The wireless fire alarm system in the Živnostenská Bank building is the largest installation of this technology in the Czech Republic
The building of the former Živnostenská Bank in the center of Prague has undergone an extensive reconstruction of its technical infrastructure and we were part of it. According to data from the manufacturer, this was the largest installation of a wireless fire alarm system (FAS) of its kind in the Czech Republic. The replacement of the electronic fire alarm system, carried out by our team, was a key component of the renovation. The building is an architectural gem with a rich history. Today, it serves as a gallery and office space, and therefore must meet current standards.
Challenges of Operating a Historic Building
When designing the solution, it was necessary to take into account the limitations associated with working in a heritage-protected building, which now houses Art Palace Prague, a prestigious platform for presenting both contemporary and historical European and global art. Traditional wired installations would have required extensive interventions into the walls and ceilings, which is not only demanding but often outright impossible. Ongoing consultations between the architect and the heritage authority also led to multiple changes during the project, requiring a high level of flexibility and dedication to meet the required deadline. The EPS reconstruction took place from September to October 2024. We carried out the project for the building’s owner, Příkopy Property Development, a subsidiary of CITIC Europe Holdings, a.s.
One of the Largest Installations of This Technology in the Czech Republic
For these reasons, we designed and implemented a wireless EPS solution, which is particularly well-suited for heritage-protected and architecturally sensitive buildings. According to information from the manufacturer, at the time, this was the largest installation of this technology in the Czech Republic. An interesting aspect of the project was the associated reconstruction of new wooden paneling, which made it possible to replace the old electrical wiring.
We used special linear detectors powered in a way that allowed us to utilize the original wiring routes. These detectors use lasers to detect smoke and assess fire risk. Their communication is wireless and operates via the REACH APPOLO input module. This technology is also used to connect additional sensors that had to be carefully positioned outside traditional cable routes in order to meet the requirements of the building’s heritage protection.
Part of a Comprehensive Renovation of All Systems and Interiors
The fire alarm system installation was part of a complete renovation that also included a new CCTV system, access control system (ACS), and intruder alarm system (IAS). The original plan also considered using thermal cameras in the area of the main staircase. However, due to safety concerns from the building operator since the staircase also serves as an emergency escape route, we opted for traditional fire detectors in this space.
Great care was taken to ensure that all detectors were positioned discreetly, so as not to disrupt the architectural design of the building. A completely new fire alarm system meeting all current fire safety standards was also installed in the two historic two-story vaults, which are now used to store artworks and valuable objects.
Our top priority was to design a solution that would be technically reliable while being as respectful as possible to the historic character of the building. Another key factor was the tight project timeline. Frequent changes, driven by consultations with the heritage authority, had to be incorporated on the fly. To meet all requirements and deadlines, the entire team worked with extraordinary dedication and intensity.
Sensitive Installation Respecting the Character of the Building
The collaboration with the Arridere team was exemplary. The team delivered excellent work with a high level of commitment. We particularly value their flexibility and ability to respond to ongoing changes in the project brief. As the owner of a building with historical value, it was essential for us to find a solution that would meet all technical standards while also fulfilling heritage preservation requirements. This was successfully achieved through the wireless system. They also assisted our tenant in setting up and implementing a fire safety solution. Notably, they were the only contractor within the entire renovation project who managed to complete their work within the planned timeline.
Benefits for Building Management
The new system has significantly improved fire safety and enables rapid incident localization. Building management now has not only a fully functional fire safety solution but also clear monitoring and remote management capabilities. Thanks to the wireless technology, maintenance and routine inspections costs have been reduced, as the system performs some checks partially automatically. The system also remains open for future expansion, both within the fire alarm system and other IoT-type technologies.
Solutions for Every Type of Operation
The renovation of the fire alarm system in the Živnostenská Bank building demonstrates that modern technology and historic environments do not have to be in conflict. Thanks to the right approach and technical solution, it was possible to combine the demands for a high level of security with respect for the building’s architecture and operational realities. We thank you for your trust and look forward to future collaborations where we can apply our experience in implementing smart security systems under challenging conditions.
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