A RATIONAL DESIGN FOR FIRE-SAFETY PURPOSES IS NOT JUST A TICK BOX EXERCISE
As building regulations evolve and safety standards are updated , the importance of consulting an expert for a proper rational design in fire protection is increasingly vital . ASP Fire CEO , Michael van Niekerk , highlights the fifth edition of SANS 10400 Part T , released in February this year , stressing the need for sound engineering principles in fire safety measures .
The standard addresses fire protection requirements and provides deemed-to-satisfy guidelines for compliance with National Building Regulations . This comprehensive document covers various aspects of fire safety , including safety distances , occupancies , fire performance , structural components , escape routes , and more .
Van Niekerk highlights that rational design goes beyond mere compliance with regulations . It involves a thorough understanding of fire risks and behaviour , allowing for the development of customised fire protection strategies . This approach ensures flexibility to meet safety requirements by considering alternative solutions , while affording the same level of protection .
“ Rational design is a performance-based approach that requires the expertise of registered engineers ,” explains Van Niekerk . “ From shopping centres to industrial structures like fuel depots , a proper rational design cannot be achieved by simply following code requirements . It starts with a comprehensive risk assessment .”
Van Niekerk further highlights the necessity to conduct new fire safety assessments , especially during refurbishments or extensions of existing structures , or when solar panels are installed at an existing shopping centre , for example . “ Fortunately , many companies recognise their lack of expertise in fire safety and opt to consult a
Michael van Niekerk CEO , ASP Fire
professional like ASP Fire to ensure compliance with regulations .”
Involving experts from the planning stage ensures that the design and installation of fire safety systems align with regulations and industry best practices . “ A rational design cannot just be a tick box exercise in terms of the regulations . It requires specific expertise to be carried out effectively and properly ,” says van Niekerk .
As regulations continue to evolve and building designs become more complex , proactive risk assessments and customised fire safety strategies are essential to safeguard lives and property against fire hazards , he concludes . www . aspfire . co . za
LUXURY FRONTIERS RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS 2024 HD PROJECT AWARDS FOR MADWALENI RIVER LODGE DESIGN
Luxury Frontiers , a South African and US-based design firm specialising in architecture and interior design for immersive hospitality , was honoured to receive two 2024 HD Project Awards . These awards , presented in the categories of Lodges + Camps and Landscape + Outdoor Spaces , recognised Luxury Frontiers ’ exceptional design work at Madwaleni River Lodge in Babanango Game Reserve , Kwazulu-Natal , South Africa . Graeme Labe , Luxury Frontiers
Graeme Labe Managing Director & Principal Luxury Frontiers
Managing Director and Principal , accepted the awards during the HD Awards ceremony on 30 April 2024 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas . The 20th annual HD Awards , hosted by Hospitality Design magazine , showcased outstanding achievements in design from around the globe .
“ Madwaleni River Lodge was a special project for Luxury Frontiers ,” commented Graeme Labe . “ The philanthropic values of the reserve aligned with our ethos and design approach . It was a privilege to work on a project with a strong sustainability focus , allowing for a nature-based and community-inclusive design approach , and enabling us to experiment with textural materials and artisanal crafts sourced from the local community .”
Madwaleni River Lodge , situated within Babanango Game Reserve , is one of Southern Africa ’ s most ambitious rewilding projects . Luxury Frontiers were asked to design a lodge that celebrates the reserve ’ s rewilding efforts , incorporating extensive site immersion and thoughtful consideration of contextual factors , including physical , historical , social , and cultural aspects of the land . The Landscape + Outdoor Spaces award was received for the design of the Boma at Madwaleni River Lodge , marking a milestone as it is the first time Luxury Frontiers has won an award in this category .
Luxury Frontiers takes pride in being recognised globally for their work and remains dedicated to continually pushing the boundaries of immersive hospitality design . www . luxury-frontiers . com
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