Hochiki technology supports sensitive fire safety installations in modern and historic sites

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjects

Hochiki delivers integrated fire safety for heritage and commercial buildings

Hochiki Europe has been selected for two major projects enhancing fire safety in heritage and commercial settings across the UK and Italy.

The company’s technology has been installed in the refurbishment of 77 Grosvenor Street in London and at Villa San Carlo near Vicenza.

Each project demonstrates the use of Hochiki’s Latitude control platform and hybrid detection technologies designed to preserve architectural character while delivering advanced safety integration.

Hochiki systems protect London heritage offices

Fire and security specialists Cornerstone appointed Hochiki Europe to supply life safety systems for the renovation of 77 Grosvenor Street, Mayfair.

The six-storey, 50,000-square-foot office required a fire detection system that would integrate with building management while maintaining the historic building’s aesthetic.

According to Cornerstone, the Latitude fire detection and alarm control system was chosen for its flexible cause and effect programming, modular scalability and ability to manage multi-level configurations.

To complete the installation, Cornerstone deployed Hochiki’s Enhanced System Protocol (ESP) addressable devices alongside the FIRElink aspirating detection system.

The company said the FIRElink technology is suited to spaces with high airflow or decorative finishes, with capillary sampling pipes concealed within the structure to minimise visual impact.

Hochiki Europe explained that the Latitude platform’s integration capability allows live communication with wider building management systems (BMS), enabling real-time monitoring and coordinated response.

Patrick Anthony, Project Manager at Cornerstone, said: “We have a trusted relationship with the Hochiki team.

“Their systems and devices are reliable, help reduce false alarms and are designed to aesthetically fade into the background, exactly what this project needed and delivers complete peace of mind for the management team.”

The completed project provides full fire protection across all levels of the office, ensuring compliance with modern standards while maintaining the property’s architectural integrity.

Hochiki supports fire detection upgrade at Villa San Carlo

Hochiki Europe technology was also selected for Villa San Carlo, a 13th-century Italian estate converted into a hotel and retreat near Vicenza.

Installer Ciemme Electronic srl designed a hybrid system combining Hochiki’s hardwired ESP devices with its Ekho wireless range to meet strict preservation and safety requirements.

According to Ciemme Electronic srl, the hybrid setup allowed the team to protect all areas, including a chapel and outbuildings, without altering historic structures.

Matteo Cecchin of Ciemme Electronic srl said: “We were asked to respect every architectural detail while ensuring complete fire protection.

“After a careful study of the various environments and the challenges related to system design and installation, we chose the flexibility and performance of Hochiki systems; the wireless devices were particularly important for preserving the interiors: this system represents a perfect balance between safety and heritage preservation.”

Cecchin continued: “Hochiki’s Latitude system, combined with ESP devices and the Ekho wireless range, gave us exactly what we needed: smooth installation, reliable performance, and the ability to maintain the character of the Villa.”

Hochiki’s distribution partner An.Bo Technology supported the project through system supply and technical coordination.

Antonio Bozzato, owner of An.Bo Technology, said: “We have been working with Hochiki for a long time, and our customers appreciate the versatility and reliability of these products.

“The hybrid wireless system, in particular, is proving to be perfect for many applications, particularly in this case with the historical site of Villa San Carlo hotel.”

Hochiki Europe said the Villa San Carlo project demonstrates the adaptability of its fire detection systems to diverse architectural environments.

Technical and design integration across both projects

Both installations highlight the flexibility of the Latitude control platform for multi-zone buildings and heritage sites.

According to Hochiki Europe, the systems’ modularity allows for scalable configuration, integration with BMS infrastructure and compatibility with both wired and wireless detection technologies.

The use of ESP and Ekho ranges, combined with the FIRElink aspirating solution, enables coverage of complex sites where aesthetics and structural preservation are priorities.

Hochiki said these examples reflect the company’s continued work with installers and distributors to deliver solutions suited to high-spec offices, hotels and protected properties.

Integrated design and protection for complex sites

These projects demonstrate the practical application of modern fire detection technology in heritage and high-end environments.

The installations are particularly relevant for electrical contractors, system designers, fire engineers and facilities managers involved in retrofitting or preserving historic and premium buildings.

For engineers and specifiers, the projects provide insight into how hybrid systems using ESP, Ekho and FIRElink technologies can overcome wiring limitations while achieving complete coverage.

For property management and maintenance teams, the integration of Latitude panels with building management systems supports centralised control, fault tracking and compliance reporting.

How Armstrong’s HVAC systems help protect Egypt’s priceless artefacts

by Featured NewsMiddle East - ProjectsProjects

Armstrong supplies HVAC systems for Grand Egyptian Museum

Armstrong Fluid Technology has supplied a full suite of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) pumping systems and pressurisation units for the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo.

According to the company, the project was delivered in partnership with Gabtic Engineering to provide precise environmental control across the 110,000 m² complex.

Constructed by the BESIX–Orascom Construction Joint Venture, the GEM is described as the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilisation.

The facility’s design required systems capable of maintaining stable temperature, air quality and humidity for the long-term preservation of ancient artefacts.

Equipment supplied for precision and reliability

Armstrong said its scope of supply included Primary and Secondary Chilled Water Pumps, Condenser Water Pumps, Hot Water Primary and Secondary Pumps, and both Chilled and Hot Water Pressurisation Units.

Key equipment comprised Design Envelope Sensorless 4300 series and VIL 4300 vertical in-line pumps.

The company explained that these products combine efficient operation, reduced maintenance needs and lower energy use, while also offering compact installation across large-scale HVAC networks.

Kiran Dharwadkar, National Sales Manager in Africa, said: “Our advanced VIL/DE pump technology and Design Envelope solutions were selected for their proven reliability, energy efficiency and seamless integration into complex systems.

“These intelligent systems deliver exceptional hydraulic performance while minimizing footprint and simplifying installation across the museum’s extensive HVAC network.

“With sensorless control, built-in intelligence and minimal maintenance requirements, Armstrong’s solutions ensure consistent comfort, reduced operating costs and long-term sustainability for this landmark facility.”

Partnerships highlight engineering expertise

Qusai Abuabed, Sales Director Türkiye & MEA at Armstrong Fluid Technology, said: “The Grand Egyptian Museum represents not only a cultural milestone for Egypt but also a historic moment in Armstrong’s legacy.

“We are proud to be part of this World Heritage project, contributing our global expertise and advanced technologies to help preserve Egypt’s rich cultural legacy for future generations.”

Hussein El Alfy, CEO of Gabtic Engineering, added: “Partnering with Armstrong on the Grand Egyptian Museum was a defining moment for Gabtic.

“The project demanded uncompromising quality, precision and reliability – values that Armstrong consistently delivers.

“Together, we ensured that every system performed flawlessly to meet the expectations of one of the most significant cultural institutions in the world.”

Contribution to global HVAC innovation

Armstrong stated that its involvement in the GEM project reflects its wider role in supporting sustainable, intelligent HVAC systems for critical infrastructure projects worldwide.

The company said the project demonstrates how its engineered solutions can provide energy-efficient performance while meeting the environmental requirements of sensitive cultural and heritage environments.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The Grand Egyptian Museum project demonstrates the integration of advanced HVAC systems in high-value facilities where environmental stability is essential for preservation and safety.

For building services engineers and facility managers, Armstrong’s sensorless pump control and pressurisation systems show how precise environmental regulation can protect both human occupants and vulnerable materials.

Mechanical and electrical engineers may note the relevance of these systems for controlling humidity and airflow in large, enclosed public venues where fire safety and air quality overlap.

The project also offers insights for procurement teams evaluating energy-efficient HVAC solutions in cultural, educational or heritage infrastructure with strict environmental requirements.

New Hochiki system eliminates waking watch costs at residential sites

by EvacuationFeatured NewsFire DetectionProjects

Reliable fire detection replaces waking watch monitoring

Cornerstone Group has partnered with Hochiki Europe to replace waking watch systems with a fully compliant fire detection solution across three luxury apartment blocks in Gravesend, North Kent.

The new installation follows the removal of temporary waking watch arrangements that were introduced after fire risks were identified in high-rise buildings across the UK following the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Hochiki Europe said the new setup combines its ESP addressable devices, Latitude control panels and Ekho hybrid wireless units to deliver a flexible, open protocol solution suitable for long-term safety compliance.

Upgrading systems to meet modern safety standards

The company explained that the combination of hard wired and wireless devices provided full coverage with minimal disruption to residents.

ESP addressable detectors were installed in common corridors, while wireless Ekho devices were fitted within apartment hallways where cabling would have been impractical.

Latitude EN54 compliant control panels manage both device types within a single system, providing consistent event reporting and enabling future integration with other building safety technologies.

According to Hochiki Europe, this approach ensures both flexibility and scalability for evolving building requirements.

Installation challenges and project delivery

Cornerstone Group said that gaining access to individual flats presented challenges during installation, as appointments often needed to be rearranged to suit residents’ schedules.

The team maintained clear communication and worked around tenant availability to complete the works efficiently while ensuring every property was properly protected.

A representative from Cornerstone Group said: “We chose Hochiki because their product reliability is proven and the support in sales was very responsive.

“If we ever needed it, technical help was always first class and helped keep the project on schedule.”

Hochiki Europe confirmed that the final system now provides consistent and high performance detection across all three residential blocks, removing the need for manual monitoring and reducing long-term costs for building owners.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This project demonstrates how hybrid fire detection technologies can support the transition away from manual waking watch arrangements toward fully compliant systems that meet evolving safety regulations.

It provides a practical example for fire engineers, system installers and building services managers involved in high-rise residential safety upgrades.

The use of open protocol systems also highlights the value of flexibility and future scalability in addressing long-term fire risk management.

The case may inform future retrofit decisions in multi-occupancy residential settings where wiring constraints and access limitations are common.

Zurich Resilience Solutions open new facility with Johnson Controls

by Breaking NewsProjects

Zurich Resilience Solutions has opened a new state-of-the art fire protection training facility in Enschede, Netherlands, in collaboration with Johnson Controls International, a global leader in fire suppression solutions.

The TechXchange Fire Suppression Center, which provides an immersive learning experience, welcomed its first participants earlier this month.

Experiencing fire protection in action

According to the announce from Zurich Resilience Solutions, fire is the second most frequent cause of property damage, surpassed only by flooding.

Every year, fire results in billions in insured losses worldwide. Fixed fire protection and suppression is the most effective way to safeguard a business from the potentially severe financial, operational, reputational and legal consequences that a fire can bring.

Features of the training

Comprehensive preparation, inspection testing and maintenance of fire protection systems are essential for effective response.

Zurich’s experts at the TechXchange Fire Suppression Center offer customized courses for customers across a diverse range of industries.

Participants benefit from advanced, hands-on training environments, including:

  • Full sprinkler system demonstrations from water tank to discharge
  • A special hazards room featuring industrial fire risk scenarios
  • Commercial kitchen equipment with extinguishing systems
  • Demonstrations of water mist and gas extinguishing technologies

Zurich Resilience Solutions also leverages the facility to continually develop the expertise of its own risk engineers.

The Group’s more than 160 fire safety specialists participate in intensive, two-week training courses, designed and delivered by Zurich’s in-house experts.

Global Head, Zurich Resilience Solutions, Dirk De Nil’s statement

Dirk De Nil, Global Head of Zurich Resilience Solutions explained: “There are countless reasons a fire can break out in a factory, high-rise office building or warehouse.

“Our mission is to help our customers prevent damage from happening. We carry out more than 60,000 inspections at customer sites each year.

“With this new center, we ensure our teams have the right skills to provide effective risk management advice and deliver actionable insights for our customers.”

This new facility aims to reflect Zurich’s ongoing dedication to helping customers anticipate, prevent and manage fire risk with greater confidence.

Zurich Resilience Solutions open new facility with Johnson Controls: Summary

Zurich Resilience Solutions has opened a new state-of-the art fire protection training facility in Enschede, Netherlands, in collaboration with Johnson Controls International, a global leader in fire suppression solutions.

London Fire Brigade plan to refurbish its headquarters

by Breaking NewsProjects

London Fire Brigade has revealed it has submitted a planning application for the refurbishment of its site at 8 Albert Embankment.

The application also includes plans to modernise Lambeth Fire Station, which forms part of the building.

8 Albert Embankment site

The building at 8 Albert Embankment was constructed by the Brigade in the 1930’s as a combined fire station and office block.

The fire station occupies the ground and first floors of the building, with six floors of office space above.

The office space was used as the Brigade’s headquarters until 2008 when it was relocated to Southwark.

It is currently vacant and the plans will make use of the Brigade’s own estate, rather than continue leasing commercial property.

The proposed plans will see the building’s vacant office space refurbished and brought back into service.

These offices will become home to the essential support services that make up the Brigade’s headquarters function.

Renovating Lambeth Fire Station

Alongside the renovated office space, work will be carried out to upgrade and refit Lambeth Fire Station.

This will include new equipment stores and workspaces, as well as remodeled accommodation for firefighters.

As a Grade II listed structure, extra care will be taken to preserve key historic elements found in the building’s original design.

The training space in the yard and drill tower will also receive investment and the appliance bays will be adapted to accommodate specialist vehicles if required.

As a part of the proposals, a new space will be created, centred around the Brigade’s existing Memorial Hall, where the sacrifice of fallen London firefighters is remembered.

This space will allow the Brigade’s historic collection to be displayed, which will be used for educational purposes and community outreach.

There will also be a community room for local residents and groups to use.

To ensure the views and needs of nearby residents and the local community were considered, the Brigade conducted a series of consultations with the local community prior to submitting this planning application, which follows a thorough options appraisal.

Fire Commissioner, London, Jonathan Smith’s statement

London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith said: “Moving our headquarters back to its historic location in Lambeth is not just the right decision for the Brigade, but also for London and Londoners.

“By refurbishing and modernising an existing building we will be offering the best value for Londoners and maintaining an important presence on the Thames and in the heart of London.

“These plans will deliver an upgraded fire station to serve the people of Lambeth as well as some of London’s most celebrated locations.”

New Pig raise funds for Beatson Cancer Charity

by Breaking NewsProjects

New Pig, the health and safety specialists, have raised funds for Beatson Cancer Charity after a team of 17 completed the annual `Off the Beatson Track’ 10k walk.

The team, from New Pig’s European headquarters – a provider of products to control leaks, drips and spills – joined hundreds of participants on Sunday 24 August to support people affected by cancer across the west of Scotland.

`Off the Beatson Track’ walk

Colleagues from across the business followed a scenic route through Glasgow’s West End, starting and finishing at the Riverside Museum and walking along the banks of the River Kelvin.

Since its launch 11 years ago, the walk has attracted more than 20,000 participants, covering over 124,000 miles.

Fully accessible and family-friendly, the event has become known as Glasgow’s brightest sponsored walk.

New Pig colleagues, including Director of European Marketing and E-Commerce, Ashley Ventilla-Logan, helped raise £4,784 for the charity, which provides specialist care, research and practical and emotional support for patients and their families.

Director of European Marketing and E-Commerce, New Pig Europe, Ashley Ventilla-Logan’s statement

Ashley Ventilla-Logan, Director of European Marketing and E-Commerce at New Pig Europe said: “We wanted to take part in the Beatson Cancer Charity ‘Off the Beatson Track’ 10k this year because many of our staff have had family or loved ones affected by cancer.

“Taking part was a wonderful way for our team to come together, raise funds and support such an important cause.

“Events like these are a key part of New Pig’s ongoing commitment to charitable causes and corporate social responsibility, and we look forward to continuing to give back to the communities we serve.”

New Pig has already supported several charity initiatives and has more fundraising events planned throughout 2025/26 as part of its commitment to CSR and community support.

New Pig raise funds for Beatson Cancer Charity: Summary

New Pig, the health and safety specialists, have raised funds for Beatson Cancer Charity after a team of 17 completed the annual `Off the Beatson Track’ 10k walk.

Fire protection upgrades planned for 30 Edinburgh tower blocks under new contract

by Featured NewsPassiveProjectsSafety

City of Edinburgh Council awards £61 million fire protection contract to Harmony Fire

Council approves major fire protection investment

The City of Edinburgh Council has awarded a £61 million fire protection contract to Harmony Fire.

The contract covers 30 multi-storey residential buildings in the city centre.

Harmony Fire said the project forms part of a wide-ranging fire safety upgrade programme.

The company confirmed that the works will be delivered through the Prosper Passive Fire Safety Framework.

According to Harmony Fire, this makes it one of the largest internal fire safety upgrade schemes of its kind in the UK.

Programme to enhance fire safety across city housing

Harmony Fire will deliver a series of fire protection measures across the affected buildings.

The works will include upgrading entrance, communal and ancillary doorways.

The company will also carry out improvements to fire stopping, compartmentation and mechanical services.

The upgrades are part of the council’s wider effort to futureproof its residential property portfolio.

Partnership builds on existing collaboration

Harmony Fire said this latest contract builds on its established relationship with the City of Edinburgh Council.

Previous work included the installation of 60-minute (FD60) compliant fire-rated door sets in other residential sites.

Amos Thomas, Pre-Construction Director at Harmony Fire, commented on the council’s approach: “By embarking on one of the largest internal fire safety investment programmes of its type across the UK, the City of Edinburgh Council is making clear its commitment to providing safe and secure homes for residents.

“It also allows the council to fast-track this critical improvement scheme through the Prosper framework.

“This approach maximises procurement efficiencies, facilitating vital early contractor engagement and setting the conditions for best value and project success from the outset.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This contract will be of particular relevance to fire-protection contractors, installation specialists and local authority housing officers.

The City of Edinburgh Council’s use of the Prosper Passive Fire Safety Framework provides a practical example of large-scale procurement and delivery of fire safety upgrades across residential properties.

For contractors and consultants, the project demonstrates the scope of coordinated fire-protection programmes that integrate multiple measures, including door upgrades, compartmentation and fire stopping.

For engineers and building services professionals, it illustrates how mechanical systems are being upgraded alongside passive fire protection to improve overall safety in multi-storey residential buildings.

Why Traffic Group Signals turned to S Jones for safer battery charging

by Featured NewsProjectsSafety

S Jones Containers develops safe battery charging solution for Traffic Group Signals

Container conversion specialist S Jones Containers has completed a custom-built battery charging facility for Traffic Group Signals.

The project was designed to provide a secure and compliant space to charge lead acid batteries at the manufacturer’s new site.

Traffic Group Signals required a solution for charging Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) batteries that power its traffic light systems.

Because hydrogen gas can be released during the charging process, the risk of fire or explosion made it impossible to insure a facility within the new building.

S Jones Conversions was therefore commissioned to design a standalone, containerised solution that could be installed away from the main premises and allow emergency service access if needed.

Design engineers develop tailored two-compartment system

The conversion team at S Jones worked closely with Traffic Group Signals to create a system that met all operational and safety requirements.

The design used a 20ft high cube side-opening ISO shipping container, adapted by S Jones engineers at its dedicated workshop.

A fire alarm system was integrated with a relay link to a contactor safety circuit, cutting power to the charging compartment automatically in the event of an alarm or manual e-stop activation.

The company’s patented Contain-a-Lock system was installed to add security.

The unit was divided into two sections using a fire-rated, gas-sealed bulkhead.

The smaller section houses standard charging equipment, while the larger compartment contains bespoke racking to hold up to 48 12v VRLA batteries.

Each rack position includes dummy DC charging connectors to keep cables clear when loaded by forklift truck.

Ventilation and safety systems meet British Standard requirements

All construction and installation followed BS EN IEC 62485-2:2018, the Safety Requirements for Secondary Batteries and Battery Installation.

S Jones engineers calculated the highest possible hydrogen emission rate based on full simultaneous charging of all 48 batteries.

Based on this modelling, the team installed a ventilation system incorporating ATEX Zone 1 lighting and an ATEX Zone 1 fan-forced air design.

A secondary safety fan was added to ensure hydrogen levels would remain below explosion limits even in the event of a fan failure.

The ATEX ventilation circuit operates automatically whenever any of the 48 chargers is switched on.

Collaboration ensures technical compliance and project delivery

Andrew Nicholls, Head of Conversions at S Jones Containers, said: “As with every project we undertake, every detail here was carefully considered by our in-house design engineers to make sure the unit perfectly met the criteria from a safety and usability perspective.

“It also allowed the customer’s fire alarm to connect fully to its existing battery management system for remote monitoring.

“The positioning of the DC cables was such that in the event of forklift truck damage to an individual cable, it could be quickly replaced to minimise plant downtime.

“We pride ourselves on providing a solution that goes beyond meeting regulations and which ticks all the boxes for our customers.”

Mark Hutchinson, Director at The Traffic Group, commented: “The design and construction of a bespoke battery charging facility was new ground for Traffic Group Signals.

“S Jones provided us with advice on the design and technical aspects of our proposed unit, having listened to our original requirements.

“They guided us through the options available to us, to arrive at a design that not only fulfilled our needs but complied to all the relevant safety standards.

“They involved us throughout the process and completed the unit to the agreed schedule.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Battery charging environments are high-risk areas where hydrogen gas emissions can lead to fire or explosion if not managed correctly.

This case shows how containerised systems designed to BS EN IEC 62485-2:2018 can provide compliant, isolated charging facilities for industrial and manufacturing sites.

The project highlights the practical use of ATEX-rated equipment, fire-rated bulkheads and automated ventilation circuits in reducing ignition hazards.

Fire safety engineers, risk assessors and facility managers working with battery storage and charging systems can take reference from this installation’s design, which integrates active fire detection, automatic shutdown, and gas-safe ventilation control.

The approach may inform future planning and insurance compliance for facilities using lead acid or other energy storage technologies.