Working with Freedom Fire and Security Maintenance, Hochiki Europe has provided a range of life safety solutions to the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincoln — home to one of the world's most comprehensive records of the Bomber Command unit.
Lincolnshire is a county that contributed heavily to the United Kingdom’s efforts in World War II. It is for this reason that the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Tony Worth CVO, wanted to create a facility that would recognise and commemorate those who served in the Bomber Command Unit.
As part of the estimated £16million building project, local providers of fire and security systems, Freedom, were brought on board to specify and install a fire alarm system that would offer unparalleled performance without disrupting the aesthetics of the space.
Working closely with Hochiki Europe, Freedom selected a range of products from the company’s ESP range. The ESP collection of intelligent addressable fire detection and alarm equipment offers high performance and reliability, combined with an enhanced open protocol.
Recognising that many specifiers need to consider the aesthetics of life safety solutions as well as performance when selecting products, Hochiki Europe’s ESP range features ivory, black and white sensors.
Freedom opted to use black sensors to minimise their visual presence throughout the centre. It was for this same reason that the sensors had to be carefully positioned throughout the building. Having carried out multiple site surveys, Freedom fit the sensors so that both design and safety regulations were successfully met.
In total, 58 optical smoke sensors were installed throughout the site, along with three heat sensors, 23 remote LED indicators and 14 manual call points. All devices are controlled by one intelligent fire panel provided by Kentec Electronics, part of the Hochiki group of companies.
Neil Eves, Systems Sales Manager at Hochiki Europe, noted:
“Due to high occupancy levels and complex layouts, museums and other large facilities, such as the International Bomber Command Centre, are particularly challenging environments when it comes to life safety. Our ESP range ensures all spaces can be protected to regulations efficiently, ensuring the safety of visitors and employees. In buildings where aesthetics and design are also important, it’s vital to consider equipment which doesn’t compromise on the overall look and feel of the space. Using black sensors from our ESP range was key to achieving this in the new Lincoln memorial.”