Kentrel SEN School is a specialist educational facility designed to support children and young people with special educational needs. The nature of the building, combined with vulnerable occupants and varied levels of mobility and response capability, required a fire protection strategy that prioritised life safety, early intervention, and asset protection.
The project demanded a highly robust and reliable fire suppression solution capable of supporting safe evacuation strategies while limiting fire development and protecting the building fabric. Particular consideration was given to the safeguarding requirements associated with SEN environments, where evacuation times may be extended and staff intervention plays a critical role.
Our involvement focused on the design coordination and technical assurance of the automatic sprinkler system and fixed firefighting systems, developed in accordance with BS EN 12845 and TB 221. The systems were designed to provide effective fire control across teaching spaces, support areas, and circulation routes, enhancing overall building resilience.
Close collaboration with the wider project team was essential to ensure the fire suppression systems were integrated without impacting the learning environment. Attention was given to system layout, sprinkler head selection, and coordination with architectural finishes to maintain a calm and non intrusive setting for pupils.
During the pre construction phase, our team developed the initial fire suppression system design to establish a compliant and coordinated solution aligned with the safeguarding and operational needs of an SEN school.
This included confirmation of hazard classifications, zoning strategies that supported phased evacuation approaches, and assessment of water supply performance to ensure system reliability.
Design coordination focused on ensuring the sprinkler system complemented the building layout and supported staff led evacuation strategies, while remaining accessible for inspection, testing, and maintenance.
The pre construction design stage provided a strong technical foundation to support approvals, stakeholder confidence, and progression into detailed design.
In parallel with design development, a comprehensive suite of pre construction documentation was prepared to support quality assurance, safety management, and controlled delivery.
This included technical submissions outlining system intent, materials, and compliance with BS EN 12845 and TB 221, as well as project specific safeguarding requirements.
Inspection and Test Plans were developed to define quality control procedures and verification stages throughout installation and commissioning.
Initial Risk Assessment Method Statements were produced to address the challenges of working within an educational environment, including safeguarding considerations, restricted working hours, and coordination with other trades.
An outline programme was also developed to align installation activities with the overall construction schedule and ensure a safe and controlled handover.
Through detailed design development, structured documentation, and continued technical support, the fire suppression systems were delivered as resilient and compliant solutions, enhancing life safety for vulnerable occupants and providing long term protection for a specialist educational facility.
Education
Luton, United Kingdom
Automatic Sprinkler System, Fixed Firefighting Systems
BS EN 12845, TB 221
Showcasing 25 Years of Industry Experience
Lil Fire has demonstrated a strong understanding of industry standards and best practices. Their consultancy, & BIM design services have been of a high standard, and their approach to collaboration, technical knowledge, and project delivery has been exemplary.
Lil Fire delivered exceptional work on our internal Autodesk Revit Template, and provide continuous design support on our Data Centre projects. Their designs for the Gas Suppression, Low Pressure Water Mist, and Sprinkler systems were accurate, efficient, & compliant.
The quality and output of work from Lil Fire is phenomenal, and we have absolutely no complaints. Their delivery has been consistently precise, reliable, and far exceeding our expectations. Thank you for this, it is a vast improvement over the output we received from previous subcontractors.
