Our Fire Engineering Projects
22–26 Synnot St, Werribee
5–9 Provost St, North Melbourne
5–9 Provost St, North Melbourne
Performance-based fire engineering solution for a mixed-use development, addressing NCC compliance where Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions were not achievable. Included fire resistance assessment, egress analysis, and integrated fire safety system design.
5–9 Provost St, North Melbourne
5–9 Provost St, North Melbourne
5–9 Provost St, North Melbourne
Performance-based fire engineering solution for an inner-city residential development, addressing NCC non-compliances including single exit design, reduced fire resistance, and façade fire spread. The assessment incorporated egress analysis, fire spread modelling, and enhanced fire safety systems to achieve an equivalent level of life safety and support project approval.
26 Furlong St, Cranbourne West
26 Furlong St, Cranbourne West
26 Furlong St, Cranbourne West
Performance-based fire engineering solution for a Class 7 warehouse development, addressing NCC variations in car park separation, open structures, and reduced fire resistance. Fire and egress modelling demonstrated tenable evacuation conditions and equivalent fire safety performance, supporting approval of an efficient open industrial design.
366-368 Nepean Hwy, Frankston
26 Furlong St, Cranbourne West
26 Furlong St, Cranbourne West
Performance-based fire engineering solution for a three-storey childcare development with integrated car parking, addressing NCC variations including reduced fire resistance, extended egress distances, and non-fire-isolated stairs. A comprehensive assessment incorporating fire modelling and enhanced safety systems demonstrated compliance and supported project approval.
22–26 Synnot Street, Werribee
Overview
GinCat Fire Engineering delivered a performance-based fire engineering solution for a mixed-use development at 22–26 Synnot Street, Werribee.
The project required a Fire Engineering Report (FER) to demonstrate compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) where Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions could not be achieved.
The Challenge
The proposed development included several variations from the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) provisions of the NCC, requiring a performance-based approach to demonstrate compliance.
Key challenges included:
- Reduced fire resistance levels (FRL) in parts of the building
- Egress and travel distance considerations across multiple levels
- Integration of fire and smoke control systems within the building design
- Coordination of fire safety measures across mixed-use areas
The Solution
A comprehensive Fire Engineering Report was developed to assess the building against the Performance Requirements of the NCC.
The solution included:
- Performance-based assessment of fire resistance levels
- Detailed egress analysis across all building levels
- Fire and smoke modelling to evaluate tenability conditions
- Integration of fire safety systems including sprinklers, detection and smoke control
- Coordination with the project team to maintain design intent while achieving compliance
The Outcome
The performance solution demonstrated that the building achieved an equivalent level of fire safety to a Deemed-to-Satisfy compliant design.
The proposed fire safety systems provided appropriate detection, occupant warning and fire service response, supporting approval of the development.
5–9 Provost Street, North Melbourne
Overview
GinCat Fire Engineering was engaged to develop a performance-based fire engineering solution for a residential development at 5–9 Provost Street, North Melbourne.
The assessment was undertaken to address specific departures from the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) provisions of the NCC and to demonstrate compliance with the relevant Performance Requirements.
The Challenge
The project presented several design constraints typical of inner-city residential developments, including:
- Single exit configuration requiring justification of egress performance
- Reduced fire resistance levels compared to DtS construction
- Façade and boundary proximity considerations impacting fire spread risk
- Open stair arrangement in lieu of traditional fire-isolated exits
These elements required a detailed assessment to ensure occupant life safety was maintained.
The Solution
A comprehensive fire engineering assessment was undertaken, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative analysis to evaluate:
- Egress performance — travel distances, single exit arrangement, and safe evacuation
- Fire spread risk — including façade exposure and boundary conditions
- Fire resistance strategy — including reduced FRLs and combustible elements where appropriate
- Fire brigade intervention — response times and accessibility
The building incorporates enhanced fire safety measures including:
- Automatic smoke detection system (AS 1670.1) throughout common areas and within sole-occupancy units
- Automatic sprinkler system with monitoring connection for rapid response
- Compliant travel distances and efficient path of egress to a place of safety
Fire brigade intervention was assessed with arrival at approximately 7.4 minutes, with active suppression underway at approximately 22 minutes, supporting the overall fire safety strategy
Outcome
The fire engineering analysis demonstrated that:
- The proposed design provides an equivalent or improved level of life safety compared to a DtS-compliant building
- Egress provisions and occupant warning systems are adequate and reliable
- Fire spread risk, including from adjacent properties, is appropriately mitigated
This supported the approval of the performance solution and progression of the development through the regulatory process.
26 Furlong Street, Cranbourne West
Overview
GinCat Fire Engineering was engaged to develop a performance-based fire engineering solution for a Class 7 warehouse development at 26 Furlong Street, Cranbourne West.
The assessment focused on variations to Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) provisions relating to car parking areas (Class 7a) and associated fire separation, egress, and fire spread risks.
The Challenge
This job is actually more straightforward in use, but still solid technically:
- Industrial / warehouse fire loads (higher severity potential than residential)
- Interface between Class 7a car park and warehouse areas
- Open / semi-open structures (canopies, carports) instead of fully enclosed construction
- Reduced fire resistance / separation compared to DtS
- Ensuring egress paths remain tenable during a developing fire
There was also a key risk of fire impacting the discharge point of the stair via the car park, which is a classic weak point if not handled properly.
The Solution
Fire & Egress Analysis
- Fire scenarios (including car park fires) were modelled to assess conditions along exit paths
- Radiant heat flux levels along egress routes remained below critical thresholds, meaning evacuation is not impeded
- Available Safe Egress Time (ASET) was demonstrated to be greater than required evacuation time, confirming compliance
Car Park & Open Structure Performance
- Open canopy / carport design assessed against DtS enclosed solutions
- Findings showed:
- Equal or better ventilation (smoke dissipation)
- Lower ignition risk due to non-combustible construction
- Comparable or reduced fire load risk vs DtS carport solutions
Detection & Warning Systems
- Fire detection system designed in accordance with AS 1670.1, including multi-criteria detection
- Improved detection reliability reduces nuisance alarms and improves occupant response times
Outcome
The performance solution demonstrated that:
- Egress conditions remain tenable under credible fire scenarios
- Open and reduced-construction elements achieve equivalent fire safety performance
- Fire spread and ignition risks are not increased compared to DtS provisions
This supported approval of a more efficient, open industrial design while maintaining compliance with NCC Performance Requirements.
366–368 Nepean Highway, Frankston
Overview
GinCat Fire Engineering delivered a performance-based fire engineering solution for a three-storey childcare development with integrated car parking at 366–368 Nepean Highway, Frankston.
The assessment was undertaken to demonstrate compliance with NCC Performance Requirements where Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) provisions could not be achieved.
The Challenge
The project involved a number of complex design variations requiring detailed fire engineering justification, including:
- Reduced fire resistance levels (FRLs) in external wall construction
- Openings in external walls located close to fire source features
- Extended egress travel distances beyond DtS limits (including car park conditions)
- Non-fire-isolated stair arrangements and discharge within the building
- Interface between childcare (Class 9b) and car parking (Class 7a) areas
- Integration of lift and stair within a single shaft
These elements required a holistic assessment to ensure occupant life safety—particularly given the vulnerable occupant profile associated with a childcare facility.
The Solution
A comprehensive fire engineering assessment was undertaken using a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis in accordance with established methodologies.
Key components included:
Fire & Egress Analysis
- Assessment of extended travel distances and exit configurations
- Evaluation of stair performance, including non-fire-isolated conditions
- Demonstration that safe evacuation could be achieved under credible fire scenarios
Fire Spread & Construction Strategy
- Assessment of reduced FRLs in external walls with alternative material systems
- Evaluation of façade openings near boundaries using performance-based protection methods
- Implementation of cavity barriers and fire-rated elements to limit vertical and horizontal fire spread
Fire Safety Systems
- Automatic smoke detection and occupant warning system in accordance with AS 1670.1
- Targeted use of sprinkler protection, including protection of openings and doorways
- Integration of passive and active fire protection measures to support overall safety strategy
Additional Safety Enhancements
- Improved egress provisions including additional exits
- Enhanced signage and wayfinding within stair systems
- Site-specific emergency planning aligned with AS 3745 principles
Outcome
The fire engineering analysis demonstrated that:
- The proposed design achieves an equivalent or improved level of fire safety compared to a DtS-compliant solution
- Egress provisions and evacuation strategies are safe and reliable for all occupants
- Fire spread risks, including those associated with boundary conditions and façade openings, are effectively mitigated
- The integrated fire safety systems provide robust detection, warning, and suppression capability
This supported approval of the performance solution and enabled the project to proceed through the regulatory process while maintaining an efficient and practical design.