Devon resident, Nick Furneaux, set out to create a thoughtfully designed home that met the unique needs of his family. Central to the design was a dedicated living space for his 20-year-old daughter, who is living with a disability, providing her with both independence and safety.
Challenge
When Nick and his family decided to move from Bristol to the picturesque seaside village of Beer, they embarked on an ambitious project to build their dream home. One of the key features was a self-contained living area for their daughter, ensuring her independence while keeping her connected to the rest of the family.
As they reviewed their plans, a potential challenge was identified: the exit route from the daughter’s space passed through the open plan kitchen and living room. These are spaces where everyday activities could heighten the risk of a fire starting. In the event of a fire, particularly occurring during the night, the concern was that their daughter may attempt to reach them in the main bedroom and inadvertently walk into danger.
With their vision for their new home’s interior design and a focus on style, the family not only wanted a fire suppression solution that would enhance safety but also integrate seamlessly into the aesthetic of their modern home.
Approach
After exploring various options, Nick invested in the Plumis’ Automist system. They were drawn in by its advanced fire suppression technology and innovative design. Chilman Fire and Security, an authorised Automist installer, was brought onboard to deliver a solution tailored to the home’s specific requirements.
Unlike traditional sprinklers, Automist uses just 5.6 litres of water per minute, and is designed to significantly reduce potential water damage while effectively suppressing fires. Its infrared tracking technology enables precise targeting of the fire source, ensuring fast and efficient protection.
Chilman Fire and Security worked closely with Nick and his family to develop a bespoke solution. They began by analysing the home’s floor plans to identify key risk areas and evacuation routes. Careful thought was given to the placement of Automist’s wall-mounted spray heads to maximise coverage, while maintaining the home’s interior design.
Chilman’s flexibility during the installation process ensured the system adapted to any evolving design requirements as and when they arose, such as rerouting water feeds to accommodate last-minute changes in the build.
Outcome
The family’s new home in Devon is now equipped with an intelligent Automist system that provides robust fire suppression without compromising on style. Nick commented that guests rarely notice the discreet spray heads, a testament to how well the system disappears into the interior.
For Nick and his family, Automist delivers invaluable peace of mind. Knowing that they are protected by a sophisticated fire safety system allows them to focus on enjoying their new home with confidence.
Nick said: "The Automist system offers us incredible reassurance. It’s one of those things you hope never to use, but knowing it’s there is priceless. Chilman Fire and Security were fantastic - professional, flexible, and always focused on what we needed. They helped us achieve a system that ensures safety without compromising the design of our home. We couldn’t be happier with the result."
