Brabazon, South Gloucestershire

An introduction

As part of a major mixed-use regeneration project on the former Filton Airfield, the client required a durable and fully compliant fire protection solution capable of safeguarding critical infrastructure and supporting long-term building resilience.

The Challenge

The substations presented several technical and logistical challenges that required careful planning and coordination:

• High fire protection performance requirements – The client required an EI240 fire rating across ceilings and structural elements, ensuring two hours of integrity and insulation.
• Protection of key structural components – New steel columns and UK Power Networks equipment needed robust, impact-resistant encasement.
• Existing building constraints – Ceiling height adjustments were required onsite to accommodate the accommodation block structure.
• Programme coordination – Work needed to be aligned with the delivery and installation of substation equipment, requiring flexibility and close collaboration with other contractors.

These factors combined to create a detailed, fast-moving environment where precision and adaptability were essential.

Our Solution

Hillmoore Fire Protection delivered a complete, high-impact resistant passive fire protection system tailored to the substations’ requirements. Our approach included:

1. EI240 Durasteel Ceiling System Installation

We supplied and installed a Promat Durasteel ceiling system, achieving EI240 fire performance. This provided exceptional integrity, insulation, and mechanical strength suitable for heavy-use plant environments.

2. Structural Protection Using Vermiculux-S Boarding

To ensure consistent fire resistance, new steel columns were encased with Vermiculux-S boarding, matching the ceiling’s EI240 rating and reinforcing structural stability.

3. Impact-Resistant Board Protection

Fire-rated impact boards were installed around column encasements to deliver additional durability against operational impacts and future maintenance activity.

4. Protection for UK Power Networks Equipment

We also encased steel columns associated with UK Power Networks infrastructure using impact-resistant boarding, safeguarding essential electrical components within the substations.

5. Onsite Adaptation and Coordination

Our team worked closely with contractors to accommodate existing site conditions, making real-time adjustments to ceiling heights and installation sequences to maintain quality and compliance without delaying the programme.

Outcome

The completed system is now fully installed to specification, providing a durable, EI240-rated fire protection solution for both substations. The installation ensures long-term safety for residents and uninterrupted protection for critical electrical infrastructure at the Brabazon development.