Compliance built in — not added later.

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GEOTEC® smoke shafts deliver certified EIS performance with:
• A1 non-combustible classification
• Fire integrity, insulation and smoke sealing in one system
• No additional site insulation required

Performance proven. Risks reduced.

Discover why designers specify FASS GEOTEC.

Willen House

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Location:
London.

Date:
July 2025.

Client:
Red Construction

Overview

Willen House has being transformed through major structural alterations, including portal frame floor additions, rear tower extensions, and additional levels. The scheme comprises self-contained bedrooms, alongside communal amenities such as sunken gardens, a lounge, a cinema room, a gym, and a yoga studio.

Working alongside the architect, RED Construction and Geostaff France, Fire and Smoke Solutions was brought in to deliver a compliant, low-impact solution within a tight programme for the mechanical smoke extract shafts.

Objectives

  • Replace several non compliant Shaft Wall Smoke Shafts with a Certified Solution.
  • Minimise disruption to surrounding works and live site operations.
  • Complete works on site within 8 weeks.

Challenges:

  • Limited riser space with competing services (electrical and mechanical).
  • Requirement for full compliance with EN 1366-8 and EN 13501-4.
  • Tight construction programme with limited access around shafts.
  • Sustainability targets set by the client requiring recyclable materials.

Our Solution

The FASS GEOTEC® smoke shaft system was specified and installed. GEOTEC® S45 boards were delivered flat-pack, pre-cut to size, and installed using the glue + screw GEOCOL® system. The self-supporting duct allowed installation from inside-out without the need for access all round, saving time and avoiding coordination clashes with other trades.

Our scope covered

  • Design and specification: Ensuring the system met project needs.
  • Procurement: Securing the required materials ahead of schedule to accelerate delivery.
  • Installation: Delivering the works safely and with minimal disruption to the existing site.

Key Outcomes

  • Design and Procurement ahead of schedule: Product secured and installed quicker than planned.
  • Fast installation: On-site works completed in just three weeks.
  • Fully compliant: System met all fire performance and regulatory requirements.

Result

  • Reduced installation time compared with builders work or plasterboard alternatives.
  • No additional site insulation required, saving labour and avoiding error risk.
  • Compact system allowed efficient use of risers, leaving space for other services.

Standards & Compliance Achieved:

  • Tested to EN 1366-8
  • Classified to EN 13501-4 (up to 1500Pa service pressure)
  • IFC Certified (SDI 19 & 20) for smoke shafts and ductwork
  • A1 non-combustible classification (EN 13501-1)
  • ETA 18/0343 – European Technical Assessment

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Reviewing of Smoke Shaft Construction

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Managing Director Ian Doncaster recently presented a Smoke Control Association document, reviewing smoke shaft construction and highlighting why only tested and certified systems should be installed.

It’s vital the industry moves away from untested methods and towards proven, standards-based solutions.

At FASS, we see the benefits every day with our GEOTEC® smoke shaft systems — tested to EN 1366-8 / EN 13501-4, IFC certified, and fully compliant from design through to commissioning.

Smoke Shaft Construction for circulation

Uno Golden Lane

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Location:
London

Date:
March 2025

Client:
Migard

Overview

As part of a wider upgrade at a central London site, Migard needed to improve fire protection for a primary power supply route. The project required the over cladding of the existing cable trenches with an EI120 construction, with minimal disruption to ongoing site activity.

Working alongside the architect and Geostaff France, Fire and Smoke Solutions was brought in to deliver a compliant, low-impact solution within a tight programme.

Objectives

  • Increase the fire protection
  • Minimise disruption to surrounding works and live site operations
  • Complete works on site within 3 weeks

Our Solution

To meet the brief, we installed a Geotec Service Duct using Geostaff’s S45 board system – a proven solution for high-performance fire protection in service installation to BS EN 1366-8 and classified to BS EN 13501-5.

Our scope covered:

  • Design and specification: Ensuring the system met project needs
  • Procurement: Securing the required materials ahead of schedule to accelerate delivery
  • Installation: Delivering the works safely and with minimal disruption to the existing site

Key Outcomes

  • Design and Procurement ahead of schedule: Product secured and installed quicker than planned
  • Fast installation: On-site works completed in just two weeks
  • Fully compliant: System met all fire performance and regulatory requirements

Result

Project Uno was completed ahead of time and with no disruption to other site operations. The installed system delivered the required fire protection performance, and our team managed the process from start to finish – efficiently, safely, and in full compliance with standards.

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Fountain Lofts

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Fountain Lofts in Digbeth, Birmingham, we recently completed the installation of two cutting-edge smoke extract systems to boost safety for residents. These systems, equipped with SE Controls operating Lobby Smoke Dampers from Smoke Control Dampers, ensure effective smoke ventilation, to provide the residents a safe environment for egress in an emergency.

Offering Fire-rated shaft & duct systems in the UK

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Geo shaft work.

FASS are delighted to offer Geotec fire-rated shaft and duct systems in the UK.

Geotec products are EIS tested and classified to EN1366-8 and EN13501- 4 and suitable for smoke ventilation systems up to 1500Pa.

They are more compact than metal shaft systems and can be fitted in spaces with limited accessibility, allowing safe and creative solutions for smoke control ducts.

FASS can design, supply and install a fully integrated smoke control package using fully certified products. Get in touch for more information.

FASS Welcomes David Ayling – Design Lead- Smoke Control

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We are pleased to announce a significant addition to our team at FASS with the arrival of David Ayling, our new Design Lead specialising in Smoke Control and ventilation systems.

David’s wealth of experience, knowledge, and expertise spans several key disciplines, including designing and manufacturing multiple smoke and environmental control systems and ventilation projects. A perfect fit within the FASS business offering and enhancing our existing teams’ expertise in delivering the complete solution, including consultation, design, supply, development, and handover of the completed projects, enabling our continued growth.
In his role as the Design for Smoke Control & ventilation systems, David will be instrumental in delivering projects. His key responsibilities include:
Stakeholder Engagement for Smoke Control Solutions:
David will be pivotal in building and nurturing relationships with Smoke Control and ventilation stakeholders. This focused approach ensures collaboration and satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
Comprehensive Support for Smoke Control Systems:
As part of our successful team, David will offer extensive product, system, technical, design, installation, and pricing support. David’s role is tailored to the unique demands of the smoke control sector, ensuring clients receive specialised assistance.
Procedural Excellence in Smoke Control:
Attention to detail contributes significantly to the production of procedures and documentation critical to procuring, designing, and delivering effective smoke control systems. This approach guarantees the reliability and precision of our solutions and compliance.
Project Estimation and Management for Smoke Control:
Leveraging his expertise, David will estimate, design, and manage various smoke control projects. From residential to non-residential installations, his guidance ensures the seamless execution of our smoke control & ventilation solutions.
Benefits of Having David on Board:
Focused Stakeholder Engagement for Smoke Control:
David’s emphasis on building relationships within the smoke control sector ensures that stakeholders’ specific needs and concerns are acknowledged and addressed effectively.
Tailored Support for Smoke Control Systems:
His comprehensive support covers every facet of smoke control, from initial design to installation and ongoing maintenance, providing clients with specialised guidance and assistance, ensuring compliance with the sectors stringent specifications and regulations.
Excellence in Smoke Control Documentation:
The precision in procedural documentation that David brings to the table enhances the transparency and efficiency of our smoke control processes, maintaining a high standard for the industry.
Versatile Management of Smoke Control Projects:
David’s ability to manage a diverse range of smoke control projects showcases FASS’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges presented by different installations, be it residential or non-residential.

David’s appointment at FASS signals our continued commitment to excellence in the smoke control sector. His specialised role and dedication align seamlessly with our vision for delivering top-tier smoke control solutions. Join us in extending a warm welcome to David as we advance in designing and implementing smoke control systems.

FASS Achieve ISO 9001 Registration

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Working closely with Initiative QSS, FASS have now been awarded ISO 9001 Certification, ensure all current and potential clients they will receive a service that exceeds that provided by other suppliers in the sector.