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With an intricate design such as that of SkyCity, it can be challenging to integrate necessary safety features without compromising the aesthetics. Wormald, the company responsible for installing a fixed fire protection system in the refurbished areas of SkyCity, was an integral part of a service construction team that met weekly to discuss challenges for each stage of the refurbishment, says project manager John Barclay.

"We had to overcome difficult building features, such as non-standard coves, and adjust our systems accordingly, ensuring that both the integrity of the system and the aesthetics of the design were retained."

Concealed sprinkler heads were used to meet these needs. Wormald also installed colour-matched escutcheons for the concealed sprinklers. These were purpose made for this particular assignment, says Barclay.

"Those that were not concealed were installed in less obtrusive positions. Non-conventional design features such as fabric pyramid ceilings and acrylic shells required additional fire engineering, and approvals from Verifire, as these materials are more flammable than standard materials."

Also due to the non-conventional design, there was a need for more complex hydraulic calculations in terms of the correct number of sprinkler heads required in each zone, to meet New Zealand standards.

Wormald is a leading provider of fire protection solutions. It has been designing, manufacturing, supplying, installing and servicing fire detection and protection systems since 1889.

For information, contact Wormald, 6 Portage Road, New Lynn, Auckland, freephone 0800 4 Wormald (4967 6253). Email: wormald.questions.nz@tycoint.com. Website: www.wormald.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas