The Designfire Architects & Fire consultants

04/03/2025

"Mixed-use developments offer vibrant, dynamic spaces—but they also come with unique fire engineering challenges. From occupancy separation to smoke management and evacuation planning, expert fire engineering is essential for safety. At The DESIGNFIRE, we provide innovative, compliant solutions to protect people and property. 🔥🏢
For more info, visit https://thedesignfire.co.nz/blog/addressing-fire-engineering-challenges-in-mixed-use-developments/

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04/03/2025

"Passive fire protection is your facility’s silent guardian, working 24/7 to contain fire and smoke without manual activation. 🔥🚪 From fire-rated walls to intumescent coatings, these elements are key to safety and compliance.
At The DESIGNFIRE, we design tailored passive fire protection solutions to keep industrial facilities safe and resilient. Let’s build a safer future together!
For more info, visit https://thedesignfire.co.nz/blog/passive-fire-protection-safeguarding-industrial-facilities/

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09/02/2025

Exciting progress update on our Terraced houses project in Camrose Place! The four units of 130-150m2 terraced houses are entering their final weeks with scaffolding. it is 4 unit development, with the front and back units consisting of two levels each, while the mid-2 units are 3 levels, following the site's contours.

Anticipated completion is set for early April. I can't wait to see the finished building!

09/12/2024

https://thedesignfire.co.nz/blog/retrofitting-existing-buildings-with-passive-fire-protection/

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08/07/2024

Exciting Progress on Coca-Cola's Railway Extension Project

Last Thursday, Sean, our senior lead designer, and I had the privilege of attending the roof shout for the railway extension project we designed for Mount Wellington's main Coca-Cola plant. We are thrilled to report that the construction is now approximately 80% complete.

Although the project's scale was relatively modest, it presented a fascinating challenge. Coca-Cola required a solution to distribute their drink products directly from their business to the adjacent railroad network. With a massive 26,000m2 warehouse, the new extension facility will allow the manufacturer to stock products on their platform and seamlessly transport them to the rail network, significantly enhancing their production operation's efficiency.

Throughout the project, our team gained valuable insights into train specifications and track engineering. We extend our gratitude to Coca-Cola, Michael, their Railise teams, and Kimi from K Design for their exceptional collaboration and teamwork.

We are grateful for this opportunity and look forward to future collaborations!

13/06/2024

We're excited to welcome Nithin, a talented engineer, to our fire engineering team. Join us in welcoming him to our team and encouraging his advancement in this important sector!

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28/05/2024

Last Friday, we attended the gala dinner in Wellington, where we picked up a for a dental clinic establishment in Albany. The clinic houses 6 general dental studios and 2 specialized anaesthesia studios. Although we've done many dental fitouts before, this was our first time working with anaesthesia treatment operation, which posed challenges due to the higher fire safety requirements and additional compliance standards associated with anaesthetics.
Luckily, in this case, the base building was already equipped with a full sprinkler system and smoke detectors. However, there was still a lot of coordination involved in making this project happen. Despite the many specific compliance requirements that applied, the job came out beautifully.
We were humbled by the many great entries in the show, but at the same time, I am very proud of all the people involved in bringing this project to life, including the main contractor Design House and our very supportive clients who were with us all the way.
Thank you very much to everyone who contributed to this achievement!

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27/05/2024

Performance-based fire engineering is transforming the way we approach building design and fire safety. By considering factors such as fire growth, smoke movement, occupant behaviour, evacuation strategies, and structural integrity, this innovative approach allows for tailored solutions that optimise both safety and design flexibility.

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26/04/2024

We are excited to announce the completion of the Radiance Centre at 8 Oracle Drive, Albany, Auckland—a modern culinary hub that is now ready to welcome patrons.
This elegantly designed two-story food and beverage block spans a Gross Floor Area of approximately 1600m2 and houses 17 diverse units. Set in the bustling heart of Orchard Park business park, Radiance Centre promises to be a vibrant addition to Albany’s largest food and beverage precinct.

Radiance Centre is poised to become a go-to destination for both casual visitors and gourmet enthusiasts looking to indulge in a variety of culinary delights. Join us in experiencing the exceptional dining and retail opportunities at this new landmark.

18/04/2024

It's crucial to understand the mandatory Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) requirements for the safety of your occupants. Learn about specified systems, exemptions, and the importance of maintaining a valid BWOF. Trust THE DESIGNFIRE's architectural and fire engineering experts to assist you in navigating building regulations and ensuring your property's safety.


Explore more on our blog: https://thedesignfire.co.nz/blog/which-commercial-buildings-are-mandated-to-have-a-building-warrant-of-fitness/