The Villa Maria Centre in Ipswich is a three-storey aged care facility dedicated to the care of older women. The original structure is over 150 years old and houses 40 residents, each in separate rooms over its 500m2 floor area. The building was originally constructed as a luxury residence in the 1860’s and now features a small chapel, a library, and landscaped garden areas.
BE Collective was commissioned to ensure fire compliance, reviewing the quality and capacity of the site’s fire plan and provisions, including hydrants, fire compartments and pipes.
With reference to pressure and flow tests, and the fire compartmentalisation plan, three new external attack hydrants and a fire booster were required and larger pipes installed to facilitate adequate flow.
The fire service achieved QFES endorsement, and BE Collective has continued to provide QUU Endorsed Consultant services for the construction.