Precision actuators and controls combine fire safety with ventilation

The DEA has been awarded a 6 Star Green rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa after achieving the highest score for a large commercial office due to its energy efficient, sustainable design and use of environmentally friendly technologies.

Designed by architects Boogertman & Partners, the three storey office consists of more than 27,000 m² of floor space and uses solar shading, water recycling and extensive photo-voltaic arrays, producing more than 10% of the building’s annual energy load.

Several self contained pods that are naturally ventilated by atrium vents and automatically opening windows have been incorporated around the building’s internal space, whilst a mixed mode natural ventilation system manages indoor air quality and temperature.

Vent and window operation

Vents and windows are operated by 104 of SE Controls’ SECO N 24 40 600mm stroke length chain actuators and controlled by 20 OS2 Type 21 control panels.

PIR sensors were also installed on each automatically opening window to prevent finger entrapment during operation, with the complete system being installed and commissioned by specialist contractor, Robertson Ventilation Industries, to meet safety and environmental requirements.

The natural ventilation system is linked to the evaporative cooling system and smoke control system via the central BMA and operated in ‘night purging’ mode to cool the building and reduce the need for artificial cooling during the hot summer months.

Cooling and smoke control

The system’s varied choice of modes helps maintain a comfortable level of cooling whilst also providing effective smoke control to ensure that escape routes are easily accessible and kept smoke free in the event of a fire.

The natural ventilation system has been paramount to ensuring that the DEA building achieved such a high environmental rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa.

Contact:

SE Controls,
Lancaster House,
Wellington Crescent,
Fradley Park,
Lichfield,
Staffordshire,
WS13 8RZ

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