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Adaptive Fire Safety Solutionsfor Complex Heritage Sites

Focus Fire Protection

At the revitalised WEFO Wool Store precinct, Focus Fire Protection delivered a performance-led fire safety solution that balanced modern compliance with heritage preservation, engineering a full-system overhaul within one of Melbourne’s most complex adaptive reuse environments.

“Our scope included stripping out and replacing the damaged concrete fire tanks, installing fully compliant modern replacements, refurbishing and recommissioning the site’s fire pumps, replacing every sprinkler head across the facility, and delivering a new, networked fire detection and evacuation system,” explains Mike Donohue, Project Lead at Focus Fire Protection.

Focus Fire Protection onsite at WEFO Wool Store.
Focus Fire Protection onsite at WEFO Wool Store.
WEFO Wool Store fire tanks installed by Focus Fire Protection.

The biggest challenge came in protecting the main warehouse, which required a fire safety overhaul within the high-ceilinged, heritage-sensitive, multi-use environment, with void ceilings approaching 20m high. Traditional point or beam detection was either non-compliant or impractical due to ongoing maintenance requirements.

Instead, Focus Fire Protection implemented a KIDDE MODULASER aspirating system, using long sample pipe runs with modular detection heads feeding into a central FIP. “It gave us reliable coverage in a harsh, dusty environment while respecting the heritage aesthetic,” Mike explained. “It’s a great example of performance-based engineering being done right.”

Focus Fire Protection also played a critical role in identifying flaws in early consultant drawings, saving the client more than $500,000 through targeted value management, refined layouts and smarter material strategies. Their collaboration with Fusion Fire also ensured full compliance with AS1670 and AS7240 battery recharge standards, an area often overlooked.

“WEFO is a project we’re incredibly proud of, but our work in the BESS sector is equally exciting,” says Mike. “We’re doing some great things in battery energy storage fire protection right now, and the level of risk and innovation required in that space makes it a natural fit for our expertise.”

By combining heritage sensitivity with advanced detection technologies, Focus Fire Protection delivered a performance-based fire safety solution tailored to a challenging adaptive reuse environment—demonstrating the practical application of intelligent design in achieving lasting safety outcomes.

Focus Fire Protection Logo

For more information contact Focus Fire Protection, phone 1300 565 002, email admin@focusfireprotection.biz, website
www.focusfireprotection.biz

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Total Concept Industries:Trusted Fire Protection for Modern Living

Total Concept Industries delivered integrated fire protection at 388 Lane Cove, ensuring compliance and long-term reliability.

Total Concept Industries

Total Concept Industries has successfully delivered a fully integrated fire protection solution for the 388 Lane Cove Apartments, ensuring long-term safety, compliance, and performance from the ground up.

With over 55 years of combined experience, Total Concept Industries brought its end-to-end fire systems service to this mixed-use development—covering design, installation, and ongoing asset maintenance.

“Our full-scope model was instrumental in delivering an integrated, compliant, and cost-effective fire safety solution for the 388 Lane Cove project,” says General Manager, Anita Kingdom. “By managing the fire systems from the outset, we ensured the project stayed on schedule and met all relevant building legislation.”

One of the key challenges for the project was the multi-class nature of the development, requiring tailored approaches across Class 2 residential areas and Class 9 components. Total Concept Industries’ in-depth knowledge of evolving fire safety legislation allowed for system designs that aligned with current regulations while anticipating future compliance and maintenance needs.


As a specialist in fire protection project management, Total Concept Industries worked closely with the builder and other trades to co-ordinate works, minimise delays, and ensure fire safety systems were fully integrated within the broader construction framework. Their partnership-first approach, combined with deep product knowledge and local expertise, led to seamless execution and long-term value for stakeholders.

Total Concept Industries’ focus on the full lifecycle of the building also ensures peace of mind for residents and owners. “Our asset management strategy supports ongoing compliance and system reliability, helping our clients protect both their people and their investments,” Anita said.

Through transparency, innovation, and collaboration, Total Concept Industries continues to raise the bar in fire protection—making the 388 Lane Cove Apartments another standout example of its trusted expertise in action.

For more information contact Total Concept Industries, Unit 10, 29 Sunblest Crescent, Mt Druitt NSW 2770,
phone 02 8861 5200

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