitled ‘Making an Entrance’ where the creation of a new foyer would create a focal point within the venue for artistic performance, as well as being a learning and creative hub, so allowing multiple events to be staged under one roof. During the early stages of the project, the team at SE Controls was approached to facilitate all stages of a bespoke smoke ventilation system for a venue, which has a seating capacity of over 2,000 and hosts around 270 events annually.

Details:

Application:
Smoke
Location:
Europe
Sector:
Leisure

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Challenge

Working to the client’s exacting brief, which encompassed the design, installation, and commission of a fully compatible Smoke Control System for the latest development stage of Birmingham’s iconic Symphony Hall.

Solution

The key to the installation is SE Controls’ powerful OSLoop Control System which distributes power and data to the network. At the same time, it intelligently monitors the current requirements of the system, detailing how and when the Manual Control Panel Points (MCPs) in the system can call on this power to activate the Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs).

In a fire situation, smoke is vented via a fire-resistant smoke control damper integrated into a bespoke spigot/shaft ventilation system, both fire rated at 2 hours.

The system is topped off by a roof-mounted stack fan assembly offering a compact footprint, so minimising roof space requirements.

System monitoring is conducted via a number of SE Controls’ Tamper Proof Manual Control Points (MCPs), developed to eliminate unauthorised or false system activation, whilst delivering the functionality of an MCP in accordance with pr EN12101-9.

Along with acting as the basis of a system monitor, the MCP offers fully intelligent zone control panel monitoring, including:

  • Smoke Detector Inputs

  • Cable Outputs

  • Smoke Vent Positions

If a fault is detected by the MCP a local alarm is raised and a signal is sent to the coordinator, which triggers a remote alarm.

These alarms are displayed on a SHEVTEC Repeater Panel located in the International Convention Centre, which also manages building safety and security for Symphony Hall.

In the event of a fire, the panel provides instant information on the affected area as well as providing system status information for routine maintenance and diagnostic checks.

The Result

Today the latest phase of the development of Symphony Hall is protected with a fully compliant compact Smoke Ventilation System that meets all current standards relating to modern Smoke Ventilation Systems.

As with all systems of this type, it has two key roles:

  • To protect escape routes, venting smoke away from them to allow occupants to evacuate the building safely.

  • Provide greater access to the building for the fire service allowing them to tackle the fire more effectively.

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Case Study