Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) – Jamaica Plain, Boston, MA
ADU Boston home | NFPA 13D sprinkler system | Water storage tank with fire pump
This project includes an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) with approximately 420 SF, consisting of a bedroom, kitchen, living room, laundry, and a dedicated mechanical room designed to accommodate the on-site fire protection water storage tank and pump. The fire protection strategy was developed to meet residential life safety requirements while maintaining a cost-conscious design approach.
The ADU, located on the first floor, is protected by an NFPA 13D automatic wet-pipe sprinkler system designed to provide life safety protection in accordance with applicable state and local codes. Due to limited available municipal water pressure and flow, the sprinkler system is supplied by a dedicated on-site fire water storage tank and fire pump package.
The system includes a manufacturer-provided fire protection tank and pump assembly consisting of a nominal 300-gallon water storage tank and a listed fire pump rated at approximately 50 GPM at 45 PSI, suitable for residential sprinkler demand. The fire pump is provided as a complete factory-assembled package including pressure switch, check valve, flow switch, test connection, system drain, pressure gauge, and pump controller.
SAI Engineers designed a complete fire alarm system in compliance with the Boston ADU program. Construction documents include smoke detector layouts, fire alarm device locations, and associated electrical specifications.
This fire protection approach provides a compliant, reliable, and space-efficient solution for ADU life safety by addressing site water supply constraints through the use of a dedicated water storage tank and pump system. The design delivers dependable life safety protection for occupants while minimizing construction costs, space requirements, and long-term maintenance, offering robust fire protection performance without compromising overall project affordability.