Battersea Power Station
Colt was involved in the multi-phase regeneration plan for the iconic Battersea Power Station.
AOV systems
Our high-performance automatic opening vents (AOVs) can provide smoke control, daylighting and day-to-day ventilation as part of a tailored smoke control system, designed, installed and maintained by our expert team.
Our tailored AOV systems
We offer a leading range of roof and façade AOV solutions fully certified to BS EN 12101-2. With decades of experience, our dedicated design team will identify the optimal system specification and arrangement to effectively manage smoke ventilation and ensure compliance, whilst also managing upfront costs. All of our AOVs are manufactured at our site in the UK and can also provide day-to-day natural ventilation and daylighting, helping to reduce operational demand and energy costs.
What is an AOV system?
As their name suggests, AOVs are designed to automatically open in the event of a fire, evacuating smoke and hot gases from a building to support safe evacuation and allow firefighters to access the building to tackle the fire.
Roof-based AOV units are commonly used in areas such as communal staircases or across high-bay warehouses. They take advantage of the natural buoyancy of hot air, creating a chimney effect which draws the smoke and hot gases out of the building, preventing them from becoming smoke logged. Façade AOV units, meanwhile, can potentially use the force of natural buoyancy to provide exhaust at high level and inlet at low level for single sided arrangements, or wind driven or crossflow ventilation for double sided arrangements.
Both roof and façade AOV units can also be used to provide day-to-day ventilation and daylighting.
AOV Small Works solutions
Our Small Works division provides dedicated support for smaller-scale projects. The experienced technicians can identify and supply a suitable ventilator kit for your project, including AOVs, control panels, and manual call points to ensure your building is properly protected.
Working with Colt
Our expert team can support you from initial specification through to installation, commissioning and long-term maintenance, ensuring your AOVs continue to perform correctly as part of your smoke control system.
1. Design
Our team will discuss your existing building or building plans. Our designers will then model the flow of smoke in the building to identify the best system design and sizing for your project to ensure compliance and cost effectiveness.
2. Manufacture
All components of the smoke control system are manufactured at our UK site to exacting tolerances. We carefully schedule and manage delivery with the site team to support seamless project progress.
3. Installation
Our installation teams can carry out the full installation, commissioning and handover of the AOVs and smoke control system on projects across the country. Our fully-qualified installers will ensure your system is functioning correctly and that you have all the documentation and support you need to operate it safely and correctly.
4. Maintenance
Our UK-wide network of service engineers can also help to carry out long-term inspection and maintenance works on your systems as part of a service contract. All works are carried out in line with the SFG20 industry standard to ensure full compliance with the latest regulations and best practice.
Where do we install AOV systems?
AOVs are a common feature of smoke control systems on a wide range of buildings, from shopping centres and warehouses to offices and residential buildings.
In low to mid-rise buildings, they’re typically used to provide dedicated ventilation at the head of communal staircases. For larger or more complex spaces, such as warehouses, distribution centres, manufacturing sites, shopping centres and foyers, they can be fitted in conjunction with high-level barriers to form reservoirs for more efficient smoke control.
The Postbox Apartments, Birmingham
The Postbox, Upper Marshall St in Birmingham, is a large mixed use development comprising apartments and office space spread over three blocks.
Great West Quarter
A large urban regeneration development in Brentford by Barratt West London.
University of Oxford
Colt was asked to provide effective and efficient smoke control solutions for various areas within the new Biochemistry building.
Our long-term AOV servicing
Through our UK-wide network of highly trained service engineers, Colt International can proactively service and maintain your building's smoke control system, including all AOV units. This ensures that all elements are fully functional, keeping your building compliant and ensuring safety. With 24/7 365 call-outs, we’re here when you need us and can provide rapid response in emergency scenarios to get an engineer to the site and diagnose any issues.
FAQs
Do you offer AOV louvres?
Yes, we offer louvred AOV options for both roofs and facades.
Coltlite is a high-performance louvred glazed vent which blends seamlessly into building facades, providing daylighting, natural climatic and smoke ventilation in one system. Some models are available with certification to EN 12101-2 (smoke) and EN 14351-1 (natural ventilation).
EN-Seefire (ECO) is a natural louvred ventilator designed for roofs. Certified to EN 12101-2, it can provide both smoke control and natural ventilation and is available with optional daylighting via glass or polycarbonate louvre blades.
What are the British Standards for AOV Systems?
AOVs are covered within the following guidance documents, which support the Building Regulations:
- Approved Document B (England and Wales)
- Technical Handbook 2 – Fire (Scotland)
- Technical Booklet E (Northern Ireland)
Additional guidance is also provided within the following British Standards:
- BS 9999 - Fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings. Code of practice
- BS 9991 - Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings. Code of practice
- BS 7346 Part 8 - Components for smoke control systems - Code of practice for planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance
- BS EN 12101–2 - Smoke and heat control systems - Natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators
AXS 140
AXS 140 is a combined AOV smoke ventilator and roof access hatch.
Coltlite
Natural louvred glazed vent, suitable for natural/ smoke ventilation. Designed as a glazed element of the building envelope, it can be used as a high specification fire, smoke and air control damper.
EN-Seefire
EN 12101-2 certified louvred ventilator for smoke and heat exhaust, day-to-day ventilation, and daylight entry, with multiple variants and installation options.
Contact Us
Get in touch today to discuss your project and allow our expert team to find the right solution for your building.