The Light Leeds – Unit 15 Retail Unit
Intumescent Coating Solution for an Exposed Structural Steel Retail Fit-Out
At Bee Fire Protection Ltd, we were appointed to deliver passive fire protection works at The Light, Leeds – Unit 15, as part of a fast-paced retail refurbishment project within a live high street environment.
The project required a revised fire protection approach that would allow the existing structural steelwork to remain exposed as part of the store’s finished aesthetic, while still achieving compliant fire resistance performance.
Project Overview
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Client: Havercroft Construction
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Project: Retail Unit Refurbishment – Unit 15
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Sector: Retail
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Location: Leeds
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Programme: January 2025
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Services Provided: Intumescent Coatings
The refurbishment formed part of a wider upgrade to the retail space, with a strong focus on visual finish as well as compliance.
Project Requirements
The client’s requirements included:
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Removal of existing structural steel encasements
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Preparation and cleaning of exposed steelwork
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Application of an intumescent coating system
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A finish that complemented the store’s new design
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Compliance with fire strategy and building control requirements
Re-encasing the steelwork was not the desired outcome, as the design intent was to expose the existing steel structure, combined with a white MF ceiling to create a clean, modern retail environment.
Challenges & Considerations
This project required careful coordination and technical consideration due to:
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The removal of existing encasement systems
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Preparation of steelwork to a suitable standard for coating
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Achieving the required fire resistance while maintaining appearance
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Working within a live high street retail environment
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A fast-paced programme with multiple stakeholders involved
Accuracy, communication, and sequencing were essential to achieve the desired outcome.
Our Solution
Working closely with Havercroft Construction, DLG Architects, and Nullifire, we delivered a compliant intumescent coating solution tailored to the project’s aesthetic and fire safety requirements.
Our works included:
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Removal of existing structural steel encasements
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Cleaning and preparation of exposed steelwork
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Application of intumescent coatings to the required fire resistance
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Installation carried out strictly in line with manufacturers’ tested systems
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Close coordination with designers, building control, and site teams
The result allowed the steelwork to remain visible while maintaining compliant fire protection.
Quality Assurance & Compliance
Intumescent coating applications require careful quality control to ensure performance.
Our quality assurance process included:
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Verification of surface preparation prior to application
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Monitoring of environmental conditions
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WFT (Wet Film Thickness) and DFT (Dry Film Thickness) measurements
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Documentation to support fire safety and compliance records
This ensured the applied system met both performance and visual expectations.
Project Outcome
The completed works delivered a compliant fire protection solution that aligned fully with the architectural intent of the retail space.
The project outcome provided:
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Exposed structural steel with a clean, finished appearance
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Compliance with fire strategy and building control requirements
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A solution that avoided re-encasement
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Successful delivery within a live retail environment and tight programme
Client Feedback
Les Marsh – Contracts Manager, commented:
“Thanks Bee Fire Protection for supporting the project and working with our designers and building control to ensure we got the right outcome for the project. I know it’s been fast paced, but the team have reacted to every request, which is difficult when working in a live high street environment.”
Retail Sector Experience
This project highlights our experience delivering passive fire protection within retail environments, where visual finish, compliance, and programme delivery must work hand in hand.
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Discuss Your Project With Us
If your retail project requires a compliant fire protection solution that supports exposed structural steel and architectural intent, our team is here to help.
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