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.