Natural Smoke Ventilation

Natural Smoke Venting Systems create a natural airflow that purges smoke from a building, clearing areas to ensure a safe means of escape and provide greater visibility and access for firefighters.

Natural Smoke Venting Systems can be designed based around windows, vents, automatic opening vents (AOVs) or, where it is not possible to vent through an external wall, a vertical smoke shaft. In the event of a fire, smoke detectors will activate the system and natural airflow dynamics will be used to remove the smoke as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Safety: The primary benefit of natural smoke ventilation is its contribution to occupant safety. By effectively clearing smoke from escape routes, such as corridors, stairwells, and lobbies, these systems help maintain visibility and tenable conditions, allowing building occupants to evacuate safely and quickly. This critical function reduces the risk of smoke inhalation and disorientation, which are major hazards during a fire.

Firefighter Access: Improved visibility within a smoke-filled building allows firefighters to gain better access to the fire, trapped individuals, and deploy their equipment. This can improve the speed and success rate of rescue and firefighting operations, leading to reduced property damage and greater safety for emergency personnel.

Cost-Effective: Natural smoke ventilation can prove to be a more cost-effective solution compared to complex mechanical smoke extraction systems. The reduced need for extensive ductwork, fans, and associated electrical infrastructure can lead to lower upfront installation costs, as well as reduced ongoing maintenance and energy expenses.

Energy Efficiency: Reliance on natural forces, such as the stack effect (where hot smoke rises) and wind pressure, reduces or even eliminates the need for energy-consuming mechanical fans and motors. This energy efficiency contributes to lower operational costs and a reduced carbon footprint.

Sustainability: By minimising reliance on active mechanical components and maximising the use of natural phenomena, natural smoke ventilation represents a highly sustainable approach to fire safety. It aligns with green building principles by reducing energy consumption and the associated environmental impact. This makes it an attractive option for developers and building owners seeking to achieve higher sustainability ratings and contribute to a more environmentally responsible environment.

Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) - A mechanically operated vent that is linked to the fire detection system and opens in the event of a fire. 

Windows - Windows are commonly used to provide natural smoke ventilation. Actuators can be used to automatically open the window in response to smoke.

Vertical Smoke Shaft - Where vents or suitable windows on exterior walls cannot be achieved, a smoke shaft can be used to provide ventilation.