Smoke Extract and Fire Damper Replacement

Description

The scope of construction works will include the replacement of the smoke extract and fire damper systems. Remove the existing smoke extract system. Form new smoke extract shafts. Install a new smoke extract system Associated Air Handling Unit upgrades and smoke damper replacement, Replacement of all ventilation installation fire dampers, Temporary collection protection works and dust monitoring. The Causewayside building is owned by the Library. it is predominantly used for environmentally controlled collection storage; however, it also accommodates approx. 80 staff and a public reading room. The Causewayside building is the largest property within the National Library of Scotland (NLS) Estate, comprising 19,168m2 over 7 levels, two of which are below ground. The building represents 51% of NLS’ entire portfolio and it currently provides 54% of the estate’s environmentally controlled collection storage space. The property was built in two phases, the first by Sir Basil Spence, Glover & Ferguson (1989) and the second by Andrew Merrylees, Grierson & Robertson (1995). Smoke extract and fire damper systems were installed as part of the original build for both phases. Smoke extract system In 2002, qualified consultants were commissioned to to review the smoke extract system within Causewayside. This identified a number of significant issues, with recommended upgrade works. A further review of the smoke control system was carried out in 2015 which concluded that it was inadequate and could lead to difficulties fighting a fire / loss of the collection. A reassessment of the smoke control system was carried out in 2016. This resulted in a smoke extract strategy report with recommendations for major remedial works. Following which design consultants were commissioned to produce a concept design for a replacement smoke management installation. In 2019 an smoke management options report that examined options to provide the property with a functional and effective smoke management system. In 2021 a full design team were appointed to develop the design to RIBA Stage 4 Technical Design. Fire damper system In 2021 a review of the ventilation and fire damper review concluded that the fire dampers were beyond their service life (10 yrs.) and that the maintenance & testing regime was inadequate because many were inaccessible, and they had to be manually tested. It recommended that all were replaced, and the replacement should be of a motorised actuator type. In 2021 a full design team were appointed to develop the design to RIBA Stage 4 Technical Design. The building will be operational during the works and the collections will remain in-situ. As a result, possession will be given to the Contractor floor by floor starting from the roof. The works, including protection and dust monitoring, will be completed, and commissioned before progressing to the next floor, with final commissioning on completion of all floors. The following works will be Contractor Design: The smoke extract installation, Detailed design for opening and upstands, forms roof opening and upstands (inc. all weather proofing), Detailed design for louvres, remove existing cladding panels, installs louvres into the cladding (inc. all weather proofing), The fire damper installation.