Reece Distribution Centre

The building

The Reece business began in 1919 when Harold Joseph Reece commenced selling hardware products from the back of his truck. Today, Reece is part of the ASX200 and is one of Australia’s largest suppliers of plumbing and bathroom products with more than 450 stores across Australia. During 2014 and as part of its Western Australian operation, Reece Plumbing Pty Limited approved the design and construction of the new Western Australian Reece Plumbing Distribution Centre at Jandakot Airport, WA. The building in total consists of a floor area of 26,238m2 comprising of rack storage and associated office space to facilitate its distribution requirements.

The approach

The fire safety strategy was developed with a focus towards optimising the operational and distribution needs for Reece Plumbing Pty Ltd. From a fire safety systems perspective, fire protection equipment was also required to meet the infrastructure services provisions supplied and maintained by Jandakot Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (JAH). From an authority standpoint, the fire and life safety design also included consultation with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) for its in-principle support and endorsement.

Scientific Fire Services conducted a holistic fire and life safety analysis using comprehensive fire/smoke and evacuation modelling in order to meet the acceptable limits to satisfy tenable conditions during occupant evacuation and fire-fighting operations. This project was successfully handed over during December 2015.