Fire-safe future for new building Coulisse 

Near the A1 motorway exit near Enter, the new corporate campus of window covering manufacturer Coulisse is rising. The park-like campus will house a head office, distribution center and development department, which will be built in several phases. Phase 1 will be completed in the course of this year and includes the construction of a distribution center of about 15,000 m2, of which about 2,000 m2 will be automated. Aqua+ is installing the complete sprinkler system in this building. In addition, the sprinkler and fire protection specialist from nearby Goor provides the fire alarm and evacuation system. Together with Aqua + director Bas-Jan Walhof we look back on a great project, with which 'noaber' Coulisse is assured of a fire-safe future.

Aqua+ and Coulisse can fall back on a long and close relationship. "We also provided the current distribution building in Enter with sprinklers in the past," explains Walhof. "Moreover, we have been a partner for its maintenance for many years. From this relationship we were also approached for the new building. Based on our extensive experience as well as the guidelines from the starting point document, we made a design for the sprinkler system and fire alarm and evacuation system. In doing so, we examined and extensively discussed various scenarios. The close cooperation and pleasant chemistry definitely contributed to the success of this project."

Wet sprinkler system with antifreeze

The distribution center features a special canopy on the outside, into which sprinklers had to be integrated. "This presents challenges because the canopy is exposed to sub-zero temperatures in winter," Walhof said. "The sprinkler system has to be suitable for this. For this project, for example, we investigated the possibilities for heat tracing and insulation, which would automatically heat the system on cold days. However, its construction would have too much impact on lead time and planning. Moreover, heat tracing and insulation involves high(er) energy consumption, which was not desirable in the context of sustainability. Instead, a wet system was chosen, in which an antifreeze prevents freezing of the sprinkler pipes."

Various configurations

At the base of the sprinkler system in the distribution center is a diesel-driven sprinkler pump, which draws its firewater from a 700-m3 water cellar. "In addition, the installation includes a large number of supply lines, suspension systems, sprinkler heads and a sprinkler alarm valve, which are used in various configurations," Walhof says. He cites the PGS room as an example. "Coulisse is an innovative company, high on smart systems. For example, the production and storage of window coverings are automated wherever possible. The batteries needed for this are safely stored in a box, which is also secured with our sprinklers. Because the sprinklers encapsulate any battery fires like an umbrella, the process of thermal runaway is effectively stopped. And because the sprinklers only trigger when the sprinkler head reaches a certain temperature, unnecessary water damage is prevented."

Digital insight

Both the sprinkler system and the fire alarm and evacuation system will soon be monitored by Fuse; Aqua+'s latest digital innovation. "Fuse provides digital insight into the status of the installations, allowing us to perform proactive maintenance," Walhof says. "Toward the future, predictive maintenance and remote testing will also become possible, allowing us to offer clients even more safety comfort." 

Meanwhile, the sprinkler system is almost complete. Soon the inspection of the water supply will start, after which the sprinkler pump can be put into operation. The distribution hall and warehouse can then be safely filled with goods, after which both Twente family businesses can toast to a great project and a fantastic end result.