Walker Fire Protection installs low risk fire detection system at Monash University Museum of Art
8th Dec 2010
A significant transformation of the 1960s Monash University Museum of Art at Caulfield has been recently completed under the direction of Kerstin Thompson Architects.
The substantially reworked building and surrounds are a major shift from the original form and seek to strongly engage with visitors, and provide a more contemporary and much enhanced viewing environment. According to the architect*, part of the new building rationale was to “reveal the workings of the museum”, with much of the building’s structure and building services now visible.
Walker Fire Protection supplied and installed the new fire detection and protection system at the museum, most of which was constructed on the building’s exterior in keeping with the architect’s vision for the building.
“We relocated the existing fire hydrant pipe work from the internal to the external of the building and removed the redundant smoke detection equipment, replacing it with new Very Early Smoke Detection Alarm (VESDA®) equipment”, said Peter Picking, General Manager at Walker Fire Protection. “By taking the system outside, we have also helped to minimise noise pollution and have removed the risk of water damage to the artwork”.
A.G. Coombs Projects was also involved in the rework, delivering a state of the art air-conditioning system that included the complete refurbishment of MUMA’s Building F, Level 1. The new system incorporates new chilled water and heating hot water systems, all ductwork and supporting equipment, including specialist close control requirements for temperature and humidity.
(*Source: The Age, 8 December 2010)