Amsterdam Historical Buildings

The Client

The Netherlands is strewn with historical and other architecturally significant buildings especially in the Amsterdam Canal District (Grachtengordel). Some of these buildings are used commercially as hotels and restaurants while others are reserved as museums. The canal houses date back to the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. This is why Grachtengordel is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Risks & Consequences

The fire risks involved in these applications are mostly related to electrical faults caused by such things as wire fraying, loose connections and various malfunctions. What is more, these historical buildings are built predominantly with wood in close proximity to water canals. Wood and fire go hand in hand and rarely in fire scenarios, are they not both the protagonists. This is why owners and the City of Amsterdam are vigilant to protect these monuments in history from fires and limiting them from spreading to neighboring buildings and causing further devastation.

The Task

Design, supply, install and maintain a reliable and efficient firefighting system to safeguard the wooden structures.  The system must be able to detect and extinguish multiple classes of fires while remaining discreet and unobtrusive. Irrespective of the initial cause of the fire there is a variety of materials that may also catch fire and thus depending on its stage the system must be effective for A, B, C, F, classes of fire while avoiding structural rigidity issues, collateral damages and most importantly without producing any harmful by-products for people or the environment.

Why FirePro?

The premises’ longstanding wooden structures along with other particularities posed an engineering challenge. The system required had to be modular with exceedingly minimal space requirements as well as ecologically friendly. Also the entire system needed to be extremely light weight to avoid overstressing of the wooden beams. After long research the project’s consultants, nominated FirePro as it satisfied all design requirements and provisions. What is more, FirePro’s elegant design, low footprint and bespoke unit-facades for the specific project were added satisfying bonuses for both the architects and conservators.

Results of Implementation

With FirePro systems installed in strategic locations throughout the protected sites, building owners and the city of Amsterdam can have peace of mind regarding fire incidents as well as secure the longevity and sustainability of their assets. And all these with a reliable and environmentally friendly fire suppression system that requires minimal maintenance costs.