Product category:
Roofing and Roofllights
News Release from: Bilco | Subject: Grass-covered smoke ventilators
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 18 May 2007
Bilco 'grass covered' smoke vents
Leading access doors and vents manufacturer Bilco has completed delivery of 34 custom-built grass-covered smoke ventilators for the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre in Ireland.
The award-winning visitor centre has been designed as an eco-friendly building, built into the ground and covered by grassed hills to minimise any visual impact The ventilators, which will be used to allow smoke to escape in the event of a fire, were required to be effectively concealed in the hillside
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 3 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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James Fisher, regional sales and operations manager for Bilco, said: "The project was challenging for us because we had to design a ventilator that would allow 80 mm thick turf to grow on the top of each vent.
We had to ensure that the vents could open effectively under this load, as well as taking into consideration the effects of wind and snow".
The Bilco SS-50C plate construction hatches had to be modified to include 80 mm turf trays, 24 V DC motors and compression spring mechanisms which ensure that the motors are not subjected to heavy loads.
The project, which was managed by Bilco's distributor in Ireland and Northern Ireland, Newbridge Metal Products, also included the supply of battery-backed control systems which ensure the vents can be opened when needed within designated zones throughout the centre.
The building was designed by Reddy O'Riordan Staehli Architects which won an international architectural competition with its design for an underground visitor centre, set into the barren landscape of West Clare close to the edge of the 700 foot high cliffs.
John Leane of Reddy O'Riordan Staehli Architects said: "There was very little of this project that was 'off the shelf'.
Bilco and Newbridge Metal Products worked with us to design and develop ventilators that met the strict requirements of public safety whilst also fitting into our concept of a building concealed in the hillside.
"We were delighted with the support that Bilco and Newbridge Metal Products provided to bring this challenging project to a very successful conclusion".
The accommodation provided within the visitor centre includes an entrance foyer, tourist information area, retail space, interpretive areas, public toilet facilities, an audiovisual room, restaurant, kitchen and all associated staff facilities.
Construction commenced in 2005 and was completed in time for the recent official opening of the centre by Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern.
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