Crescent Heights is a massive luxury real estate developer. With the design of large scale urban high-rises building’s, they have transformed the idea of big city living through the implementation of multi-use structures where occupants don’t have to leave the grounds to experience all the different elements of living a grand urban life.

Zari Consulting Group has served Crescent Heights in numerous different design and engineering capacities, including smoke control system design and testing for high-rise residencies, building code consulting, and fire code consulting.

Our smoke control design consulting included the following:

  1. Attend a meeting with the design team to explainthe smoke control design approach and identify any special considerations based on the building configuration and construction, mechanical systems, and electrical systems.
  2. Prepare a Preliminary Smoke Control Report for submission to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The purpose for this report was to describe the major design features of the smoke control system. It is also required by most fire departments to obtain the site permit. It included the following:
    1. Introduction explaining the concepts of Section 909 of the International Building Code and the goals of the smoke control systems.
    2. A description of each smoke zone, including method of smoke control, how the systems are activated, and equipment used within the smoke control zone. Other narrative items would include evaluations in regards to stack effect, climate, and other items as noted in Section 909 of the IBC.
  3. Developing a computer model of the building. This computer model included the following:
    1. Leakage ratios for the building’s floor/ceiling assemblies, exterior walls, smoke and fire partitions, and shaft walls
    2. Leakage areas for door assemblies
    3. Flow areas for exterior operable windows
    4. Exterior wind speeds and temperature gradients between the exterior and interior of the building
    5. Smoke control mechanical systems, including stair pressurization systems, airflow exhaust rates for each floor and relief vent sizes
  4. Preparing the Smoke Control System Rational Analysis. This report included the following:
    1. Introduction explaining the concepts and the goals of the smoke control systems.
    2. Narrative description of each smoke zone. This included the method of smoke control, how the systems are activated, and equipment used within the smoke control zone. Other narrative items included evaluations in regards to stack effect, climate, and other items as noted in the International Fire Code.
    3. Building floor plans showing each smoke compartment and smoke zone throughout the building. These plans are crucial for the Architect’s and General Contractors reference, as these locations require an increased level of construction.
    4. A Conceptual sequence of operation matrix indicating the fire alarm equipment initiating smoke control, the status of the smoke control equipment, and the status of other HVAC equipment.
  5. Reviewing mechanical, automatic sprinkler, and fire alarm drawings for coordination with the Smoke Control System Rational Analysis. A review was provided noting any discrepancies with the smoke control system.