HCA Harley Street

Fire Door & Compartmentation Upgrade

Healthcare Facility • Live Environment • Passive Fire Protection

Project Overview

Project Type: Passive Fire Protection – Fire Door & Compartmentation Upgrade
Location: Heritage / Period Building
Environment: Live Occupied Building
Scope: Upgrade of existing timber doors to provide compliant fire compartmentation between basement and upper floors while retaining the original architectural appearance.

Project Background

The client required improved fire separation between the basement level and the main circulation areas of the building. The existing traditional timber doors formed part of the original fabric of the property and could not be replaced with modern proprietary fire doors without impacting the character of the building.

The objective was to enhance fire performance while preserving the historic appearance of the doors and surrounding joinery.

Project Objectives

  • Improve fire compartmentation between basement and habitable areas
  • Achieve compliant fire resistance performance
  • Retain existing heritage door leaves and frames
  • Upgrade ironmongery and door hardware where required
  • Maintain normal building use during the works
  • Ensure compliance with current fire safety guidance

Technical Solution

A specialist fire upgrade system was selected to enhance the fire resistance of the existing timber doors without full replacement.

 

Upgrade System Specification

  • Fire upgrade applied to existing solid timber door leaves
  • Intumescent seals installed to door edges and frames
  • Fire-rated glazing protection to vision panels where present
  • Fire-rated hinges, closers and latching hardware installed
  • Gaps adjusted to meet fire door tolerances
  • All components installed in accordance with tested system guidance

Installation Methodology

Survey & Assessment
  • Condition survey of existing doors and frames
  • Assessment of door thickness, material and construction
  • Identification of compartmentation lines
  • Review of heritage constraints
Reinstatement & Finishing
  • Doors re-hung and aligned
  • Original appearance retained
  • Final gap checks and functional testing completed
Door Preparation
  • Door leaves removed and prepared
  • Edges machined to accept intumescent seals
  • Surface preparation completed prior to upgrade works
Fire Upgrade Installation
  • Fire upgrade materials applied to door leaf faces
  • Fire-rated seals fitted to perimeter
  • Fire-rated hinges and self-closing devices installed
  • Latching hardware fitted to ensure positive closure

The upgraded doors support compartmentation requirements in accordance with:

• BS 476 Parts 20–22 – Fire resistance testing of building elements

• BS EN 13501-2 – Fire classification of construction products

• Approved Document B (Fire Safety) – Internal fire spread and compartmentations

• BS 9999 – Fire safety in design, management and use of buildings

Health, Safety & Operational Considerations

• Works carried out in an occupied building

• Dust and noise controlled during installation

• Phased working to maintain access routes

• Daily safety checks implemented

• Compliance with CDM Regulations 2015

Key Compliance Outcomes

• Basement separated from escape routes

• Fire spread through internal openings restricted

• Original heritage features preserved

• Fire performance enhanced without full door replacement

• Safe means of escape maintained

Project Challenges & Solutions

Challenge:
Retention of historic timber doors

Solution:
Fire upgrade system allowed reuse of existing doors

Challenge:
Irregular door frames and openings

Solution:
On-site adjustments to tolerances and seals

Challenge:
Live building environment

Solution:
Phased works and controlled working hours

Quality Assurance

• Installation by trained passive fire protection operatives

• Works completed in line with manufacturer guidance

• Photographic records taken before and after

• Final inspection carried out

• Certification and handover documentation provided

Project Outcomes

 

• Improved fire safety between basement and upper floors

• Enhanced compartmentation performance

• Preservation of original building character

• Compliance with current fire safety guidance

• Minimal disruption to occupants

Conclusion

This heritage fire door upgrade project successfully delivered improved fire compartmentation while preserving the architectural character of the building. By upgrading the existing timber doors rather than replacing them, the project achieved regulatory compliance, enhanced life safety, and maintained the visual integrity of the historic interior.

The completed works provide effective separation between the basement and occupied areas, reducing the risk of fire and smoke spread while supporting safe evacuation.

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Prepared by

Fire & Thermal Installation Services Ltd
Passive Fire Protection Specialists
March 2026
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