The Weston Library Case Study - The Chris Lewis Group

Design of a Passive Fire Solution

The high-profile award-winning Weston Library is the new state-of-the-art reading, teaching, and storage facility within Oxford University. Formerly known as The New Bodleian Library, The Weston Library is home to documents and treasures of national importance, this facility will be used by internationally renowned academics, students, and the public. Its precious contents, staff, and visitors need outstanding passive fire protection without compromise

The impressive eight storey building has been developed to include facilities such as exhibition spaces, reading rooms, and lecture halls. Chris Lewis Fire and Security designed a passive fire solution that met the highest life-safety standards and of course all legal requirements. This passive fire prevention system works seamlessly to prevent or slow the spread of fire, limiting any damage and providing the best safety for the library’s contents and visitors.

This much-anticipated project required Chris Lewis Fire and Security to modify the design as necessary during the course of the build, to accommodate ongoing changes in the architects’ plans (whilst always continuing to comply with rigorous University standards). Our flexible planning and design approach ensured these changes were accommodated and the system was delivered on time.

The targets for this project included:

First-time working solution
Ready on time for the opening by Her Majesty The Queen
Zero avoidable false alarms
BSI standards adherence

The Solution

Chris Lewis Fire and Security are experienced in creating bespoke fire protection which enabled the creation of an adaptable design that meant we could meet the architects’ changes along the way. The design also cleared a number of regular and demanding external audits. Our Passive fore solution provided:

Outstanding protection for staff and visitors.
Rapid-response management during and after the project.
Protection for disabled visitors during a fire.
Sustained maintenance of security control during an alarm.
Interface with active fire protection systems.

When the building opened its doors to the public, the University was assured of a completely reliable, high-quality passive fire protection system. Our system gives outstanding protection to the visitors and staff of this great library. It allows them safe access to the lecture facilities, reading rooms and keeps all of its historic artifacts and treasures safe. Our design takes advantage of the latest technologies available to ensure the fire and security systems work together seamlessly, whilst still providing flexibility and control.

The Facts & Numbers behind this project

36 highly sensitive aspirating smoke detection systems installed in key areas, with over 2,500m of sampling pipe at multiple heights
Over 1,000 automatic smoke and heat detection devices plus 100 manual call points programmed using an inter-relational cause and effect matrix for maximum protection
Direct information feed into the overall University Security Control Room for rapid response
Strategic fire shutters installed to instantly compartmentalise the building to maintain fire integrity