Old Library Redevelopment Project - High Pressure Water Mist (HPWM) Fire Suppression System for Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin

Description

Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin has awarded the Phase 1 contract for the HPWM Design, Testing and Certification to Mercury Engineering. Lot 1: Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin has now awarded the Phase 1 contract to Mercury Engineering. The Phase 1 contract comprises the system design, testing and certification, other elements of the contract deliverables are described below. Trinity College’s preferred means of fire suppression is a High Pressure Water Mist (HPWM) system (i.e. operating at pressures greater than 35 bar, but typically from 60 – 130 bar) designed on BS 8489-1:2016 or EN 14972-1:2020 (once issued), NFPA Standard 750 and based on actual fire test data relating to the hazard identified by the specialist designer and within the contract documents. The HPWM System shall be installed to provide both life and property protection within the Old Library building, Podium Visitor Centre (including Welcome Space) and the Basement Level Plantroom accommodation. The extent of the system will be limited to the areas of the refurbishment and development and will not protect the adjacent and connected existing buildings. Given the Historic nature, fire load and geometry of the Old Library, Podium, Visitor Centre (including Welcome Space) and Basement Level Plantroom Accommodation, it is likely that the majority of areas will be covered by an already undertaken and independent third-party certified fire test. This will require to be verified by the specialist contractor shortly after appointment. However, the unique nature of the Old Library’s Long Room will require the specialist HPWM contractor to undertake an independent third-party test to verify and certify that the HPWM system can meet or exceed the fire suppression requirements. The Long Room has an approximate height of 14.5m to highest point of arched wooden ceiling and is approx. 65m long. It comprises bookcase storage on both ground (first floor in building) and gallery levels, in bays accessed off the main space, with ceiling heights approx. 5m on both floors (arched wooden ceilings on the gallery level). The bookcases have a structural wooden frame which rises through to the attic above to support the building roof structure. On appointment to preferred specialist contractor status, the specialist shall allow for the design of the HPWM system throughout but subject to the fire test requirements noted below. The design will be carried out in conjunction with the Design Team members and Fire Engineers to ensure integration with the building historic significance and developed from the initial Design Team proposals. The Old Library Redevelopment Project is being part-funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Fáilte Ireland.