Coopers Court

The Project

Coopers Court is a newly developed 10-storey residential building in Redcliffe, Bristol, featuring 66 modern apartments. These homes are a blend of shared ownership (18 units) and affordable housing (48 units), designed to foster a diverse and vibrant community. This project is part of the larger Finzels Reach development, a rejuvenated urban space that incorporates residential buildings, offices, and local amenities, revitalising what was once Bristol’s medieval heart. As with many urban housing developments, mail and parcel security presented a growing challenge.

The project was initiated by Abri Homes, a leading provider of affordable housing in the UK, in collaboration with Willmott Dixon, a major construction and property development firm. They approached The Safety Letterbox Company to devise a secure and innovative solution to address the persistent problem of mail and parcel theft experienced by other residential buildings in the area.

The Challenge

As a centrally located building, Coopers Court experiences a high volume of deliveries, compounded by the ever-growing trend of online shopping. This increase in deliveries, coupled with the building’s layout and large size, created an environment where the constant flow of residents, visitors, and delivery personnel made it difficult to regulate and monitor access to mail and parcel storage areas. This lack of control over deliveries and security vulnerabilities left residents vulnerable to theft, undermining the safety and convenience expected in a modern urban living environment.

The client also stipulated that the mail and parcel boxes needed to be fire rated, as fire-rated mailboxes are essential in residential properties to ensure compliance with UK building regulations and fire safety standards. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in legal and safety implications, further emphasising the need for a well-thought-out and compliant mail management system.

Our Solution

To address the issue of mail and parcel theft at Coopers Court, we implemented a comprehensive solution featuring advanced fire-rated mail & parcel boxes. Our approach involved installing two types of fire-rated units: our 2-hour fire-rated mailboxes and our 2-hour fire-rated myRENZbox for parcel deliveries. These were strategically placed in the lobby area between Air Locker 1 and 2, adhering to Secured By Design guidelines to enhance security and ensure compliance with best practices.

The choice of this solution was driven by multiple factors. The requirement for fire-rated mailboxes was a crucial aspect due to stringent UK building regulations and safety standards. We selected the 2-hour fire-rated models to ensure they provided adequate protection in case of a fire, significantly reducing the risk of fire spreading through mail areas.

Our range of fire rated mailboxes are specifically designed to withstand the spread of fire for 120 minutes, to protect escape routes and prevent the fire from penetrating into adjacent areas. Conforming to regulations such as BS EN 13724 and fire safety provisions laid out in Building Regulations Approved Document B, fire-rated mailboxes must be rigorously tested to ensure their effectiveness in a fire scenario. This includes the use of intumescent seals, which expand when exposed to heat, creating a protective barrier. By meeting these requirements, fire-rated mailboxes provide essential protection in multi-occupancy buildings, such as apartment complexes, ensuring that mail areas do not become weak points during a fire and that residents have additional time to evacuate safely, due to mail and parcel boxes predominately being placed in areas that form part of an escape route.

This comprehensive approach not only addressed the immediate problem of mail and parcel theft but also contributed to long-term safety and satisfaction for all stakeholders involved.

The Benefit

For the Client:

1. Regulatory Compliance: The installation of the 2-hour fire-rated mailboxes and myRENZbox ensured strict adherence to UK building regulations and fire safety standards.

2. Local Manufacturing Advantage: By selecting a British manufacturer, the client benefited from high-quality products and the assurance of prompt, reliable support. This decision aligned with the client’s preference for sourcing locally and facilitated efficient service and maintenance.

3. Integrated Solution: The comprehensive approach, combining both mail and parcel delivery systems, provided a one-stop solution that simplified the procurement and installation process. This integration reduced complexity and ensured a cohesive security strategy for the building.

Benefits for the End User:

1. Increased Security: The fire-rated mailboxes and myRENZbox provide robust protection against theft and fire, ensuring that residents’ mail and parcels are secure. This increased security contributes to peace of mind and reduces the risk of lost or stolen deliveries.

2. Convenient Access: The strategic placement of the mail and parcel boxes in the lobby area offers residents easy and convenient access to their deliveries. This user-friendly setup enhances the overall convenience of receiving mail and parcels.

3. Ongoing Support: The inclusion of a support system for both staff and residents means that any issues or maintenance needs can be addressed promptly. This ongoing support ensures that the mail management system remains effective and reliable over time.