A Siemens fire detection system has been chosen to protect one of London’s most iconic venues as part of an extensive multi-milion pound refurbishment programme.
The Roof Gardens, some 100 feet above Kensington High Street (hence the previous name of the Kensington Roof Gardens), is a 6,000 square metre venue on the roof of the former Derry & Toms building in central London.
The decision to invest and restore the world-renowned site to its former glory included a need for a fire protection system which reflected the value of the Grade II listed building, including its rooftop gardens designed by landscape architect Ralph Hancock back in the 1930s.
Siemens Gold Solutions Partner London Fire & Security proposed a system based around Cerberus PRO, Siemens comprehensive EN54-13 approved fire alarm system, with the new ASD+ aspirating smoke detection for certain areas. Cerberus PRO features ASA detectors with their patented detection chamber design, dual optical sensing technology and Advanced Signal Analysis (ASA) to optimise response. It enables smoke detection in areas where thermal detection would ordinarily be necessary and provides reliable detection with no false alarms.
Reflecting the importance of maintaining the surroundings and the club’s ambience for the Roof Gardens‘ members, in areas where conventional point detectors were deemed to impact on the aesthetics of a venue which combines old and new architecture, Siemens ASD+ was employed. The venue’s art deco toilets are a good example. The capability to conceal the air sampling pipework and just have small sampling holes visible enabled London Fire and Security to offer an unobtrusive
option which still met all the performance requirements and necessary regulations.
Siemens has offered ASD systems for a number of years but this new generation – ASD+ – features two new detectors which are specifically designed to provide solutions for larger and more complex projects. A single device can cover an impressive area of up to 6,700 m2 – currently the largest coverage area available on the market. Even for Class A installations with the highest sensitivity requirements, up to 2,000 m2 of detection coverage is achievable with a single ASD+ detector. This makes the technology ideally suited to applications typified by their large open areas, the roof gardens being a prime example, with the detectors located for ease of access.
The project featured the installation of ASA detectors, sounder beacons, call-points and ASD+ pipework and detectors, with the relevant interfaces, all monitored by Cerberus PRO panels to provide site-wide detection.
Chris Saxby is Managing Director of London Fire & Security and commented – “We are pleased to have added the Roof Gardens to our portfolio of prestigious projects across the capital. As a company we always look to promote the benefits of the ASA detection and its ability to provide fault-free fire alarms. As a gold partner, Siemens always provides us with excellent support, and that was the case again with this project where we worked closely with the client to ensure we provided a solution which met the specific requirements of the site.”
The Roof Gardens originally opened in 1938 and became widely recognised as a roof top hub for celebrity parties following the transformation of its art deco tea pavilion into a nightclub in 1981. It is known for its three beautifully themed gardens: Spanish in a Moorish style; Tudor with archways, secret corners and hanging wisteria; and an English water garden with over 30 different species of tree, some of which date back to the original planting. It includes decadent fountains, ornate paths, outdoor heaters and flowing streams which are home to hundreds of fish, along with four resident flamingos – Bill, Ben, Splosh and Pecks. Following the extensive refurbishment under owner Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder of OVO Energy and Vertical Aerospace, the venue was reopened as a three-storey private members club in 2024.
In addition to its spectacular views across London, the venue has four dining areas, several bars and lounges, entertainment spaces and elevated terracing.
Marios Malone, Fire Systems Sales Manager with Siemens, comments – “for such a prestigious venue, the reputation that Siemens has globally as a fire systems solutions provider was certainly a factor in securing the contract. Also important was the ASA detectors’ ability to detect real fires and avoid false alarms and therefore unnecessary evacuations given the focus on providing a relaxed atmosphere for the club’s members and their guests. This is also reflected in the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the system remotely. As a cloud-based technology Cerberus PRO enables many of the tasks that had traditionally been conducted on-site to be done remotely, presenting significant opportunities for disturbance-free testing which does not impact on the club’s day-to-day operations.”
For further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure – Buildings www.siemens.co.uk/cerberus
For further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure, please see
www.siemens.com/smart-infrastructure
About the Author
Siemens
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, the company creates technology with purpose adding real value for customers. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to transform their industries and markets, helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a globally leading medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare. In fiscal 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €77.8 billion and net income of €8.5 billion. As of September 30, 2023, the company employed around 320,000 people worldwide.
