
Case Study
Location: Corporation St, Birmingham, B46RP
Property: Multi-storey student accommodation
Industry: Residential
Contract Awarded to: RiskFire
Type of Contract: Fire Stopping
Project Duration: 5-weeks
Project Overview & Scope
RiskFire was appointed as a specialist subcontractor to undertake a passive fire compartmentation survey at the Chamberlain Student Residence for the University of Birmingham. The project covered three residential blocks and one tower block within a live student accommodation environment. The scope of works focused on assessing existing compartmentation arrangements, identifying deficiencies, and providing clear, actionable information to support compliance with fire safety requirements across the accommodation estate.
Project Controls & Documentation Provided
RiskFire developed a phased survey programme in close collaboration with the university to ensure alignment with occupancy levels and minimise disruption to students. Surveys were planned and sequenced to suit the operational requirements of each accommodation block. Comprehensive, user-friendly compartmentation survey reports were produced, supported by clear descriptions and photographic evidence, providing the university with a transparent and structured overview of existing conditions and compliance requirements.

Challenges & Solutions
The primary challenge of the project was delivering detailed surveys across multiple live accommodation blocks while students remained in residence. The scale of the estate, combined with varying occupancy levels across the three blocks and the tower block, required careful coordination to ensure access was managed safely and respectfully. RiskFire addressed these challenges through a tailored, phased approach agreed with the university. Survey activities were planned around student occupancy patterns, allowing works to progress efficiently while maintaining a safe and unobtrusive presence on site. This approach ensured that all areas were inspected thoroughly without unnecessary disruption to residents or university operations.
Outcome & Outputs Achieved
The project was completed within the agreed programme, delivering comprehensive and clearly structured compartmentation survey reports. The documentation provided the university with a detailed and accessible understanding of existing fire compartmentation performance and the steps required to achieve and maintain compliance. The outcome supports informed decision-making, proactive fire safety management, and ongoing regulatory assurance across the student accommodation portfolio.












