LOWER LEVEL
UPPER LEVEL
• Easy , rapid and safe escape from the building .
• Fire-fighting Equipment .
• Smoke Control and Extraction Systems .
• Smoke Detection and Alarm Systems .
• Fire spread and development limitations .
Provision of an Automatic Sprinkler Installation at commercial activity level , implies that fire origin has to occur within ceiling void levels per se , due to the elimination of fire spread from structural floor levels into void areas . Evidence from air conditioning , ventilation and electrical services specialists is indicative that services provided and situated within the void volumes do not sustain independent combustion and , therefore , radical fire spread . The continuous presence of an open fire source is required in order to cause spontaneous fire growth and development .
In this context , we submit that in the absence of a constant ‘ fuel line ’ within void volumes , an automatic fire extinguishment system is not required .
Parallel to this argument , we submit that the occurrence of fire within void areas will be detected at early , if not immediate , stages of occurrence . Upon detection , evacuation actions will be activated and air conditioning system / s will be shut down to prevent toxic particle distribution throughout the building volume .
Finally , generated smoke will be ventilated , upon detection .
It can , therefore , be concluded that : the assumed inability of fire spread from structural floor level to void volumes ( sprinkler protected at structural floor levels ); the relative inability of sustained fire growth within void volumes ; positive , early smoke / fire detection within void volumes ; expulsion of smoke by means of forced ventilation from void volumes render automatic extinguishing within void volumes redundant .
Our submission is further bolstered by the natural phenomenon that separating elements will be taken to the underside of structural floor slabs , resulting in a reduction of division areas within roof void volumes .
CONCLUSION The total cost of the project was ± R400mn and created at least 4,000 jobs during the construction phase and over 1,000 permanent jobs . A phase 2 development extended on the northern end of the building and it is currently in the design phase .
The Cape Gate Development , which includes the successful Lifestyle Development Value Centre and now the Regional Centre , is still expanding and the unity achieved by the individual buildings of the Cape Gate Development will be continued as the same design principles set unify each site into the new urban node .
CapeGate Regional Centre 123