Project Overview
As part of an extension to 1–9 Girdlestone Close, Headington, the building’s smoke ventilation provisions needed to be updated to meet current regulations.
The fire strategy called for a five-zone natural smoke ventilation system, serving four communal lobbies and the main stairwell. Each lobby required an AOV providing 1.5m² geometric free area, with 1m² required at the head of the stairwell, in line with ADB guidance.
The main requirement was finding a suitable AOV for the four lobbies. The building’s window supplier was unable to provide smoke ventilators that could achieve the required free area within the curtain walling system, so an alternative solution was needed.
At the head of the stairwell, the roof AOV also needed to allow for occasional roof access, while the five-zone controls needed to interface with the communal fire alarm system and follow the cause and effect defined within the building’s fire strategy.
| Products Supplied | Application |
|---|---|
| Facade AOV – RB-CASVENT-ALU with curtain walling profile adaptors | for Zones 1–4, providing 1.5m² geometric free area and integration into the curtain walling façade |
| Roof AOV – RB-DOME-CX | Roof AOV at the head of the stairwell, providing 1m² geometric free area while retaining occasional roof access |
| 5-zone AOV control panel | Programmable control of all five smoke ventilation zones |
| WSK 501 call points | Manual operation at each lobby and at the head and base of the stairs |
Façade AOVs Integrated into the Curtain Walling
A thinner-profile RB-CASVENT-ALU façade AOV provided the required performance for the four lobby zones. Used with curtain walling profile adaptors, the AOVs could be incorporated directly into the curtain walling system while achieving the required 1.5m² geometric free area.
Each façade AOV is EN 12101-2 certified and was finished in RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey internally and externally to match the surrounding windows.
Roof AOV with Access
At the head of the stairwell, an EN 12101-2 certified RB-DOME-CX Roof AOV provides the required 1m² geometric free area, while still allowing for occasional roof access.
The vent incorporates a clear dome lid and PVC curb upstand, with an offset motor position keeping the opening accessible.
When activated, the roof AOV opens at the head of the stairwell to provide a route for smoke and heat to escape.
Five-Zone Smoke Ventilation Controls
The five smoke ventilation zones are managed through a programmable five-zone AOV control panel (EN 12101-10), configured to interface with the building’s communal fire alarm system.
A lock-out cause and effect was programmed within the AOV panel to control how the individual zones operate in line with the building’s fire strategy.
WSK 501 AOV break glass call points are positioned at each lobby and at the head and base of the stairs, providing local manual operation for maintenance or emergency activation, with LED indication of alarm and fault status.
The Result
The system provides five-zone natural smoke ventilation across the four communal lobbies and main stairwell, meeting the requirements set out within the building’s fire strategy and ADB guidance.
The thinner profile façade AOVs provided a practical solution whilst achieving the required free area, still integrating into the curtain walling and the design of the building. The roof AOV also allows occasional roof access without compromising the smoke ventilation requirement.
With the AOVs, controls and manual activation all working together, the building now has an updated smoke ventilation system suited to the new extension and current standards.
Whether you’re working from a fire strategy, replacing an existing system or need help selecting suitable AOVs and controls, our team can help.
Send us your project details, drawings or fire strategy and we’ll review the requirements and help identify the right smoke ventilation solution.
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