Austin, TX

The Independent

For this residential building, we designed and installed innovative fire protection solutions.

Night view of the Austin city sky line

Value Delivered

Northstar Fire Protection of Texas, (Northstar) provided fire protection solutions to help protect each of the 363 residences throughout the 1 million-square-foot facility.

We also installed an innovative 50,000-gallon water tank on the 34th floor. This tank is used to supply the building’s fire protection system, but also double-duties as a tuned liquid damper that absorbs a portion of the energy placed on the building from heavy winds that might cause it to sway beyond occupant comfort levels. The Independent is targeted for LEED Gold certification.

Client Objectives

The Independent needed fire protection solutions throughout its 58 residential floors.

Solutions

To protect this iconic Texas landmark, Northstar provided:

  • Fire protection design, installation, and commissioning
  • 6,800 sprinkler heads
  • A three-fire pump—two-zone combined type system
  • A 50,000-gallon water tank made from lightweight modular fiberglass panels reinforced with a structural steel frame for easy construction and corrosion-resistance

Client Background

The Independent is a 660-foot-high, 58-floor, 363-residence luxury high-rise building in downtown Austin, Texas.