A prestigious store that redefines luxury shopping in Edinburgh reopens with a brand new Hochiki fire detection system. Multrees Walk, in the heart of St James’ Quarter, a prestigious shopping destination in Edinburgh, offers a curated selection of high-end brands and premium shopping experiences.
Earlier this year, the retail center witnessed an extension to a prestigious store that redefines luxury shopping in Edinburgh. As the revamped store prepared to open its doors, a critical element of its infrastructure was installed: a state-of-the-art fire detection system from Hochiki Europe.
Discreet fire detection systems
High-end luxury retailers prioritize discreet fire detection systems to keep the brand's esthetic appeal
High-end luxury retailers prioritize discreet fire detection systems to maintain their brand's esthetic appeal. These stores often feature meticulously designed interiors with clean lines and minimal distractions, meaning any visible fire detection devices can disrupt the desired ambiance and detract from the overall shopping experience.
By opting for discreet systems, these retailers ensure that fire safety remains a top priority without compromising the store's luxurious atmosphere.
Fire manufacturer's ESP range
With its stunning interior design and exquisite collection of accessories and ready-to-wear items, this new store in Edinburgh, demanded a fire safety solution that was both discreet and highly effective. GB Integrated Systems (GBIS), specialize in providing fire detection and security system solutions for commercial properties.
Having worked with Hochiki products for several years, trusting their reliability in retail environments, they knew the global fire manufacturer's ESP range would provide the perfect answer.
Highest standards in fire safety design
Mike Gray, Technical Director from GBIS told us: “We chose Hochiki as it offered a comprehensive solution for this project with a broad selection of devices, including smoke detectors, heat detectors, manual call points, base sounders and air sampling system.”
The project comprised over 40 analog addressable devices and a sophisticated air sampling system, ensuring the highest standards in fire safety design. The air sampling system, seamlessly integrated into the fire detection loop, was a crucial component of the installation.
Actual fire hazards
Air sampling enables precise detection in hard-to-reach areas like ceiling voids, ensuring a wide range
Air sampling enables precise detection in hard-to-reach areas like ceiling voids, ensuring comprehensive coverage throughout a retail environment. The Hochiki devices respond accurately to real fire conditions while minimizing false alarms through multi-sensor technology, environmental adjustments, and filtering mechanisms.
With these features, the team at GBIS could reassure the luxury retailer that the fire alarm system could effectively differentiate between non-threatening signals and actual fire hazards, thereby improving safety, reducing false alarms, and enhancing operational efficiency within the store.
Interfacing the fire alarm system
A key challenge was interfacing the fire alarm system with the shopping center's security control center. This complex integration required careful planning and execution to ensure that the system would respond appropriately to different fire scenarios.
In the event of a fire within the store, the system would trigger specific alarms and notifications, while a fire in the shopping center would activate different alerts, minimizing disruption to the store's operations.
Innovative fire safety
A key challenge was interfacing the fire alarm system with the shopping center's security center
Gray added: “Installing the fire alarm system in this premium, high-end retail space is especially exciting because it brings innovative fire safety and sophisticated technology into a luxurious environment where safety and customer experience are paramount."
"The precision and reliability of our install aligns perfectly with the retail brand’s high standards, protecting valuable merchandise, ensuring shopper safety, and minimizing disruptions from false alarms."
Hochiki ESP range
Gray added: "With hidden devices and seamless integration, the Hochiki ESP range not only safeguards the premises but also maintains the esthetics, adding a layer of security that complements the brand’s reputation for excellence and customer care."
"It’s very satisfying to see the finished Hochiki install in premises of this nature and instills a great sense of pride in the work we do.”
Hochiki's fire detection solutions
This successful project showcases the power of Hochiki's fire detection solutions to protect high-end retail environments.
By combining innovation, reliability, and esthetic appeal, Hochiki has helped to create a safe and secure space for customers to indulge in the ultimate luxury shopping experience.