Historic Heritage Case Study

Protecting a Historic Building Without Losing Its Character

3 St Mary's Gate, Derby Grade II Listed Building Full Conservation Sign-Off

Project Overview

Projectfiredoors Ltd was commissioned to bring the timber fire doors at 3 St Mary's Gate in Derby up to strict fire safety standards while satisfying demanding conservation guidelines for a Grade II listed property.

Project Brief: Upgrade electrical risers, communal hallway doors, and compartmentation separations to FD30/FD60 standards without destroying original Victorian mouldings, original timber grain, or historic proportions.

Challenges Overcome

•Original Victorian doors were 35mm thick, requiring bespoke intumescent modifications to achieve FD30 capability.

•Preserving detailed historic door surrounds and architraves where standard fire frame replacements were prohibited.

•Integrating modern overhead concealed door closers into period doors without visible external mounting plates.

•Liaising closely with conservation officers to approve intumescent timber veneers and fire glass retrofits.

Technical Approach & Solutions

Precision off-site timber restoration and core enhancement using specialist fire-retardant substrates.

Fitting subtle concealed intumescent perimeter seals routed seamlessly into leaf edges.

Upgrading original vision panels with certified clear fire-resistant glazing beads.

Restoring period brass ironmongery and applying certified fire-rated intumescent gaskets behind hinges and latches.

Outcomes & Results

Full compliance achieved for electrical risers and compartmentation doors.

100% preservation of original historic aesthetic and character.

Received full sign-off from Local Fire Authority and Conservation Officer.

Delivered project on schedule with zero damage to surrounding heritage plasterwork.

Have a Similar Complex Building Project?

Whether you manage a Grade II listed property, care home, high-density apartment block, or corporate headquarters, Projectfiredoors Ltd delivers tailored, compliant solutions without unnecessary destruction.