Maze Fire personnel developed the fire strategy for the development of the new Southmead hospital in Bristol.  This building comprises eight storeys containing a large central atrium/concourse area which extends generally from levels 1-7, and additionally within the concourse a number of voids are provided between levels 0 & 1. The atrium/concourse space is overlooked and bounded both by clinical and non-clinical accommodation on both sides along its length and at all levels above Level 1.  Additionally, the concourse area at level 1 is of mixed flexible use, comprising commercial retail use, restaurant and other concessions.  

In addition to the main acute building a visitor car park block will be attached. The strategy was developed in accordance with the Building Regulations, with additional reference to the relevant Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) guidance. Fire engineering guidance contained within British Standard documents was utilised in support of proposed deviations from code.  

As well as performing fire-engineered CFD analysis to determine smoke extract requirements from the atria, Maze Fire Consulting personnel also employed their expertise in the field of full-frame structural fire engineering to establish the optimum structural fire protection requirements for the car park building.