G.S Stothers were responsible for for designing, supplying, installing, and commissioning both the natural and mechanical smoke ventilation systems within Belfast's newest student accommodation, LIV Student.

These are critical steps in ensuring the safety and well-being of occupants in buildings. These systems play a vital role in extracting smoke, heat, and toxic gases from enclosed spaces during a fire, enabling safe evacuation and minimising potential damage to the structure.

The first stage is designing the smoke ventilation system. This involves a comprehensive assessment of the building's layout, occupancy, fire protection measures, and applicable regulations. Design considerations include the identification of smoke reservoirs, the calculation of required airflow rates, the determination of suitable ventilation equipment, and the establishment of control strategies.

Once the design is finalised, the next step is supplying the necessary equipment. Natural smoke ventilation systems rely on the principles of buoyancy and pressure differentials to remove smoke. This typically involves the installation of smoke vents, such as windows, roof vents, or AOVs (Automatic Opening Vents), which can be manually or automatically operated. Mechanical smoke ventilation systems, on the other hand, utilise fans, ductwork, and smoke control panels to extract smoke.

Installation involves the physical implementation of the smoke ventilation system. For natural systems, this may entail fitting windows with actuators, installing roof vents or louvers, and connecting them to a control panel. Mechanical systems require the installation of fans, ductwork, and dampers, often involving coordination with other building services like electrical and HVAC systems.

Commissioning is the final stage of the process and involves testing, adjusting, and verifying the functionality of the smoke ventilation system.

G.S Stothers are the number one choice for the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of natural and mechanical smoke ventilation systems our team has the skillset for careful planning, expertise, and adherence to safety standards. By effectively extracting smoke and harmful gases during a fire, these systems contribute significantly to the safety of occupants and property, enabling timely evacuation and reducing fire damage.