Hochiki installation supports mixed-use redevelopment in Wales
Hochiki Europe has reported the installation of its ESP Addressable fire detection system at Scott Harbour, a redeveloped site in Cardiff Bay.
According to Hochiki Europe, the 90,000 sq ft former office building has been converted into 78 homes and retail units by Rightacres Property Company Limited.
The manufacturer stated that the development needed a detection system that could accommodate both residential and commercial spaces.
It said the ESP system was specified by Huvo and installed by P.E.S. Fire and Security.
The installation included integrated alarm zoning, automatic vent controls, and aesthetic compatibility with the refurbished interior.
System adapted to support layout changes
Hochiki Europe stated that the ESP system was selected for its capacity to operate across different functional areas while enabling ongoing reconfiguration.
The manufacturer said it was designed to provide zoned alarm coverage that can be adjusted without new wiring.
The company explained that this feature supports future changes in tenancy or internal layout.
According to P.E.S. Fire and Security, the flexible design removed the need for repeated system rewiring.
Martin Truscott, Managing Director at P.E.S. Fire and Security, said: “Hochiki’s ESP range made installation remarkably easy, especially when faced with the continual changes to the layout. This flexibility allowed us to adapt to the projects evolving requirements, without needing a complete redesign of the overall system wiring.”
Heat detection and AOV control in apartments
The system includes heat detectors installed near apartment entrances to monitor escape routes.
Hochiki said these devices interface directly with automatic opening vents (AOVs), activating them in the event of a fire.
It added that the use of heat detectors, rather than smoke detectors, was intended to reduce false alarms in the residential parts of the development.
This configuration was designed to preserve clear evacuation routes without causing disruption to residents.
According to the company, these measures reflect the differing needs of a mixed-use building.
Integration with wider building services
Hochiki Europe stated that the detection system was fully integrated with Building Management Systems and safety infrastructure.
This included sprinkler controls, pump activation, access control systems, and solar PV technology.
The manufacturer said the aim was to provide a single coordinated fire response strategy across the entire development.
It added that this approach improves safety management across residential and commercial zones.
The integration was designed to enable simultaneous response to fire events and to limit manual intervention.
Installation suited to design-sensitive interiors
Hochiki said that devices from the ESP Addressable range were chosen to align with the interior design.
It reported that product selection prioritised discretion, allowing detectors and sounders to blend with the refurbished aesthetic.
This was considered particularly important in a high-profile redevelopment intended to provide affordable housing.
The system was also configured to minimise disruption to future tenants, according to the company.
Hochiki stated that visual impact and placement of devices were considered during installation planning.
System designed to reduce false alarms
The company said that reducing false alarm incidents was a key part of the system’s configuration.
Hochiki explained that this was especially relevant due to the building’s mixed residential and commercial use.
It added that the ESP system includes design features aimed at stable performance in varied environments.
The manufacturer said that future maintenance demands were also considered during specification.
It added that the project reflects broader goals around long-term safety and efficient building reuse.
Hochiki fire detection system installed at Cardiff Bay: Summary
Hochiki Europe reported the installation of its ESP Addressable fire detection system at Scott Harbour in Cardiff Bay.
The development was led by Rightacres Property Company Limited.
It involved converting a 90,000 sq ft office building into 78 homes and commercial units.
P.E.S. Fire and Security completed the installation.
Huvo was responsible for system specification.
The fire detection system includes zoning, AOV interfacing, and BMS integration.
It supports layout flexibility without requiring rewiring.
Heat detectors were placed to safeguard corridor escape routes.
The system integrates with sprinklers, pumps, and solar PV.
It was configured to reduce false alarms.
Device design was chosen to match the refurbished interior.
Installation supports future tenant changes and maintenance access.
Hochiki said the system reflects ESG principles through building reuse.
The company said the system would provide long-term reliability.