A hybrid environmental ventilation and smoke control strategy, developed by SE Controls Africa, has been engineered and implemented using the company’s actuators, sensors and control products at the award winning De Plattekloof Lifestyle Estate in Cape Town.
Designed by TV3 Architects, De Plattekloof offers luxury retirement living for people over 50 and the development provides 114 one and two-bedroom assisted living suites, 98 luxury apartments and 57 homes including studios.
SE Controls was originally approached to develop an environmental ventilation strategy that would combine with smoke ventilation to operate as a hybrid system. The solution not only provides comfort ventilation for residents, but also helps keep them safe if a fire should occur by ensuring escape routes are clear of smoke.
To achieve the required ‘free area’ and comply with regulations for smoke ventilation, SE Controls recommended that the original design for weather louvres be replaced with side hung automated windows measuring 2000mm high by 900mm wide.
Ventilation in each of the building’s two atriums is handled by SE Controls integrated monitoring and control solutions together with rain, wind and external temperature sensors, which automates 94 SECO Ni 24 40 twin chain actuators with a 900mm stroke length. These are all linked to 10 SHEVTEC control panels, which manage the operation of the system for both comfort and smoke ventilation.
Under normal operation, the system provides ventilation to the building by automatically opening the atrium vents and windows to remove carbon dioxide, manage temperature and ensure that fresh air enters the building.
If the system receives a signal in the event of a fire, normal operation is automatically overridden, and the vents open to maximum, ensuring that smoke is vented as quickly as possible to ensure escape routes and corridors are kept clear of smoke.
John Gass, SE Controls Africa’s Director, said: “De Plattekloof is a fantastic development that puts the needs of its clients as the top priority, whether it’s luxury apartments, choice of amenities or high-grade medical care, where required.
“This approach is also carried through in the building’s design with its attention to resident safety and comfort with the inclusion of a fully compliant hybrid smoke control solution, which also provides environmental ventilation. We are delighted to have been involved in the project and make our contribution alongside the other members of De Plattekloof’s design, construction and management team.”
