220 Blackfriars

Project Details

The 220 Blackfriars development is a major commercial project located along the South Bank of the River Thames, forming part of one of London’s most active mixed use and business districts. The scale of the building, combined with its architectural complexity and high occupancy levels, required a carefully engineered fire protection strategy that prioritised life safety, asset protection, and full regulatory compliance.

Our involvement encompassed design, technical review, and coordination of the automatic sprinkler system, developed in full accordance with BS EN 12845 and relevant UK fire safety requirements. The system design addressed varying risk profiles throughout the building, ensuring appropriate hazard classifications, effective coverage, and reliable performance under all operating conditions.

Close coordination was essential due to constrained plant areas, high quality architectural finishes, and the integration of multiple building services. Particular focus was placed on routing and zoning strategies, coordination with other fire protection systems, and long term maintainability of the sprinkler installation.

Pre Construction Phase Design

During the pre construction phase, our team developed the initial sprinkler system design to establish a compliant and coordinated solution aligned with the overall fire strategy for the development. This included confirmation of hazard classifications, preliminary zoning arrangements, and assessment of water supply capacity and resilience.

Design coordination was undertaken with the wider project team to resolve spatial constraints within plant areas and ceiling zones, while ensuring the system remained accessible for inspection, testing, and future modification. The design approach balanced technical performance with architectural and operational requirements.

The pre construction design work provided a robust technical foundation to support statutory approvals, insurer acceptance, and progression into detailed design and construction.

Pre Construction Phase Documentation and Planning

In parallel with design development, a comprehensive suite of pre construction documentation was prepared to support quality assurance, safety management, and programme planning.

This included technical submissions detailing system intent, proposed materials, and compliance with applicable standards and project requirements.

Inspection and Test Plans were developed to define quality control procedures, inspection stages, and verification requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

Initial Risk Assessment Method Statements were prepared to establish safe working practices and to provide a structured framework for the development of site specific RAMS during the construction phase.

An outline pre construction and construction programme was also produced, identifying key milestones, sequencing activities, and coordination requirements to support efficient delivery.

Through structured design development, detailed documentation, and continued technical support, the sprinkler system was delivered as a resilient and compliant life safety solution, supporting the safe operation of a complex commercial environment while protecting the client’s investment.