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Solent View - Iconic Southsea Building Conversion

Solent View

Industry

Residential

The Client’s Vision

The aim was to turn part of a historic seafront hotel into modern apartments while meeting current fire regulations for a building over 11m in height. The fire strategy followed a stay put approach, meaning systems needed to manage fire and smoke within specific areas rather than trigger full evacuation.

The Result

A fully integrated life safety system delivered across a project that continued to change throughout. All systems are compliant, well-coordinated and built for long term use.

Scope of Works

Automatic Opening Vent AOV System, L5 Fire Alarm System, Access Control & Intercom, Refuge System, Full System Integration, Landlord Electrical Distribution

29
Apartments
28
Months project
1866
year the east wing was built

D Squared have worked with us for over 4 years now and have been great in assisting us with our projects when we have needed them.

Jay Ricketts

Director of JLR Group.

The guys at D Squared have completed a number of electrical jobs for my business. We've been very happy with the price, workmanship and speed of completed work. Happy to recommend them as a company.

Dan Williamson

Director

Have used D Squared twice now for various electrical jobs and would highly recommend them. They are efficient, tidy and courteous. Definitely 5 star service.

Jessica Winter

Property Owner

Great work! Very professional and great value for money!

Duane Bradshaw

Director - Broadway Coffee Roasters UK

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About The Client

East Wing Developments are a property developer specialising in the refurbishment and conversion of existing buildings into residential apartments.

This project involved the redevelopment of part of the former Royal Beach Hotel in Southsea, specifically the East Wing, which dates back to 1866.

The Challenge

The project involved converting the building into 29 apartments, bringing it up to modern standards while working within a historic property.

It ran over 28 months and changed a lot as it went on. Each change meant going back over layouts and moving cabling and containment around. Working in an existing building made it harder to keep everything neat and consistent.

The Solution

Working closely with the site team, we kept the approach flexible as the project developed. We adapted quickly to design changes while keeping all systems working together.

We designed and installed an L5 fire alarm system tailored to the building, linking it with sprinklers, AOVs and access control so everything responds together in the event of a fire. Access control and intercom systems were installed across the main entrances and shared areas, with video handsets in each apartment.

Automatic Opening Vents were installed throughout the building and integrated with the fire alarm system to clear smoke depending on where activation occurs. A refuge system was also installed to allow communication for occupants who may need assistance during evacuation.

Alongside the life safety systems, we installed the electrical setup for the building’s communal areas, including new distribution equipment, riser systems and landlord boards to support lighting and power.

As designs changed, we reworked installations as needed, while making sure everything stayed aligned and compliant.

The building dates back to 1866, so this was not a straightforward install. Everything had to be worked into an existing structure, with layouts changing as the project progressed.

The Results

The completed installation brings all systems together, so they work as intended.

The building is compliant with current regulations, and the systems are straightforward for residents to use day to day.

Despite the number of changes during the build, the final finish is clean, well-coordinated and reliable.

DSquared has since been awarded a five-year maintenance contract for all installed systems.

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