Cold-Climate Fire Protection System Safeguards El Dorado Haven Apartments - El Dorado, CA
Category: Multi-Unit Residential
Overall Area: 47,550 ft²
Services Provided: Fire Protection
Completion Date: 2025
Owner: Mercy Housing California
Contractor(s): Battalion One Fire Protection
Project Description
El Dorado Haven Apartments in El Dorado, CA, is a multifamily development that prioritizes resident safety and system longevity in a cold-climate environment. Pragmatic PE delivered specialized fire protection engineering services, designing a robust antifreeze sprinkler system that performs reliably in freezing temperatures—a critical challenge for life safety in winter-prone regions.
Scope of Work
Our team provided full fire protection engineering and design services for five residential buildings, with a focus on climate-resilient performance. Deliverables included detailed hydraulic calculations, equipment schedules, and comprehensive construction documents. Every component was selected to meet stringent performance standards and align with the 2022 California Fire Code.
Challenges & Solutions
Antifreeze Fire Sprinkler System: A key challenge was engineering a fire sprinkler system capable of operating year-round in freezing temperatures. Pragmatic PE designed a comprehensive antifreeze sprinkler solution tailored to each building’s unique configuration. Piping layout and sprinkler head placement were optimized for hydraulic performance, and antifreeze fluids were carefully selected to maintain code-compliant pressure and flow. The result: a reliable, efficient system that safeguards residents even during extreme cold spells.
Expansion Chambers: To manage pressure fluctuations caused by temperature changes, each system included precisely calibrated expansion chambers. These were engineered based on detailed system volume and thermal behavior analyses. The chambers protect system integrity by regulating expansion pressures, preventing over-pressurization and extending system lifespan—an essential feature for maintaining year-round functionality in cold-weather environments.
Results & Impact
Delivered a robust, code-compliant fire protection system tailored to cold-climate challenges
Protected long-term system reliability through precise pressure management
Reinforced Mercy Housing California’s commitment to safe, durable affordable housing
Supported continuous occupancy with zero compromise on safety or compliance