Sky Garden flourishes with FP cables in London

Fire protection within the dramatic Sky Garden, topping the Walkie Talkie building, is assured by 2,000 metres of Prysmian FP PLUS fire resistant cable.

The Sky Garden is a three-storey high leisure and exhibition space. Its façade is created from a 980 tonne complex steel frame with integrated photovoltaic cells. Prysmian FP PLUS is installed in the essential safety systems including emergency lighting and smoke exhaust ventilation systems, all of which are integrated within the façade structure.

Josef Gartner GmbH, the trade contractor for the project, is responsible for the steel and cladding work. Assistant Project Manager Adam Sherburn observed that: “Prysmian was specified by the project engineers for its technical performance. It is an attractive option for us as its superior dressable construction makes it easy to work with while it is also a cost effective solution.”

Prysmian FP is the original, easy to install and fully compliant fire resistant cable range, approved by engineers, installers and regulators. In the unfortunate event of fire, Prysmian’s ‘enhanced’ FP PLUS retains vital circuit integrity allowing the occupants to evacuate safely and helping fire fighters take control.

Simon Hopkins, FP Product Manager UK, says: ”The Corporation of London is the government office responsible for all regulations regarding new and existing buildings in the ‘Square Mile’, the financial heart of the City. For many years they have insisted upon excellent safety in the event of fire and the Sky Garden is no exception. FP PLUS satisfies their stringent requirements because our engineers understand the materials and they understand how to make the best combination for easy installation but ultimate performance – and they succeed.”

Designed by world-renowned architect Rafael Viñoly, 20 Fenchurch Street is visually distinguishable. The Sky Garden will be a truly inspiring space and has been designed to create an open place of relaxation offering people a rare chance to see London from a unique viewpoint. Spanning three floors, the beautiful landscaped garden will have a bar and viewing area at level 36 and finally a public terrace, restaurant and café at level 37.

Developed by a joint venture partnership between two of the UK’s leading property companies in Canary Wharf Group and Land Securities, 20 Fenchurch Street provides 680,000 sq ft of top quality offices with unrivalled panoramic views of London.

It is due to be completed towards the end of the year.