Protecting heritage buildings with fire safety measures
Our dedicated fire safety team specializes in protecting heritage buildings, ensuring that historical structures are safeguarded against fire hazards. By implementing tailored fire prevention strategies and a creative mindset on safety concepts, we help preserve the cultural value of these sites for future generations.
Fire prevention strategies for heritage buildings
FPC Risk, part of Sweco, has been involved in the project at the Old Court Building of Antwerp, which lasted no less than 11 years. The Court building was almost completely stripped down, and the interior spaces were on the verge of collapse. It was then restored to its historical model down to the murals and floors—a massive undertaking.
Our team evolved from just a limited contribution at the start with a simple conceptual sketch to advice on master planning and preparations for the final design. Later, we drafted the specifications for fire safety systems and closely collaborated with other technical advisors to validate offers from various bidders. We monitored the construction phase, ensuring conformance to agreements and plans while developing on-the-spot solutions with the contractors.
This wide variety of challenges and phases showcases the creativity and flexibility of the team, so FPC Risk, part of Sweco, has been involved at every step of the project. The Court House is now reaching its end, where testing and verification rounds are conducted to ensure everything is installed correctly, receiving a "final approved" designation from us as experts. The final delivery is set for this summer, marking a milestone for our team and a project and collaboration to be very proud of.
Insights from senior fire safety consultant Kevin Smeyers
Kevin Smeyers, one of our senior fire safety consultants, shared his experience: "I have been involved with the project for 9 years. Our first meeting with the architects took place in the office of the Attorney General in the building, after it had already been decommissioned. Additionally, there were still offices of the advocacy present; even the last cups of coffee seemed to be left behind! However, it later turned out there was a recording for a TV series, rather than the lawyers having left everything behind.... but that anecdote really shows what of a historical building it is."
He continued, "One of the challenges with atypical and historical buildings is that there is no legislation, not under the Royal Decree. How can we make a historical building safe when nothing is required, while considering heritage? No drilling into walls, the need for integrated sprinklers, compartmentalizing, and having detectors in customized wood colors… the creativity extended incredibly far."
The consultation and collaboration involved a vast number of stakeholders (HUB for the new section and Origin for the old section, stability, acoustics, and technical advisors, along with FOD Justice, the police, and key heritage services) to understand how high-tech security systems work together with the beautiful old structure of the building.
"This project is something to be very proud of, both as a company and team, but also as a citizen of Antwerp myself. It shows how creativity and teamwork can reimagine heritage buildings and modernize them, so they can be usable for years and years to come."