Architects in dark about DD 9999 and BS 9251

Architects are missing out on the chance to give clients the best service they possibly can by failing to take on board two codes of practice, says a leading training consultant.

The codes, which relate to fire safety and sprinkler systems, have the potential to open architectural options but many, it appears, are simply unaware of the new rules which were introduced in 2005.

Codes DD 9999 and BS 9251 don't just mean more design freedom, they can also cut costs to clients, according to Trevor Norwood, of Xact Consultancy and Training.

Mr Norwood said: "Both DD 9999 and BS 9251 are good news for architects because the codes give them more opportunities for cost-saving design.

In a nutshell, they mean more choice for clients, greater flexibility for designers themselves and less expense.

I have been conducting widespread research among architect practices, building control managers and residential sprinkler installers.

The message I am picking up is that there is a lack of awareness among architects about the codes and the advantages they offer.

Getting the right training in these areas makes both professional and business sense to architects in the UK.

Currently, many are missing out on fantastic opportunities to enjoy more flexibility and cost-saving." The codes relate to fire safety in the design, construction and use of buildings and sprinkler systems for residential and domestic occupancies.

Normally architects are required to follow the guidance on building regulations contained in Approved Document B DD 9999 offers an alternative standard that introduces significant design freedoms while still meeting the functional requirements of building regulations.

DD 9999 means you can take into account travel time rather than distance when it comes to getting out of blazing buildings.

Under the new code, other factors that impact on the time it takes to get to exits can be taken into consideration.

These include the building's use and its features, such as ceiling height.

Automatic fire alarms and sprinklers also offer greater flexibility.

How the building is managed from a fire safety point of view can also be considered along with issues such as the management and control of buildings; how fire develops and smoke extraction systems".

Fire engineer Mr John Streets, a senior consultant with Xact, said: "To give an example of how DD 9999 helps architects, let's consider how ceiling height can impact on design options.

It's a fact that rooms with higher ceilings offer greater safety because they act as smoke reservoirs.

This means a five-metre high ceiling will allow travel distance to exits to be increased by 15 per cent and exit, corridor and staircase widths reduced by the same amount.

Other factors which can now be taken into account under the code are automatic fire alarms and sprinkler.

Depending on the occupancy of the building, it may be possible to increase travel distance by 100 per cent and cut exit, corridor and staircase widths by 50 per cent.

Being aware of vital factors like these opens exciting new, and cheaper, solutions for architects.

The implications for architects are startling.

Basically, the code means more spacious rooms with less exits and staircases than ADB permits".

Andrew Kitching is a building engineer and licensed approved inspector.

He runs leading corporate building control practice, Approved Design Consultancy Limited, which is based in Cannock, Staffordshire.

Mr Kitching echoes the findings of Xact's training consultants.

He said: "We find DD 9999 an essential tool in establishing compliance for a wide range of commercial development projects.

It is an essential reference document, indeed the only reference document that establishes a risk profile in an objective and quantifiable manner.

We find awareness of the document generally lacking amongst architects but we are doing our best to change this".

BS 9251 is the other code of practice that has the potential to make life easier for architects.

A working knowledge of this code, which concerns sprinkler systems for residential and domestic occupancies, offers more flexibility and design freedom by, for example, doing away with the need for fire doors, allowing development of land-locked plots and offering alternative disabled escape strategies.

Mr Streets says: "The advantage of sprinklers is that they allow compliance with building regulations in the event of problems over means of escape or fire service access.

In listed, unconventional or unusual buildings, including sprinklers in a specification will often enable architects to comply with building regulations in a more cost-effective manner than was the case before the introduction of the code".

So for architects wanting to expand their creative and design potential, investing in proper professional training in these codes of practice appears to be the way forward.

As a result of his research into this area, Mr Norwood has set up two new courses via training company Xact aimed specifically at architects and covering the codes.

They are available through open courses or in-house.

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