For UK social housing providers, the challenge of maintaining indoor air quality and ensuring robust fire safety is a constant evolution.
Flagship Housing, which manages over 33,000 homes across the East of England, is currently leading the way in addressing a specific, often overlooked risk: the interaction between mechanical ventilation and smoke spread.
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems are increasingly used within social housing to improve indoor air quality and address damp and mould.
While these systems deliver clear health benefits, they also introduce important fire‑safety considerations, particularly around ductwork, compartment penetrations, and the potential for smoke movement within a dwelling.
The Integrated Solution
The primary drivers of the project were the need to improve resident safety, as well as providing live compliance data and remote notification of fire alarm activations.
“Due to the potential for mechanical ventilation and interconnected ductwork to accelerate the spread of smoke and fire, enhanced detection ensures earlier warning for occupants, mitigates ventilation-related risks, and provides an appropriate level of life safety, particularly for vulnerable residents.” – Davin Gee, Compliance Manager (Electrical) at Flagship Housing.
To achieve this, Flagship Housing adopted a standardised specification for all properties fitted with PIV or MVHR systems. The integrated approach utilises:
- Ei3024 Multi-Sensor Fire Alarm - Provides enhanced smoke and heat detection.
- Ei428 RadioLINK Relay Module - Isolates the ventilation system upon alarm activation, helping limit smoke and fire spread.
- Ei1000G The Gateway - Enables remote notification of alarm activations and provides live compliance data.
Implementation and Installation
The installation is being completed by Karma Electrical & Fire Systems Ltd, an Aico Platinum Partner. By using installers trained through the Aico Expert Installer program and City & Guilds assured courses, Flagship ensures that every system meets the rigorous intent of BS 5839-6.
“The Aico system is incredibly straightforward to install. From an installer’s perspective it’s well designed, logical, and easy to integrate with ventilation systems. More importantly, it gives the Registered Social Landlord far greater visibility of compliance and resident safety than traditional standalone alarms.” - Karl Sharman, Managing Director at Karma Electrical & Fire Systems Ltd
A New Standard for Safety
The project, initially covering 150 ventilated homes, is nearing its 2026 completion date. However, the impact is more permanent: this specification is now the minimum standard for all Flagship Housing new builds and retrofits.
This project highlights the value of strong collaboration between housing providers, manufacturers, and competent contractors. By focusing on smoke containment, automatic ventilation isolation, and real-time data, Flagship Housing has implemented a proactive, resident-focused fire-safety solution that goes beyond basic compliance.
