Sprinkler In-Between Large Cloud Ceilings?

11/7/2022

I'm a GM representing an owner and not an expert in this space. Looking for outside input on a unique situation.

We have a cloud ceiling in a large room called the "Experience Center". Photo below.

Originally this was configured differently where he have sprinklers above and now sprinklers between the clouds in that space where the (red) lights are located.

There are about 3-4 feet between the clouds, and they're not level. The clouds themselves are just under 8-ft wide.

Ownership does not what sprinklers coming through the white wave itself, and wants the sprinklers as hidden as possible.

Do you know what that might look like?

Can we put sidewalls in the space between the clouds and not under the cloud itself?

We are trying to keep the cloud as unencumbered as possible, a very clean look and all the lights, sprinklers, and anything mechanical in-between.

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8 Comments

Dan Wilder

11/7/2022 06:49:50 am

Just based on the thumb scaling method (your picture):

Utilize NFPA 13-22 - 9.5.5.3.1.2 (2) - Sprinklers installed adjacent to the obstruction not more than 3" from the outside edge of the obstruction that utilize an intermediate rack type (9.5.5.3.1.3 - i.e. A water shield). This rule allowance has been within NFPA 13 since 2016 (Section 8.5.5.3.1.2).

Use a pendent, I am unaware of a sidewall that has a water shield and that would force installation beneath the cloud vs adjacent to it and an upright would require additional fittings extending lower than the sprinkler.

This will place the sprinkler between/adjacent to each cloud (this will require 2 sprinklers due to their 8' width) and can be positioned with the deflector 1" below the cloud. There may be an extended coverage option if the water supply and sprinkler system calculations allow it.

I would recommend a black water shield with a black sprinkler to minimize a visual standout of the protection. Piping and fittings are already black.

I do not think this will qualify for any sort of cloud ceiling omissions (Section 9.2.7) as this looks taller than 20' and exceeds to 20% open allowance.

A good visual representation is already here on the site:
https://www.meyerfire.com/blog/fire-sprinklers-and-overhead-doors-a-love-story

Anthony

11/7/2022 07:34:13 am

This is the best option for what you're looking for.

Alex

11/7/2022 08:31:37 am

Well said. I believe this would be the best design.

Dave

11/7/2022 11:17:50 am

I agree, this would be a good application of the paragraph Dan mentions that was added to the 2016 edition. I usually see this applied to protection beneath wide ducts. I believe the slope-i-ness of the waves would preclude any extended coverage option. With the pendent sprinklers having to straddle the waves, the designer will have to be careful to stagger the sprinklers so as not to create an under-spaced condition. I would still advocate flat-plate concealed sprinklers.

Glenn Berger

11/7/2022 08:13:45 am

In addition to Dan's response - Work with the architects, they made give you specific locations in the cloud ceilings where concealed sprinklers can be placed. The covers of the sprinklers can be matched to the cloud color to make them invisible to general eyes.

Jesse

11/7/2022 09:08:42 am

Agreed with Dan here.

Brian Cockburn

11/7/2022 01:16:20 pm

I think Dan's idea is a good place to start. Pendants with water shields could work really well here.

Concealed pendants in the ceiling waves might work too. Maybe present both to the Architect and Owner.

Chris

11/7/2022 04:41:15 pm

Placing the heads as Dan suggested; along the edges within 3" of the cloud will work. But realistically the best option in regards to aesthetics is going to be a concealed sprinkler with a color matched plate. I'd bet spacing heads along the edges will result in 2-2.5x as many heads as doing concealers in the clouds.

Sprinkler In-Between Large Cloud Ceilings?

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