Goethe Institut Ireland

The high pressure Water Mist Sprinkler System is designed, installed and commissioned in accordance with the relevant sections of CEN/TS 14972 – Fixed Fire Fighting Systems – Water Mist Systems – Design and Installation – Light Hazard Occupancy.

The extensive renovation and remodelling of the Goethe-Institut’s Irish headquarters included the construction of a new 1,100 sq m mews to the rear of the original building.

The high pressure Water Mist Sprinkler System was selected and designed for the magnificent protected 1787 Georgian townhouse refurbishment brought back to its period glory, which included two stunningly decorated stucco ceilings, with gold leaf and foliage in intricate detail.

The system consisted of a water supply, providing an adequate pressure and flowrate to a water distribution piping system, onto which high pressure water mist nozzles are connected. Each nozzle is held closed by a heat- sensitive glass bulb which applies pressure to a cap which acts as a plug preventing water from flowing until the ambient temperature at the nozzle reaches the design activation temperature.

Each nozzle activates independently when the pre-determined temperature has been reached, subsequently the number of nozzles operating is limited to those in the vicinity of the fire. This activation of one or more nozzles causes a pressure drop in the system pipework, which sends a signal to the High Pressure Pumps to start, discharging water onto the vacuity of the fire. Simultaneously, an alarm is sent to the main fire alarm panel to evacuate the area.

The extension at the rear of a new five-storey (two underground) contemporary mews hosts the Institute’s language school and is linked to the original house both at ground and underground level.

The Design Team was led by Henchion Reuter Architects, IN2 Engineers and Dublin City Fire Department.