Fire protection system design : for the Coccia Theater in Novara

Novara’s Teatro Coccia, the city’s main opera house and one of Italy’s most prestigious historic theaters, has undergone extraordinary maintenance and adaptation to fire prevention standards.

Orbyta Engineering led the project with the goal of ensuring the safety of spectators and workers while maintaining the building’s efficiency and optimizing operating costs. The interventions focused on fire retrofitting, facilities improvement and conservation rehabilitation, preserving the theater’s historical and cultural value.

The interventions involved upgrading technological systems critical to the theater’s safety and operational efficiency:

• UPS room and generator set: the upgrade of the UPS room included the installation of a heating and cooling unit and ventilation through grilles on Puccini Square. The genset was completely replaced to ensure energy reliability.
• Electrical system: extraordinary maintenance was carried out, with the installation of protective devices against overloads, short circuits, and ground faults, as well as verification and improvement of emergency lighting.
• EVAC system: ceiling and horn speakers were installed to provide effective sound evacuation in case of emergency. These were integrated into the corridors, galleries, and stalls without compromising the aesthetics of the historic interiors.

The project was developed in accordance with current fire regulations, applying RTV V5 of the Fire Prevention Code (Ministerial Decree 03.08.2015 as amended):

• Fire-fighting water network: Designed in accordance with UNI 10779 and UNI EN 12845 standards to provide effective protection in case of fire.
• Fire detection system: Installed and maintained in line with UNI9795, to detect hazards in a timely manner.
• Emergency sound diffusion (EVAC): Compliant with UNI ISO 7240-19, to ensure clear communication during evacuation.

Architectural works combined security, conservation rehabilitation, and functional adaptation:

• REI doors and compartmentation: fire doors and panic bars were replaced with solutions complying with current UNI EN standards. New REI partitions and EI 120 inspection hatches were created to ensure safe and accessible compartmentation.
• Roof remediation: work on the roof included removal of asbestos-cement corrugations, restoration of waterproofing, use of insulated panels, and replacement of deteriorated roof tiles.
• Service staircase and other technical works: a steel staircase was built for access to the thermal power plant and a REI compass to improve the safety of emergency exits in the attic.

The adaptation of Novara’s Coccia Theater is a virtuous example of how safety, innovation and preservation can coexist in a historic building.