Another thing that strikes me as deficient in the design of this building is the fact that the occupants have to travel backwards and forwards through the staircase enclosure when moving about the first floor, for example to get to the dining room. ADB directly addresses this issue by stating:
"Separation of circulation routes from stairways
3.14 Unless the doors to a protected stairway and any associated exit passageway are fitted with an automatic release mechanism ... the stairway and any associated exit passageway should not form part of the primary circulation route between different parts of the building at the same level. This is because the self-closing fire doors are more likely to be rendered ineffective as a result of their constant use, or because some occupants may regard them as an impediment. For example, the doors are likely to be wedged open or have their closers removed."
It's a small point and I guess they could get around it by putting hold open devices on the doors but it's worth a mention.
Stu
