Case Study
THE SQUARE GARDENS PROJECT
Delivering passive fire protection across one of Europe’s largest co-living developments
Client:
Downing Construction
Project Value £1m
Passive Fire Protection Package
Development
3 Residential Towers
IFC Certified
Elite Fire Stop
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Square Gardens is a major residential development at First Street, Manchester, comprising three towers reaching 40, 25 and 18 storeys.
Elite Fire Stop was appointed by Downing Construction to deliver a circa £1m passive fire protection package across the development.
Working within a complex, high-rise environment, our team provided a combination of compliant installation, technical support, quality assurance and ongoing coordination to help maintain both programme and fire strategy requirements.
SCOPE
Elite Fire Stop was appointed to deliver a comprehensive passive fire protection package across one of Europe’s largest co-living developments, comprising three residential towers of 40, 25 and 18 storeys.
Our scope of works included:
- Fire batt systems and service penetration sealing
- Firefly cavity barrier installations
- Fire-rated compound mortar applications
- Fire compartmentation throughout all three towers to support the building’s overall fire strategy and compliance
CHALLENGES
Complex Interfaces
Numerous non-standard construction details and service configurations meant standard tested details could not be applied across every location.
Technical Compliance
Where standard manufacturer details were unsuitable, each interface required technical review and an appropriate compliant solution before installation.
Programme Coordination
Solutions needed to be reviewed, approved and implemented while works continued across three live high-rise towers, without creating unnecessary delays to the wider programme.
Andy Studholme Head of Operations
Elite Fire Stop delivered a high-quality installation throughout the First Street development, completing the works efficiently while maintaining excellent standards of documentation and compliance. Their communication was one of the standout aspects of the project—always proactive, solution-focused and keeping us informed every step of the way. We were so pleased with the team’s performance that we’ve continued our partnership on our next development, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
THE ELITE APPROACH
Our commitment to quality was supported by robust inspection processes and continuous communication throughout the project.
Early Engagement
Pre-installation surveys identified potential issues before works commenced.
Technical Support
Elite worked alongside manufacturers, fire consultants and Downing Construction to develop compliant project-specific solutions.
Quality Assurance
Regular inspections and destructive testing helped verify that installations were completed in accordance with manufacturer requirements.
Digital Golden Thread
One trace was used to digitally record installations, photographic evidence and QA information, providing
SOLUTION
Working alongside manufacturers, fire consultants and the main contractor, our technical team developed project-specific fire stopping solutions for each unique application.
Every non-standard detail was reviewed, documented and approved before installation, with technical submissions and photographic evidence supporting compliance. Where required, mock-ups were completed to validate installation methods before full rollout.
This collaborative approach enabled works to progress safely while maintaining programme, compliance and build quality throughout the project.
Keiron Davis, Site Manager
“Elite Fire Stop have been excellent throughout the project. Their quality of work has been outstanding, supported by thorough quality assurance processes and meticulous attention to detail. The team, particularly Jack Gaunt and Matt McCarthy, have been professional, proactive and a pleasure to work with from start to finish. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Elite Fire Stop and would gladly work with them again.”