Fire Suppression & Sprinkler Design

Fire sprinkler engineering in Vancouver and BC

Noven provides fire sprinkler engineering and water-based fire suppression design for new buildings, tenant improvements and existing-building alterations. We work with owners, architects, developers and sprinkler contractors to develop coordinated design information for permitting and construction.

Fire suppression is the broader term for systems that control or extinguish a fire. Automatic sprinkler systems are one form of suppression. Our service focuses on water-based sprinkler design, with the scope and professional responsibilities established for each project.

Sprinkler design services

• Design criteria and system planning: identify the applicable building code or by-law, referenced sprinkler standard, building use, hazard classification and project-specific requirements.
• Sprinkler layouts and design drawings: develop sprinkler coverage and piping arrangements coordinated with architectural layouts, reflected ceiling plans, structure and building services.
• Hydraulic calculations and water supply assessment: assess the flow and pressure needed for the proposed system against the available water supply, with the design inputs and assumptions documented.
• Tenant improvements and alterations: review how changes to walls, ceilings, occupancy or storage affect sprinkler coverage and the existing system's design basis.
• Permit and design-team coordination: prepare engineering documentation within the agreed scope and respond to technical review comments in coordination with the permit applicant and other registered professionals.
• Construction-stage support: provide specified shop-drawing reviews, responses to design changes, field reviews and completion documentation as included in the appointment.

A coordinated design basis

Sprinkler design starts with the building and its intended use. The design basis identifies the governing requirements and the appropriate application of NFPA 13, NFPA 13R or NFPA 13D where permitted. These standards are not interchangeable; the applicable code or by-law and project conditions determine the appropriate approach and referenced edition.

For projects in the City of Vancouver, the review considers the Vancouver Building By-law and local permit requirements. For projects governed by the BC Building Code outside Vancouver, the review considers that code and the authority's requirements. We coordinate sprinkler-related provisions with the building code strategy, including any accepted alternative solution that relies on sprinkler protection.

An existing sprinkler system also needs a reliable starting point. Available drawings, previous calculations, water supply information and a review of accessible site conditions help establish what can be retained and what needs further investigation. Changes in use or layout can affect more than the number of sprinkler heads.

From engineering to installation

The proposal defines the design deliverables, responsibility for detailed installation information, construction field reviews and applicable professional assurance documents. Installation and contractor testing are carried out by the appointed sprinkler contractor. Municipal inspections and integrated systems testing have their own roles and are coordinated where required.

Noven's Shri Guru Ravidass Temple project includes sprinkler-system design alongside building code consulting and alternative solutions.

Discuss your sprinkler project

For a sprinkler engineering proposal, send the project address, description of the proposed work, current architectural and ceiling plans, available sprinkler records and the anticipated permit and construction schedule. Identify changes to the use of the space, storage or building layout so the design scope can address them from the outset.

Request a proposal for fire suppression and sprinkler design, or explore our related building code consulting, fire protection system review and integrated systems testing services.