The historic Beckford’s Tower in Bath is now protected by cutting edge Hyfire Taurus wireless fire devices. Almost 100 units were installed as part of a hybrid fire system to help preserve the tower’s unique 19th-century architecture and interiors.
About Beckford’s Tower
Beckford’s Tower, an architectural jewel on the outskirts of Bath, epitomises the grandeur of 19th-century neo-classical design. Built as a retreat for the renowned writer and collector William Beckford, the tower is celebrated for its distinctive octagonal shape and ornate interiors, embodying a rich tapestry of history and art. However, its unique structure and historical value also present complex challenges for modern fire safety upgrades.
Luke Batchelar, Operations and Technical Manager at PRW Group, the company selected to install the system, had this to say: “Hyfire’s Taurus devices were selected for their unmatched ability to meld cutting-edge fire technology with the stringent requirements of heritage conservation. The strategically planned installation, specified using Hyfire’s TauREX software, ensured that the tower’s architectural integrity and historical significance were meticulously preserved while substantially elevating its fire safety standards.”
Safeguarding History
Today, Beckford’s Tower is home to a museum, displaying the furniture which was originally made for the tower, along with paintings showcasing William Beckford’s life as a writer and collector. Ensuring the safety of this historic tower is crucial, not only to secure these precious artefacts but to protect William Beckford’s legacy as a patron of the arts.
Richard Williams, Regional Sales Manager – South West at Hyfire, said: “Protecting Beckford’s Tower with modern fire systems while preserving its historical essence was our top priority. This meticulously planned installation showcases how Hyfire’s wireless fire technology can be adapted to respect and safeguard heritage sites, with rapid implementation and radically reduced time on site.”
Developed in Trieste, Italy, the global centre for wireless fire design, Taurus features Pathfinder Technology, which allows the devices to communicate over 1km, point to point in open air, and further where expansion hops are used. Antenna technology has been optimised to allow communication across different frequencies and environments, which means that Taurus can do the job with less equipment and less batteries, thus saving on costs.
“The protection of our visitors and preservation of our history is paramount – concludes a spokesperson for Beckford’s Tower-. Hyfire’s wireless hybrid solution has addressed our needs with minimal intrusion, ensuring that Beckford’s Tower can be enjoyed safely for years to come.”