Full Electrical, Fire & Security Design & Installation – Armada House, Bristol
Project: Armada House
Location: Telephone Avenue, off Baldwin Street, Bristol
Project Duration: April 2021 – January 2023
Project Lead: Glen Flavell
The Challenge
Armada House is a multi-storey commercial building in central Bristol requiring a complete electrical and life safety infrastructure across five floors.
Unlike typical commercial projects, the client chose not to appoint external M&E consultants. This meant TFP was responsible for a full design-and-build solution, covering every aspect of the project from initial concept through to final commissioning.
The project presented several challenges:
- Delivering a fully coordinated multi-system installation without external design consultants
- Working within an older building structure, with limited routes for containment and cabling
- Integrating multiple systems into a single, user-friendly solution
- Managing installation across a large, multi-level environment
Our Solution
TFP took full control of both design and installation, delivering a comprehensive, integrated building solution.
A key aspect of the project was system integration. Rather than installing each system independently, TFP engineered them to work together.
For example:
- The intruder alarm system was linked to lighting controls, allowing the building to automatically shut down when armed
- AV systems were designed with one-touch automation, controlling screens, projectors, and audio environments
This approach created a smarter, more efficient building for the end user.
Led by Glen Flavell, the project included:
- Complete electrical design and installation across all five floors
- Fire alarm system installation in line with current regulations
- Intruder alarm systems for site security
- Full CCTV system coverage
- Access control systems
- AOV (Automatic Opening Ventilation) systems
- EVC (Emergency Voice Communication) systems
- Structured data and network infrastructure
- Fully integrated audio-visual (AV) systems with automation
The Result
- Fully operational commercial building delivered with all systems integrated
- Single-contractor delivery reduced delays and coordination issues
- Smart automation improved usability and energy efficiency
- Future-proofed infrastructure across electrical, fire, and security systems
Despite the challenges of working within an older structure, TFP delivered a modern, high-performance environment tailored to the client’s needs.
This project demonstrates TFP’s capability to design, manage, and deliver complex multi-system installations at scale, without reliance on external consultants.
FAQs – Commercial Electrical & Multi-System Installations in Bristol
A design-and-build contractor manages both the design and installation of electrical systems. At Armada House in Bristol, TFP delivered the entire project without external consultants, handling everything from initial system design through to final commissioning.
Yes. TFP provides fully integrated solutions covering electrical, fire alarms, CCTV, access control, and data systems. At Armada House, all systems were designed to work together, improving efficiency and simplifying ongoing management.
Project timelines vary depending on size and complexity. For Armada House, a five-storey building in central Bristol, the full design and installation was delivered over approximately 21 months (April 2021 to January 2023).
Integrated systems improve efficiency, reduce energy usage, and simplify control. At Armada House, TFP linked lighting, security, and AV systems, allowing automated building shutdown and one-touch control of key functions.
Older buildings often have limited cable routes, solid construction materials, and restricted access. At Armada House, TFP adapted installation methods to work within the building’s structure while maintaining a high-quality finish.
Not necessarily. Using a single contractor like TFP can reduce delays, improve coordination, and ensure all systems are compatible. This approach was key to the successful delivery of Armada House.
