Smoke Control

Experts under pressure

A life safety mechanism like smoke control requires you to have an experienced and reliable engineering partner

The sheer volume of smoke control work done by United gives us a unique advantage in the smoke control/special inspections niche. We are trusted by our clients for modelling smoke control in a variety of non-uniform spaces and building types—high rises, open spaces like atriums, hotel lobbies and rooms, stairwells, elevator hoistways and corridors.

United has an immaculate track record of engineering geometrically complex spaces whether with the use of exhausts in certain types of buildings or other mechanical equipment for pressurized systems, to contain smoke and create a tenable environment for egress.

Smoke control special inspections eliminate delays in TCO approvals

Even the most robust smoke control system designs become ineffective when components are not installed correctly, are not applied correctly, do not operate properly, or lack appropriate integration.

United’s smoke control special inspection process leverages our extensive smoke control systems knowledge in and engineering, installation and testing capacity to effectively test and inspect systems and ensure the owner receives the life safety system as required by codes, standards and the approved construction documents.

We utilize our experience whether addressing construction issues, reviewing design documents for compliance with the required rational analysis, or establishing systems testing requirements, to minimize changes during construction and eliminate delays in TCO approval.

Our systematic fire system commissioning and integrated testing approach for life and safety systems helps you document, verify, and sustain performance of the facility assets that are critical to your building.

Our smoke control services include:

  • Smoke control engineering
  • Smoke control special inspections
  • Smoke control renovation/retrofit of existing buildings
  • Smoke control annual testing
  • Smoke control forensic analysis
  • Smoke control operational training
  • Integrated fire life safety commissioning

Our smoke control expertise ensures timely occupancy of your building.

Not passing your smoke control inspection can delay your occupancy indefinitely. We never let that happen. We are your best chance to get this most crucial certification passed.

Our clients are our biggest advocates. We not only get repeat clients but are recommended by them to anyone who requires quality service at a reasonable cost.

We have a reputation for carrying out:

  • seamless technical coordination between the design, architectural, MEP and fire system teams
  • in-depth training of staff on operating the systems
  • exhaustive verification of systems for a successful inspection
  • procuring the occupancy certificate

Featured Projects

Reinventing failed
smoke control
mechanisms to
ensure scheduled
occupancy

•  Spring District Block 24, Bellevue, WA

198,500 square feet of office space spread over 9 floors

•  Spring District Block 16

Facebook’s new office in Bellevue, WA

•  Spring District Block 16

One of the largest mixed development projects in Kirkland, WA

On all 3 projects, United was hired when the buildings’ original smoke control design did not work. We developed a new concept and design. We worked with the implementation team to meet the TCO date despite the redesigning. We also worked with Turner Construction to develop a full TCO close-out schedule for the entire project for Spring District.

Southport Hyatt Regency

United was hired when the buildings’ original smoke control design did not work. We developed a new concept and design. We worked with the implementation team to meet the TCO date despite the redesigning. We also worked with Sellen Construction to develop a full TCO close-out schedule for the entire project.

We met the TCO date
despite the redesigning

Retained at 50%
construction
completion, United
gives its 200%

Modera Davis and Modera Glisan, Portland

This was the first project in Portland that required a full smoke control rational analysis and smoke control permit. We had to expend a lot of energy to educate the client, the contractors and Portland (?) through the process.

Even though we were retained at approximately 50% construction completion, we took ownership of the project and (? can’t think anymore)

•  Spring District Block 16

Facebook’s new office in Bellevue, WA

•  Spring District Block 16

One of the largest mixed development projects in Kirkland, WA

On all 3 projects, United was hired when the buildings’ original smoke control design did not work. We developed a new concept and design. We worked with the implementation team to meet the TCO date despite the redesigning. We also worked with Turner Construction to develop a full TCO close-out schedule for the entire project for Spring District.

A Trusted Partner of Fortune 100 and Northwest Companies

 

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