Challenge
What is the most effective way to protect this wooden construction from the spread of fire if the walls, ceilings and even the facade are combustible?
Solution
- Internal simulations and analyses through research and development gave the following result:
- A water vapour fire-extinguishing system using the low-pressure vapour extinguishing system EconAqua
- The low-pressure water vapour fire-extinguishing system uses around 85% less water than conventional sprinklers. In the event of a fire, water damage will be kept to a minimum – a major consideration in wooden constructions, which suffer much greater damage as a result of fire-fighting water than, for instance, reinforced concrete constructions.
- As less water is used, less room is needed to store water supplies
- Fastening to combustible wall and ceiling constructions using double brackets developed internally
Year
2012–2013
Key project figures
- Largest wooden building in Germany with exceptional fire protection concept
- Five-storey building, using solid wood construction techniques from the second floor upwards
- Won the "sprinkler protected" award from the bvfa (Bundesverband vorbeugender Brandschutz, German Preventative Fire Protection Association)
Facts and figures on Caverion’s role
- Around 700 sprinkler heads
- Water supply of around 20 m³
- Compressed sprinkler protection for the windows, to prevent flames from jumping from the facade into the rooms (and vice versa)
- Ground floor divided into two fire compartments using a fire-protection curtain. Here, conventional sprinklers have been fitted using compression techniques.