Left: internal view of the FLW 32 SmoTec vent, which has been barrier load tested to BS 6180: 2011.
Client: Unite Students
Architects: DAY Architectural Ltd
Main Contractor: RG Group
Smoke Control Contractor: Air Design Systems Ltd
Photographs Courtesy of Craig Edwards
This new 614 bed student accommodation in Coventry was commissioned by Unite Students with a design by architects Day Architectural Ltd and constructed by RG Group.
To meet the combined requirements of Approved Document B and Approved Document K, Air Design Systems Ltd selected Fieger Louvre Windows. The patented FLW 32 SmoTec smoke vents comprise 5 no. louvre blades, which provide the 1.5 m2 geometric free area required by The Building Regulations.
Supplied in RAL 7012 Basalt Grey, the vents were manufactured using low-E coated double-glazed elements, consisting of 6mm toughened outside, a 20mm Argon cavity and 6.38mm laminated inside.
In addition, factory-fitted glazing adapters were supplied, colour-matched to the vent frame.
The 10 no. Fieger SmoTec vents, tested in accordance with EN 12101-2, were installed to primarily provide emergency smoke control, but can also be used in a dual-purpose role for general ventilation in summer.
The vents were supplied with WSS 24V DC motors, which were wired to the control system installed by Air Design Systems Ltd.
An overall U-value of 2.10 W/m2 K was achieved, which with a Class 4 - EN 12207 air leakage rating provides a highly energy efficient element of the building envelope.