Fire
Engineering

Specially developed computational tool to analyse the floor plan and determine the maximum allowable travelling distance for escape routes.
Specially developed computational tool to analyse the floor plan and determine the maximum allowable travelling distance for escape routes.

Ensuring fire and life safety in building development requires meticulous consideration of factors such as material flammability, component fire resistance, compartmentation with firewalls, fire-rated doors, escape facilities, and active firefighting systems like sprinklers. Thorough assessment and addressing of these aspects are critical to prioritising the safety and protection of buildings and their occupants.

Bauhaus Museum Dessau, phase of a state of construction, view from the inside of a room to the glass front, exposed ceiling construction
We were commissioned to do the fire engineering for Bauhaus Museum Dessau

Comprehensive Fire Safety Solutions 

Our holistic approach integrates both passive and active fire protection strategies. Passive systems reinforce load-bearing elements like beams, partitions, and columns and subdivide the building to limit fire spread, using fire-resistant materials and construction techniques. Active systems include sprinklers, fire alarms, smoke control design, and customised escape facilities. Combining these strategies, we deliver comprehensive fire safety solutions, ensuring optimal protection for our clients.

Specially developed tool rapidly explores options for required access roads and areas for firefighting vehicles in early project phases.
This specially developed tool rapidly explores options for required access roads and areas for firefighting vehicles in early project phases.

Early prevention

Our preventive fire engineering services cover various building types, including low- to medium-rise buildings (classes 1 to 5) and unique structures like high-rise buildings, schools, and industrial facilities. Early integration of holistic concepts accelerates planning processes and reduces construction costs. We provide expertise from initial project sketches to completion and handover. Our fire engineering concepts include designing structural resistance, implementing active firefighting measures, defining smoke control strategies, and incorporating organisational fire protection measures. This holistic approach ensures code compliance and safety during a fire.

Several men working on a construction site in nice weather. In the background, there is a green tarpaulin with the inscription ‘Living in Wood’.
The extension of the Fritz Kissel Residential Area in Frankfurt was our first timber project in building class 5

Timber Construction and Fire Safety

The demand for timber construction buildings is rising due to the need to lower carbon emissions in the construction industry. Our expertise identifies feasible, practical, and approvable solutions for fire hazards and risk assessments. We leverage our experience creatively to convince stakeholders to pursue the best solutions. Our approach ensures the integration of sustainable timber construction with adequate fire safety solutions, satisfying all stakeholders in the planning process.

Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank: Existing building retrofit with additional new building floors.
Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank: Existing building retrofit with additional new building floors.

Fire Safety in Existing Buildings

Our evaluation process involves a comprehensive examination of structures, utilising empirical rules and modern methods considering the construction requirements of their time. We prioritise simple yet effective solutions that provide adequate protection without costly technical retrofitting. Adapting existing buildings to modern use while ensuring compliance with current regulations presents unique challenges, especially at the interface of buildups or extensions where old and new meet. Collaboration with clients, authorities, and experts is crucial to address these complexities, striving to find solutions that meet all desired outcomes, requirements, and possibilities.


A 3D model of a building in hybrid construction, three levels floating on top of each other, show the materials to be used: reinforced concrete, wood and steel
The Residential Greenhouse Bremen uses prefabricated timber modules assembled on-site. The basement floors are made of reinforced concrete, while the upper floors comprise spacious arcade structures of steel profiles and concrete floor slabs.

Fire Engineering for Unconventional Construction Methods

Modern climate-friendly buildings emphasise cultural and social exchange among users. These projects often have unique characteristics, incorporating hybrid functions such as mixed-use concepts and combinations of components and construction methods. This distinctiveness requires specialised fire engineering solutions. With extensive experience and numerous completed projects, we ensure safety and economic efficiency in all aspects of our fire engineering solutions.

Volunteer Firefighting

Some fire protection group members are volunteer firefighters, bringing valuable experience to our team. Their expertise enhances our planning process, ensures a protection-oriented approach, and establishes effective communication with authorities and other fire experts, fostering collaboration and trust.