Pendock Casings chosen for High-Rise Sprinkler System

Pendock pipe box casings have been specified by Leeds City Council to conceal and protect a sprinkler system at Marsden Court, a 13-storey sheltered housing scheme comprising 71 flats in Pudsey.

Recent inquests into 2 fatal fires at high-rise blocks in the South of England in 2009 and 2010, highlighted the need for increased fire safety in high-rise accommodation. Coroners issued Rule 43: ‘Recommendations to prevent future deaths’, suggesting that housing providers should retrofit sprinklers to high-rise blocks.

As a result, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service are supporting a pilot scheme to retrofit sprinker systems across high-rise housing stock managed by a number of different local authorities.

Eager to address the issue, Leeds City Council specified Pendock for the supply of 2,100m of 8mm MX Profile and Pipe Boxing in a white melamine finish to conceal and protect the sprinkler system at Marsden Court. The casing was installed at high level in communal corridors and residents’ flats including the bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and hallways. Following the successful installation, the council has also marked out two further sheltered housing schemes for similar work, and is currently evaluating the feasibility of fitting sprinklers at other sites.

Leeds City Council is among an increasing number of social landlords across the UK who are already retrofitting sprinkler systems.

Steve Pearce, Sales Manager at Pendock, comments: “The Pendock MX range fulfilled the council’s requirement for a profile that was aesthetically pleasing but also ensured that all the orange sprinkler pipework was concealed.

“The residents were consulted to gain their approval prior to the full programme of works and we made multiple site visits to make sure we achieved the optimum balance of profile size and aesthetic effect.”

Established in 1987, Pendock is the UK’s market leading manufacturer of Pipe Boxing, Column Casings, Washroom Systems and Cubicles, HVAC Casing and LST Radiator Guard solutions, boasting an impressive track record of use in residential, commercial, education and healthcare buildings nationwide.

Pendock’s Telford-based facility provides fast and efficient delivery and service together with design and manufacturing flexibility for bespoke projects.  

For more information, please contact Pendock on 01952