Securing Landsec’s net-zero Timber Square

Net-zero is the goal for Timber Square, an ambitious project by Landsec in London. Ramtech’s WES3 wireless fire alarm system has been tasked with protecting and safeguarding the site. Timber Square will be well connected to walking and cycling paths and is just 10 minutes away from London Bridge and Waterloo stations.

This large-scale development is a landmark project in terms of sustainability. In order to properly cover the over 370.000 sq ft site, Ramtech’s partners Wingate installed both the WES3 Wireless Fire Alarm System and REACT Emergency Notification System. The vision for Timber Square is not just to create a sustainable building but to set a new benchmark for environmental responsibility in construction. The development will feature state-of-the-art facilities and design elements that promote energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the overall quality of life for its occupants. The project is strategically situated near London Bridge and Waterloo stations, ensuring excellent connectivity to public transport, walking, and cycling paths.

A new approach to net-zero construction

Timber Square will focus heavily on sustainability. By retaining 85% of the existing structure and using cross-laminated timber, the project will achieve significant CO2 reduction. Furthermore, the development will feature air source heat pumps as the primary heat source, lowering its carbon footprint.

Even the construction process is carried out with sustainability in mind. The project builds on lessons learned from The Forge, the UK’s first Net-Zero commercial building, to pioneer new approaches to net-zero construction. Timber Square uses modern construction methods and low-carbon materials reducing CO2 emissions by 50% compared to typical office buildings.

Along with being built with sustainable materials and a low carbon footprint, Timber Square is expected to generate £205 million in social and local economic value during its lifecycle. The project will offer extensive public realm improvements. It will enhance pedestrian routes and create a vibrant community space.

The risks that come with net-zero buildings

Timber Square presents unique challenges and risks, particularly concerning fire safety. As the project will be mainly built out of timber, which is sustainable and eco-friendly material, it is also combustible. In the construction phase, the risk is heightened due to exposed timber and the presence of combustible materials on-site. The key fire safety risks associated with timber frame construction include:

Rapid Fire Spread: Timber structures can facilitate the rapid spread of fire if not properly protected, posing significant risks to both the construction site and surrounding areas.
Structural Integrity: In the event of a fire, the structural integrity of timber can be compromised more quickly compared to steel or concrete, potentially leading to collapses.
Exposure During Construction: During the construction phase, the timber is often exposed before fire protection measures are fully in place, increasing the vulnerability of the site.

Installing WES3 and REACT at the site

As construction begins on this ambitious, environmentally conscious, project, Ramtech’s partner Wingate installed over 400 devices in order to properly cover the site. These environments can be quite precarious, one small fire can quickly grow out of control if not addressed immediately.

Wingate successfully installed 420 WES3 devices and plans to increase the units as the project progresses. WES3 is a fully customisable temporary wireless system which was designed to provide a simple, fast and secure method of communicating fire and medical emergencies in such a complex environment. Ramtech’s devices offer wireless flexibility for dynamic environments along with a quick installation and relocation process.

WES3 is capable of reliably detecting early fires, sending a rapid response to workers and project managers through the REACT Emergency Notification System. Ramtech’s REACT platform is a cloud-based solution that can raise alerts in real time. REACT allows sites full 24 hour coverage as alerts are sent out via a simple to use mobile app. REACT can be integrated with various devices and platforms for a more comprehensive coverage, providing users with important information regarding the WES3 units, such as their battery life or connection status.

Installing the WES3 system was incredibly straightforward thanks to its completely wireless design. It’s easy to install and reposition the units as the site grows. The added benefit of the REACT system is that it notifies us of any maintenance issues with the WES3 system, ensuring we can address them promptly and keep the site secure.

Steve Hemmington - Contracts Manager from Wingate.

The opportunity to quickly respond and coordinate during an emergency ensures a safe and steady construction process. Small fires can quickly turn into a blistering blaze. Carefully monitoring sites with innovative devices such as these can not only save costs, when it comes to damages, but also save lives.

Timber Square is a landmark project in sustainability, and we're proud to support it with our WES3 and REACT systems. These technologies provide reliable and rapid fire detection and emergency communication, ensuring that the site remains safe as it progresses towards its ambitious environmental goals.

Adam Jurka - Sales Manager at Ramtech

As above so below

Projects, such as Timber Square, are paramount in order to achieve the UN’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5ºC by 2030. The ambitious project will be further highlighted in a documentary series produced by BBC StoryWorks, showcasing innovative buildings that contribute to a better future.

However, creating a safer world does not exclude the importance of creating a safer work environment in which we build this world. Ramtech’s commitment to easily and meticulously covering work sites ensures that environmentally friendly projects, like Timber Square, can come to fruition without any major incident.