Operating a warehouse for the storage of fresh food requires significant energy consumption. As a result, it was critical to the client, Brisbane Markets Limited, that the latest technologies available to minimise energy consumption in the warehouse and associated cool rooms were used throughout the project. It was also important that the new warehouse met all the current safety and design requirements. This included a purpose designed fire protection system to maximise asset protection and the safety of all occupants in the unlikely event of fire.

DMA Engineers was engaged to undertake the design of Fire Protection, Mechanical, Electrical, and Hydraulics services for the project. By engaging all services through DMA, the client was able to take advantage of a fully collaborative team capable of producing an economically and technically efficient solution.

Working as part of the dwp architects team, we collaborated closely with Brisbane Markets Limited in the early stages of the project to ensure the client’s requirements and vision were understood. As a result, some of the features that were incorporated into the project included:

• The installation of an Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) sprinkler system to ensure compliance with the asset protection standards for a high piled storage arrangement.
• The proposed mechanical and electrical services for the warehouse were selected with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind.
• The custom design of emergency exit signage to suit fire engineering requirements.

The construction of this project is currently underway, with a scheduled completion date of 2019.

Once completed, Brisbane Markets Limited will benefit from reduced costs of energy consumption in operating the warehouse, as well as peace of mind that their assets and staff are protected from fire and other unforeseen incidents.