"fire protection"

An architectural masterpiece in Dubai Marina setting a new global benchmark.Standing at 365m, the high-rise development is set to become the world’s tallest hotel, containing 1,042 luxury suites and serviced apartments set across 82 floors.IntroductionThe award-winning, sculpture-like design has been conceived to embrace the benefits of vertical living, with a glass curtain wall façade offering panoramic views across the city, whilst its gently curved form reflects the ever-changing daylight. To ensure this striking design achieved the necessary passive fire safety, specifying a fully tested and certified perimeter fire barrier system solution from an experienced manufacturer was vital.Design and specificationThe skyscraper’s beautifully curved unitised glass façade presented an interesting challenge when it came to specifying suitable passive fire protection. In accordance with the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code, the curtain wall elevations required a perimeter fire containment system, comprising a firestopping system installed continuously between the floor slab edge and spandrel panel at each floor and included protection to the spandrel zone. This solution also needed to have proven its fire resistance performance in achieving a challenging 2 hour minimum (EI 120 or FT 120) fire rating. What’s more, the specification called for the use of perimeter firestopping seals that could maintain their integrity around the curved elements of the design, and that would be able to continue providing the required fire resistance should sections of the façade collapse. It also stated that any firestopping assembly should be procured from a single manufacturer that had a minimum of three years’ experience in the market.With over 50 years’ experience in the development, manufacture, and supply of passive fire protection products, Siderise were ideally placed to meet the project’s strict criterion and its enhanced perimeter fire barrier system was specified from the outset.The chosen system uses CW-FS Curtain Wall Firestops to provide 2 hour fire resistance for floor-to-floor horizontal compartmentation and zone-to-zone vertical compartmentation at each partition and curtain wall interface. This was supported with a single layer of CW-FB Curtain Wall Fireboard to provide the required 2-hour fire resistance to the spandrel and vertical mullions at each building level. The UAE Fire and Life Safety Code compliant system designs for this project was based on two tested and certified systems, one to EN 1364-4: 2014 and the other ASTM E 2307.The EN 1364-4 test included movement cycling of CW-FS Firestop to EAD 350141-00-1106 before fire testing to demonstrate that the perimeter fire barrier will be able to withstand the constant deflection of the façade due to forces such as wind and occupancy loads acting upon it. The product easily accommodates this movement thanks to its unique pre-compressed vertical-fibre stonewool Lamella construction. This also makes it ideal for ensuring integrity within the curved elements of the construction as its compression allows it to fit tightly against the floor slab and curtain wall, even in areas with an inconsistent void gap.Installation and inspectionInstallation quality is fundamental to the performance of passive fire protection products. To ensure this is achieved, our UAE technical team along with GIG’s site services team conducted site installation training. This included constructing a façade mock-up assembly for each fire rated design to clearly illustrate how to properly install the spandrel protection system and demonstrate the expected standard of work to identify the corrective actions that need to be taken before sign-off by the project consultant.

Fireshield® vapour permeable membrane, which is designed specifically to improve the fire protection behind cladding has been chosen for a new Science Centre at Bevington Primary school in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London.The project includes a brand new Science Studio, plus before and after school club buildings.SIP Build UK was appointed as frame subcontractor for the project and chose the Fireshield membrane as part of the SIPS panelling system. Chris Duckworth from SIP Build UK explains: “We chose Fireshield as it provided the project with a number of really important benefits. Fireshield is a high-performance breather membrane which enables us to achieve the requirements in terms of fire protection without compromising on vapour control.Fireshield was also ideal because it is easy to use and allowed us to achieve the requirements in one process, using just the membrane, rather than the typical approach of two, cement board and a membrane.”Fireshield is the culmination of leading research to produce a vapour permeable membrane with a intumescent coated surface, which has a unique composition that actively reacts to help protect the materials underneath. The intumescent coating helps protect the substrate by reducing the risk of fire taking hold and significantly reduces the formation of droplets and smoke.The BBA Certificate awarded to Fireshield confirms that it has enhanced performance in relation to reaction to fire classification, will reduce the risk of interstitial condensation, and will have a life equal to that of the building in which it is installed.Fireshield complies with BS5250, BS4016 and NHBC requirements for vapour permeable walling underlays. It is installed and fixed to the substrate in the same manner as standard breather membranes using mechanical fixings. Applications include both commercial and residential buildings including apartments and student accommodation, as well as Rainscreen cladding and applications over 18m high (11m in Scotland).

Whilst certainly not the most iconic or largest project the A1S Group has ever been involved with, 125 Deansgate in Manchester in many ways represents for us "a bread and butter project", the like of which we are involved with throughout the UK on an almost monthly basis. Despite the doom and gloom of office rationalisation during the pandemic, high end office new build and cat A and B refurbishment continues to be one of our strongest sectors. We have completed literally hundreds of office projects over the last decade including We Work premises throughout London and the UK, Goldmann Sachs, Barclays at Canary Wharf and Norfolk House in St James Square, London. Fire and smoke curtains continue to be integral to modern office design, allowing for more open spaces within the building's wider fire strategy framework. The A1S Group manufactured, installed 54 Flameshield fire curtains, all with smoke seals and multi function panels. For us, the 125 Deansgate building was noteworthy as it was the first time that we installed our high performance Flameshield EW120 fire curtain to provide a minimum of EW90 compartmentation. We also manufactured and installed our a Flameshield fire and smoke curtain system to provide 120 minutes integrity and 15 kw/m2 to protect the lift and lift shaft. This striking building is clad in a rich red terracotta with 12 storeys of flexible office and retail space all achieving BREEAM 'excellent' and is now considered one of Manchester's premier offices. The A1S Group have a long term planned preventative maintenance in schedule in place to comply with the 2005 Regulatory Reform Order.

The Natural History Museum is protected by a network of cutting edge MxPro 5 fire panels from Advanced.Established in 1881 and renowned for its collections of life and earth specimens, London’s Natural History Museum is widely recognised as the pre-eminent centre for natural history and related research. The Museum is the third most popular in the United Kingdom and its irreplaceable 80 million strong collection is of global importance and includes numerous specimens collected by Charles Darwin.At the heart of the active fire protection for the Museum is a network of 24 MxPro 5, intelligent, multiprotocol panels, plus remote control terminals, BMS interface and a bespoke PC based graphical user interface. The network was designed, configured and commissioned by Pacific Security Systems, a long-time partner of Advanced.

Does the new library bring the Bilbao effect to Alexandrina?The cultural centre Bibliotheca Alexandrina opened in April 2002 was built under the auspices of UNESCO, and aims to build on the glorious past of the ancient library.dormakaba's contribution to the projectOnly 30 metres separate the library from the Mediterranean. Its deepest sections lie 18 m underground and 12 m below sea level, calling for sophisticated structural measures. Library stocks had to be wellprotected against both water and fire.To guarantee this protection and user comfort, the architects turned to dormakaba. The fire protection and smoke check concept includes TS 93 cam-action door closers and ITS 96 integrated door closers, some with electromechanical hold-open, plus BTS 80 and BTS 80F floor springs.

Designed by architect Renzo Piano, the new Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC) in Athens has created homes for the National Library of Greece and Greek National Opera, which include a 1,400-seat auditorium. With significant steel structures involved, Nullifire SC902 Fast Track, On-Site Intumescent Steel Coating was used extensively to provide passive fire protection.

Following in the footsteps of a string of successful installations at the Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, Yeoman Shield products were again chosen as part of the refurbishment of the hospital’s Firth C & D floor corridors.With the need to refresh the interior walls and doors, as well as future proof them from further damage and marking, a variety of products from Yeoman Shield’s range were employed.Corridor doors, which are on the frontline when it comes to impact damage, were fitted out with Yeoman Shield Door Edge Protectors and PVCu clad glazing beads, both in a graphite colour. Contrasting Mid Grey Door Protection Panels were installed to both sides of the doors with vulnerable architrave and framework also protected by Yeoman Shield products.This comprehensive, fire rated, door protection system will extend the life cycle of expensive fire doors helping to keep them in good working order.Yeoman Shield Guardian Handrails in the same colour scheme were fitted along the hospital passageways. Bespoke metal brackets were manufactured by Yeoman Shield to implement the spanning of the rail over pillars though out a glazed corridor.Beneath the handrail 2mm thick FalmouthEx Wall Protection Panels were fixed to offer low level protection. A cream colour was chosen for the panels accompanied by Mid Grey Corner Protection Angles to keep a light and airy feel to the scheme.Pete Trenchard, who specified and project managed the scheme on behalf of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals added “When carrying out improvements and refurbishment of the corridors, in line with the STH standard colour scheme and standard fit out, I was keen to incorporate the Yeoman Shield range of products to achieve a long-term solution.“The specification of Yeoman Shield products on corridor walls, vulnerable corners, doors, frames & architraves, protects the fabric of the corridors without detracting from the visible aesthetic appearance expected of a hospital environment.“I worked closely with the Yeoman Shield team through the design and specification phase, drawing on their expertise to find a cost-effective fit for purpose solution. The site survey and installation offered a start to finish package which has been contributory to the successful and well received outcome of the project”.

Located in the heart of Paris, La Samaritaine is one of the city’s most iconic department stores. When LVMH Group set about restoring the beautiful building, it faced a major challenge: how to marry the latest safety requirements with the building’s classic Art Nouveau and Art Deco design.Our solution was a passive fire protection coating system based on Hempacore One. Applied to structural steel, Hempacore One expands when exposed to high heat to insulate the steel beneath. In a fire, this can extend the steel’s load-bearing capacity for up to three hours.

Mace Group purchased the units directly and free-issued them to the steel frame contractor, VBH JV (a joint venture ofHollandia and Victor Buyck). Some of the units were 7m x 1.5m wide which Ambar Kelly designed to incorporate horizontal fire protection and drylined fire walls as part of the RiserSafe® system. This allowed for a group of shafts, or openings, to be combined into one unit, which reduced the number of trimmer steels and concrete beams required for walls, thereby reducing crane lifts and construction time. (Courtesy of James Reid Photography.

Project DescriptionThe refurbishment of the historic Central Bank site into the iconic Central Plaza, which is a multi-phase scheme, is one of the largest and most prestigious construction projects being carried out in Dublin city centre, Ireland.Partel was playing its part since the early stages of the restoration, and this year brought again its expertise in fire-rated vapour control systems, supporting the latest expansion scheme of the building with a two-storey glass-roofed structure, that completes the existing tower.Teaming up with Castle Group, the plan for roof expansion involved passive fire protection measures and an appropriate airtightness strategy, using Partel’s IZOPERM PLUS A2 vapour control system.Steel Roof Structure and Internal WallThe design of the new steel roof construction has a complex geometric structure, following the exposed suspensions of the building – with cantilevering triangles. It consists of multiple steel RHS that are connected to each other by hidden connections. The contemporary structure is a monolithic steel frame without expansion joints. Quite a challenge in regard to thermal expansion. For this project, fire protection of the roof structure and internal wall assemblies were top priorities, considering the specific requirements regarding stability, structural integrity and fire safety in the building.Airtightness and Fire ProtectionPartel’s Euroclass A2-s1,d0 product system – IZOPERM PLUS A2 membrane and ECHOSEAL ALU FR adhesive tape – were used in order to improve the fabric performance. The solid walls had to be airtight, insulated, and fire-resistant in order to ensure that what was designed could be delivered.The team chose to deliver airtightness measure to external walls with an appropriate fire-rated vapour control system, such as IZOPERM PLUS A2, with high durability, mechanical strength, and moisture management properties. With unrivalled low emissivity of 0.05, the reflective surface can dramatically improve the thermal performance and prevent heat radiation. The team wanted to make sure a tested and compliant solution will be implemented, and the products will perform in a scenario where the building is exposed to a fire.In addition, fire safety in this tall, high-risk building with a large number of visitors and tenants, with open spaces and mobility consideration, the IZOPERM PLUS A2 fire-rated membrane plays a crucial role when incorporated into the wider fire engineering strategy. The membrane offers superior levels of fire performance and a very limited contribution to fire, furthermore, during a fire it will not pose a risk of smoke inhalation for people, as it produces minimal to no smoke and does not release flaming droplets.Sealing the membrane overlaps using Partel ECHOSEAL ALU A2 non-combustible adhesive tape, secured the level of airtightness and fire-resistance. This aluminium foil tape provides excellent cohesion, adhesion, and thermal stability, serving as an excellent barrier against moisture, and flame.The steel roof construction was covered with 152 glass units to facilitate maximum light.Designed by the Henry J. Lyons Architects, the rooftop venue incorporates a 360° viewing terrace of 15,500 sq ft, a crowning touch of this modern restoration project.The previous phase scheme of the Central Plaza redevelopment improved the energy efficiency of the building, airtightness and thermal performance using the ECHOFOIL IZO membrane together with CONEXO MULTISEAL adhesive tape.

Vega is a 37-storey new build property in Vauxhall, South London ideally located near to Kings College London, University College London, University of London, and University of Westminster.  The building houses a variety of 841 studio and shared student apartments and has a roof garden terrace, an on-site gym, cinema room, private dining area, and gaming zone all for student use, as well as a six-storey open-plan office. As the student accommodation had cooking facilities which included a hob, fire safety protection was considered to be of particular importance. Due to its unique benefits and ease of use for the students and the fact that other Downing Student properties across the UK had requested it, the Firechief Kitchen Stove Guard was chosen to be installed as standard in 497 apartments to complement the passive fire products which had also been fitted.

Fire resistant, multi-directional, high movement, structural joint sealing of floor slabs from below for 120minutes, EI Fire ratings using Emshield-DFR from NCC Movement joints Limited.St William is a division of Berkely Homes, predominantly working on some of the most technically complex regeneration projects on brownfield sites, at the heart of communities across London, and typically with a landscape-led approach. Riverside Park and Gardens is being developed on the former Leven Road Gasworks in Poplar, East London, forming part of the 20 acres Aberfeldy Village scheme. This is an ambitious regeneration project in the borough of Tower Hamlets, with around 3000 new homes, plus shops, offices, cafes, bars, and a cinema, as well as extensive landscaped gardens, play areas, and riverside walks.On this important development by the River Thames, the structural floor slab joints ranged from only 15mm to 25mm wide, but they were subject to high multi-directional movement requirements, plus they required a minimum 120-minute EI Fire Rating to protect the future residents. To add to the complexity, there were shear connectors within the floor slabs that also needed protection to ensure their structural integrity in the event of a fire.An “E120” denotes that the system will not allow flames and hot gases from physically passing through the element for 120 minutes, which also explicitly denotes that the system will achieve 120 minutes ‘Integrity’ (E) and ‘Insulation (I), known as EI120, which therefore also achieves 120 minutes ‘Stability’ (R) in fire.Emshield-DFR-2 provided the ideal solution, and one which could also be rapidly installed from below in a single operation. This specialist work was completed by specialist fireproofing contractors, Gould Sealants Limited, working for Main Contractor, Morris Roe. Emshield-DFR/WFR is an EN-1366-4 tested, fire-rated movement joint, designed to be used in movement joints in exterior and interior walls where a combination of watertightness, fire-rating, sound attenuation, and thermal-efficiency are required. Key performance parameters include:-       Up to 100% joint movement (+/- 50% capability);-       100% watertight joints; -       No mechanical fixings to the structure;-       Accommodate changes in direction between the horizontal and vertical plane;-       Accommodates 3-Dimensional movements (including in shear & vertical, as well as joint expansion and contraction;)-       no additional sound concrete cut-outs required;-       Up to 4-hour fire integrity rating to EN1366-4; -       Up to 4-hour thermal Insulation rating to EN1366-4;-       High acoustic insulation & barrier performance; -       CE Approved and MarkedFor more information:Contact: David Mackay Tel: 01257 266696NCC Movement Joints Limited

Contractors building new offices and warehouses in Staffordshire have used Nullifire’s SC902 to complete the passive fire protection of the exposed steel frames successfully despite harsh winter conditions. Main contractor, McLaren Construction, is building the new Redhill Business Park in Stafford for Staffordshire County Council. The 40-acre greenfield site comprises seven plots earmarked for industrial, manufacturing and warehousing development.

OverviewThe Burrell Collection in Glasgow reopened in March 2022 after over 5 years of being closed for a significant restoration project. The ProjectBritish door specialist HAG Ltd. supplied & fitted fire shutter systems & fire curtains across the building to meet stringent fire regulations and also provide significant peace of mind in protecting the ensuring the safety of the priceless collections housed within the building. The museum houses a world class array of treasures, exhibited in an architecturally significant home, set in the Pollok Country Park which is a few miles outside of central Glasgow. The building & collection is known as one of the flagship cultural venues in Scotland, and an extensive restoration project has seen a £68million investment to significantly increase both museum & gallery spaces. Our bespoke designed fire shutters & curtains offer an exceptionally high standard of specification, performance, and protection for your premises. Fire compartmentalisation allows the building to be split into smaller areas or units to withstand fire and smoke for a much longer period of time. Fire shutters can limit the spread of fire & smoke, ensure safe escape routes for human lives, and limit the damage to property and its contents. Our Complete Guide to Fire Protection Products can tell you more about up to date fire legislation and regulations, as well as how products can be used to meet your needs. As part of the guide, there is a RIBA CPD approved on-demand video to assist you.Sir Angus Grossart, chair of Burrell Renaissance, said: "The Burrell Collection has a reputation as being one of the finest in the world. The wonderful new displays have enhanced and informed what visitors will see. They will find great cultural diversity, much beauty and wonder and the great achievement of one enquiring and questioning mind, that of Sir William Burrell."

HAG was entrusted with supplying a suite of fire protection solutions, including fire curtains and shutters, to HSBC UK’s flagship office, One Centenary Square, located in Birmingham.This cutting-edge conversion of a ten-storey building symbolised a substantial £200 million investment in the West Midlands. Working within this expansive 1.5 million square foot site posed significant challenges, especially given the heights involved. However, HAG met these challenges head-on, prioritising safety throughout the project. By integrating HAG's advanced fire safety measures, HSBC UK's new headquarters not only stands as one of Birmingham's greenest buildings but also aligns seamlessly with the company's esteemed brand standards.

In 1982, Novalegno began its journey in wood processing, ultimately establishing a sawmill in the picturesque Cadore (BL) area. Over the years, this company has evolved, expanding its operations and capabilities. By 1993, Novalegno ventured into the production of finger-jointed semi-finished wood products, setting up a factory in Ampezzo (UD). Not content with these accomplishments, the company continued its growth, culminating in the opening of a new plant in the industrial precinct of Amaro in October 2021. Today, Novalegno operates within an impressive 13,000 square meters of covered space, ensuring consistent climate control during wood processing, along with an additional 12,000 square meters of storage and handling space for planks. The Amaro plant specialises in the production of jointed semi-finished wood products used in crafting doors, frames, profiles, and windows.With the presence of dust, sawdust, and highly flammable materials in the production environment, the need for a dependable, high-quality fire detection system became paramount. Novalegno was determined to safeguard its facilities and the valuable resources within.Novalegno's operations posed a unique challenge due to the presence of dust, sawdust, and flammable materials. To safeguard their facilities and personnel, the company needed a robust and adaptable fire detection system capable of addressing the specific needs of their production site.To meet these challenges head-on, Novalegno entrusted the installation company DFL srl with the responsibility of overseeing the project. The scope of protection encompassed various areas, including offices, warehouses, production zones, wood chip storage, briquette storage, and wood grinding mills.In collaboration with Security Planet, a leading distributor of safety and security systems, the technical team at Novalegno opted for Hochiki's cutting-edge fire protection technology. Hochiki's comprehensive range of solutions perfectly matched the diverse requirements of Novalegno's facilities.The result of this collaboration is a high-performance fire safety system that utilizes a range of cutting-edge technologies:Aspirating System: Novalegno implemented an aspirating system to ensure early detection of potential fire hazards.ESP Detectors: Hochiki's advanced ESP detectors were deployed to provide reliable and accurate fire detection.Beam Detection: Beam detection technology with detectors installed at heights of 9-10 meters added an extra layer of protection.Woodchip Stock Area Enhancement: Recognising the unique challenges of the woodchip storage area, an aspirating pipe was installed to facilitate maintenance, a task that would have otherwise been cumbersome.Custom Activation: Thanks to the functionality offered by the Latitude control panel, Novalegno was able to create tailored activations for smoke/heat evacuators located on the structure's rooftop, all easily managed through a remote panel's touch screen.Alberto Frare of Security Planet commented, “We suggested to our customer to consider installing an Hochiki system, which we were certain would perfectly meet all the requirements of this production site and would guarantee maximum reliability. We are very pleased that the project was completed with satisfaction for both the installer and the end user.” The collaboration between Novalegno, DFL srl, Security Planet, and Hochiki has resulted in a state-of-the-art fire protection system that ensures the safety of personnel, resources, and the facility itself. Novalegno now enjoys peace of mind, knowing that they are well-prepared to mitigate fire risks in their demanding production environment.In choosing Hochiki's fire protection technology, Novalegno srl has demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards of safety, securing a bright and prosperous future for their wood processing operations.

The Emerald rises 40 stories above one of Seattle's most desirable neighbourhoods. The LEED Silver certified building manages to redefine luxury living. According to the idea of Hewitt architecture studio from Seattle, high-quality, natural materials as well as the sophisticated daylight concept blur the boundaries between the interior rooms and the picturesque nature. This is particularly evident on the second and third floors where the Pilkington Profilit™ channel glass system spans the outside of the fitness centre and community meeting spaces. Large, glazed areas can diffuse extensive amounts of natural light deep into interior spaces without loss of privacy.Apart from channel glass, Pilkington Pyrostop® Line fire protection glass also ensures natural light deep into the interior. Both products were installed in systems from Technical Glass Products.A transparent façade with Pilkington fire-resistant glass was planned to separate the fitness studio from the corridor in terms of fire protection. The spacious inner façade made of glass provides plenty of light in the training area and enables the desired feel-good atmosphere in the fitness studio. At the same time, it directs a lot of light into the interior of the building.The fire-resistant glass Pilkington Pyrostop® Line was used in a Fireframe Clearview® system from TGP with Heat Barrier frames and doors from the Fireframe Heat Barrier series. This generously fire-resistant and at the same time impact-resistant solution could be implemented without a vertical frame between the individual panes, with almost colourless transitions between the adjacent glass panes and without coloured inner glass spacers.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol began an extensive expansion project, safety was top of mind as always. Portuguese coating application company Nanosteel was looking for a coating that offered reliable PFP (passive fire protection), was fast to apply and could be used for all 6,000 tons of structural steel – regardless of the steel’s profile or the corrosion environment in which it would stand. Our solution was Hempafire Pro 315 Fast Dry.

The ChallengeThis purpose-built, cutting-edge medical research facility forms part of the Karolinska Institutet and is now one of Europe’s largest laboratories.Home to over 1,600 scientists and support staff and with such a high footfall, the safety of individuals took centre stage in the design and construction of the facility.Additionally, ensuring a design aided world-class medical research was of utmost importance. This meant creating inviting, collaborative meeting spaces which were flooded with natural light, as well as rooms that could achieve the correct acoustic and impact performance requirements to contribute to the accuracy of the laboratory’s critical research.To achieve all of these requirements, specifying the correct materials was crucial to achieving the architectural vision of the building, centered around a spectacular glass atrium that connects the outside with the inside. Pyroguard was approached to deliver a solution that would ensure compliance with safety regulations.The SolutionWith glass playing a crucial part in the building’s design, it provided a practical way of delivering adequate fire protection, making Pyroguard Firesafe ideal for the project.With EW-classification, the solution protects against flames, smoke and radiant heat for between 30 and 120 minutes, while also providing additional radiant heat control to deliver greater fire protection.The structural integrity of the product further ensures it can be handled and installed in the most challenging applications, including Biomedicum’s beautiful glass atrium.

Client: Bristol City Council Consultants: Chapman Taylor Architects & Arup Design Main Contractor: Bouygues UK Specialist Contractor: Optimum Dry Wall Systems Main Products Used: Emshield DFR-2 SystemOn the site of the former ambulance station adjacent to Castle Park, the largest urban green space in Bristol, this development is designed to provide 375 new homes, with a mixture of build-to-rent and affordable housing units. This comprises a new 26-storey tower, which will be the tallest building in Bristol, together with a 10-storey block, plus a third central building connecting the two, and providing a business centre and leisure facilities for the residents, as well as direct access to the park. The architects designed wide structural expansion joints to accommodate the anticipated levels of movement between the different building structures, as well as in and between the main reinforced concrete floor slabs and the structural frame of the building. They also wanted to reduce any noise transmission through the joints and to ensure that the designated levels of fire protection were maintained, which meant that the joints had to be treated to provide 2-hours fire resistance. To meet all these demands, the answer was a single solution using Emshield DFR-2 (horizontal floor joints) / WFR-2 (for vertical wall joints) systems. These produce a watertight joint, that can accommodate high movement up to 100% (+/- 50%), greatly reduce sound transmission (STC 62; OITC 52), and which are CE Marked to EN-1366-4 for up to 4 hrs fire resistance. 

Glenfield in Leicester is one of the UK’s leading hospitals for coronary care and respiratory diseases. The hospital’s Vascular Services Department has been redeveloped to provide additional patient accommodation and services including a new Angiography Treatment Suite with a technically advanced Hybrid Theatre. 2,000m² Rockfon® MediCare® ceilings were installed throughout to meet the demanding specification requirements which included acoustic control, fire protection and hygiene.

Wilmcote House is located in Portsmouth which had undergone a major renovation to benefit the health and well-being of tenants.A high-rise, high-density housing estate that remains a prominent feature of Britain's urban landscape dating from the 1960's.Wilmcote House used a combination of several products and systems namely ROCKWOOL external wall and flat roof insulation together with a selection of the company's firestopping and fire protection products.

Garratt Mills is a transformed historic former gunpowder mill which has been developed into a new residential accommodation and a cultural hub located along the River Wandle in Earlsfield, London. The height of the buildings varies from two to eight storeys and houses a variety of 315 co-living homes, amenity spaces and roof terraces. The yard is a publicly accessible landscaped area surrounded by a café and flexible co-working space.Fire safety protection was considered to be of particular importance in the living accommodation and so the Firechief Kitchen Stove Guard was chosen to be installed as standard in all 315 of the apartment kitchens.

With steelwork being brought to life as a feature of the building, SteelMaster intumescent paint can be applied to offer excellent levels of fire protection without the need for boxing in or using less aesthetically pleasing coverings. As a leading global manufacturer of coatings, Jotun is the single source for primer, intumescent coatings and top coats. With thousands of colour choices of topcoat, with different gloss levels and finishes, Jotun provides comprehensive and effective solutions to meet the demands of your project.

Project overviewJohnson Controls maintenance services for HMRC Telfordis currently tendering for two further sites: HMRC Shipley and Worthing. As a specialist provider and maintainer of fire and security safety systems, we operate on the basis of delivering innovation and flexibility throughout the contractual partnership and remain very business-focused on the building operation and maintenance strategy.Product and services applications Fire alarmFire extinguishersIntruder alarmsCCTVMonitoringAccess controlHose reelsHigh sensitivity smoke detection Customer needsHMRC were particularly keen to have a team of multi-disciplined engineers assigned specifically to their properties, not only from a cost saving perspective but to ensure that any external personnel working continually on site, could undertake enhanced security protocol, documented by the client, as well as additional training specific to the contract.Johnson Controls solutionManaged by HMRC’s dedicated Account Manager atJohnson Controls, we are able to process and document all screening procedures as well as training certification, reporting quarterly to HMRC. Combined with our approach to service delivery, HMRC assigned further disciplines to the Johnson Controls contract, as well as offering us the opportunity to tender for further sites. As one of the very few independent providers in the sector, our flexibility enables us to offer accelerated service delivery to our customers and combined with market leading cost control, we have earned a reputation unique in our industry, for putting our customers first.When it comes to safeguarding people, businesses, assets and budgets, Johnson Controls provides a cost-effective solution that minimises our customer’s risk and optimises their protection levels, whenever and wherever they need it. Our customers are safe in the knowledge that, our mutli-disciplined engineers are supported by the very latest hand-held tablet technology to deliver the very highest levels of service with minimum disruption to our customer’s business.Our clients can also view critical account and project information 24/7 via our secure web-based portal for maximum transparency and accountability. We are committed to the very highest levels of customer service providing a 24 hour customer support desk facility, 365 days a year and all of our design, installation and maintenance services are delivered at a price that suits our customer’s budget.

Tecnosystemi Spa Societa Benefit, a company synonymous with environmental responsibility and cutting-edge technology, partnered with Ghin Antifurti, based in Conegliano, to install a high-performance fire protection system in both their historical headquarters and their impressive new 30,000 sq. m production hub.  This project exemplifies Tecnosystemi's commitment to safeguarding their people, assets, and the environment, while aligning with their focus on sustainability. Tecnosystemi, a leader in the manufacturing of accessories for air conditioning, air exchange, ventilation and photovoltaic systems, is dedicated to minimising their environmental impact. Their new production hub, built in 2023, embodies this philosophy. The state-of-the-art facility boasts technologies designed to significantly reduce CO2 emissions. When it came to fire safety, Tecnosystemi demanded a system would protect this building, the assets and the people working within.Understanding Tecnosystemi's needs, Ghin Antifurti, the chosen installer, recommended a Hochiki fire detection system which was renowned for its reliability and longevity. The installed Latitude system safeguards all critical areas, encompassing production zones, offices and a brand new, fully automated warehouse.The Hochiki system incorporates a range of advanced technologies to provide comprehensive fire protection. The core of the system is comprised of multiple networked Latitude panels, known for their robust performance and efficient operation. These panels seamlessly integrate with Hochiki’s ESP intelligent range of fire detection and alarm devices, offering a wider range of detection capabilities. Additionally, aspirating smoke detection systems are strategically placed to ensure even the most minute particles of smoke are identified swiftly.Michele Ghin, owner of Ghin Antifurti, said, "We proposed installing the Hochiki system because we were certain it would meet the requirements of this project; we have worked with Hochiki for a number of years and know that they manufacture quality products that are flexible to the specific needs of any type of environment."The collaboration between Tecnosystemi Spa Società Benefit, Ghin Antifurti, and Hochiki Italia exemplifies a successful partnership built on shared values. By implementing a cutting-edge fire safety system, Tecnosystemi prioritises the safety of their employees and assets while adhering to their commitment to environmental responsibility. The Hochiki system, with its emphasis on reliability, empowers Tecnosystemi to focus on achieving their ambitious sustainability goals with complete peace of mind.

OverviewJaguar Land Rover (JLR) is the UK’s largest car manufacturer, built around two iconic British car brands: Land Rover, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium all-wheel-drive vehicles; and Jaguar, one of the world’s premier luxury sports saloon and sports car marques.With the two brands being brought together & established as one company in 2008 by the Tata Group, the brand is not only known by consumers as a creator of luxury cars but they are also considered in the trade as a reborn company of thriving creativity and one who isn’t afraid to tear up the rule book.They were the first car manufacture to cut their third party costs by producing their own steel and in 2014 the Jaguar XR was the first vehicle in the world to use aluminium alloy grade RC5754, which contained up to 75% recycled aluminium. The much lighter body gives a far superior fuel economy and in turn reduces fuel emissions. PartnershipHaving successfully tendered for 4 new sites across the UK, HAG Ltd. specified various fire protection & security products, to not only meet the current fire & safety regulations but also to aesthetically enhance their surroundings.Several major UK construction firms were chosen to complete the new sites, however HAG Ltd. were one of a limited number of contractors that were specified on all sites.This is testament to the excellent reputation that HAG Ltd. has across the UK within the construction industry, being first choice to assist with the completion of these land mark buildings. The ProjectHAG Ltd. worked alongside market leading construction firms such as Midas Construction and MCS Group at new sites in Bristol, Northampton, Brighton & Guildford, fitting fire shutters, fire curtains & steel doors.HAG’s fire protection doors, shutters & fire curtains offer an exceptionally high standard of specification, performance and protection and are fire tested & compliant to the latest standard BS EN 16034:2014 & CE Marked to BS EN 13241-1:2003. HAG were one of the first UK companies to have their entire range tested & verified to these high standards, when the latest Government legislation changed in November 2019.JLR’s impressive new land mark buildings, often follow the Duel Arch concept, bringing together both brands, spacious showrooms, office space, significant outside & roof top parking. For example the new Guy Salmon facility in Bristol, which opened in January 2021, is vast at 72,000 sq-ft and boasts capacity for more than 400 vehicles. This development alone within the JLR brand, cost £12.3m, and it is therefore understandable that not only is it essential to meet all fire & security regulations, that also their significant investment & stock level needs the highest level of protection.The HAG steel door range includes external fire & security doors, which provide excellent fire protection & the highest level of security. These can be fitted to all external access points of the building and are used to ensure security is maintained. Our insurance certified steel doors have triple point sash locks with high security cylinders and are anti-protected to reduce risk of key copying. HAG can supply an alternative high security multi point panic hardware for fire escape situations. Our in house power coating finishes are available in a wide range of colours, which offered JLR complete control over their design and how our products were going to compliment their surroundings.‘As the Jaguar Land Rover range has evolved and grown since our Jaguar and Land Rover showrooms were established in Bristol, our sales and aftersales experience needed to evolve with them. What we’ve created with this new landmark building in Bristol is a luxurious space for our customers not just to use, but to enjoy. We now have the space and facilities to showcase the entire spectrum of the Jaguar Land Rover range, shining the brightest possible light on these great vehicles to our customers in Bristol and beyond.’Simon CraneHead of Business, Guy Salmon Bristol HAG Ltd. offer maintenance & service contracts, as well as a 24 hour repair service. Repair and service is an essential element of HAG’s portfolio, with the company offering a unique and bespoke maintenance and repair programme tailored for each individual client.

The ChallengeThe fire risk within airports is amplified by the need to ensure the safe mass evacuation of people who could be exposed to the primary danger of smoke and toxic fumes that are difficult to vent in a controlled way within airport terminals. With these factors in mind, Johnson Controls has developed a well proven Integrated Risk Management Approach to protect vulnerable areas within airport terminals, aircraft hangars and airport building infrastructures from the threat of fire. With the addition of integrated security and safety systems, our approach has been developed from a wealth of experience gained by protecting over 350 civil, and military airport and aviation facilities over a 50 year period.Having worked in partnership with the Airport Authorities and their specialised construction groups on every major turnkey airport project throughout the world, there is no imaginable fire, safety and security risk within this market sector we have not encountered and neutralised.It is therefore hardly surprising that Johnson Controls is a preferred supplier with a proven track record for providing an Integrated Risk Management Approach that can integrate over 20 different types of system within nine disciplines to meet the varied and individual needs of the airport and aviation industry.Product and SolutionsDoorsFire detection & alarmFire extinguishersFoam extinguishing systemsGaseous fire suppression systemsKitchen fire suppression systemsMicroDrop® high pressure water mist systemsSprinkler systemsService & maintenance Fire protection projects within AirportsSprinkler life safety systemsWe have installed these systems in public areas, retail shops and executive lounges within major international airports. These systems have ensured that the Life Safety and “Adequate Means of Escape” regulations have been met in full.Fire detection & alarmWe have installed these systems in all airport areas with integrated Public Address and Voice Evacuation systems that can ensure the safe mass evacuation of airport passengers and staff in the event of a fire or safety alert.MicroDrop® high pressure water mist We have protected airport data centres and emergency power generators. In a fire situation, these systems use minimal amounts of water which results in less clean up time and faster re-instatement of the airport’s operations.R102 Kitchen Fire Suppression systems These systems protect airport restaurants, cafeterias and fast food retail outlets. They are the fastest and most effective means of fighting hot oil and grease related fires. There is “No Post Fire” contamination or environmental issues with these systems.INERGEN® gaseous fire suppression systemsWe have used these systems to protect Air Traffic Control centres, Active Traffic Management Control Centres (ATMCCs) and “business critical” electronic infrastructures. INERGEN is totally safe for humans operating within Non Immediate Evacuation Areas (NIAs). It also does not produce any toxic by-products as a result of a fire. These factors also ensure that highly valuable and sophisticated electronic equipment is not harmed by INERGEN®.Foam systems We have used low, medium and high expansion fixed fire fighting foam systems to protect the buildings, and the aircraft within them, from the threat of fire. Our foam systems are employed in every major civil and military aircraft hangar in the world.Johnson Controls UK airport projects Bentwaters – MilitaryBirmingham International AirportEdinburgh AirportGlasgow AirportJohn Lennon Airport – LiverpoolLeeds Bradford AirportLondon – GatwickLondon – HeathrowLondon Heathrow – Terminal 5Manchester International AirportMildenhall – MilitaryNewcastle AirportNorwich AirportRAF Lakenheath – MilitaryRhoose Airport – CardiffWoodbridge – MilitaryWoodford (Manufacturing)

Hush Pro, C-TEC’s revolutionary BS 5839-6 Grade C domestic fire detection and alarm system, is now protecting three iconic tower block developments in Manchester.Located in the centre of Piccadilly, Oxygen Towers is a striking set of three new 31-storey, 16-storey and 10-storey buildings consisting of 345 stylish 1, 2 and 3-bedroomed apartments and 12 spacious family townhouses. Designed to provide the ultimate living experience, the futuristic ‘vertical village’ combines luxury accommodation with fabulous five-star leisure facilities including a swimming pool, cinema, gym and spa. The stunning development also features lush garden terraces and rooftop gardens.Selected for its cutting-edge technology and capacity to align with the building’s fire strategy, Hush Pro integrates with the site’s BS 5839 part 1 landlord system to offer higher levels of fire protection than the Grade D unmonitored battery alarm systems typically used in domestic installations. As a fully-monitored BS 5839-6 Grade C system, Hush Pro reports open and short circuit faults and operation faults back to the fire panel and even allows management and maintenance companies to remotely monitor the system. Each of the flats features an easily accessible low-level Hush Pro Controller connected to a series of Hush Pro smoke detectors, base sounders, multi-sensors and heat detectors all seamlessly interfaced to a powerful network of C-TEC 4-loop ZFP addressable fire control panels to provide all-encompassing fire and fault monitoring of the system. If, for any reason, part of the domestic fire alarm is compromised, this will immediately be reported to the building management team to allow them to action the fault and re-instate full fire detection coverage to the flat.Said Dan Perry, Projects Manager at Solid State, the specialist fire and security company involved with the design and delivery of the project: “As well as enhancing the fire safety management, property and life protection of the buildings, a key factor in our client’s decision to invest in Hush Pro was the system’s ability to notify building management in the event of a real fire and, at the same time, its potential to virtually eliminate false alarms.”“Hush Pro’s unique capacity to differentiate between Fire Level 1, usually a false alarm reported locally in the dwelling, and Fire Level 2, almost always a real alarm activated outside of the dwelling, reduces false fire alarms, unnecessary call-outs and the risk of a real fire alarm being ignored. As our client requires immediate notification in the event of a fire but also first-class false alarm management, Hush Pro is ideal.”“Also of vital importance to our client is that, as the project consists of private balconies with an open plan flat arrangement, Hush Pro is the only fire alarm solution that can actually meet the requirements of BS 9991 Annex D3.”Said Jason Lawler, 24-7’s Group Director and the person responsible for delivering the electrical and mechanical systems for the project: “Hush Pro is an outstanding solution. The system provides residents with easy-to-use detection, alarm, silencing and test facilities so they can test their own devices, be alerted to system faults and hush any false alarms at the Hush Button which is positioned at light-switch level for safe and easy access. Hush Pro’s powerful false alarm management capability will also prove invaluable at the site.”Said Dan: “Client satisfaction is incredibly important to Solid State so we were delighted to be able to specify a robust and fully-compliant integrated BS 5839 Part 1 and Part 6 fire alarm solution for Oxygen Towers. With its capacity to provide high levels of fire protection yet also minimise costly and disruptive false alarms, Hush Pro is fast becoming the system of choice for fire strategy engineers and consultants dedicated to enhancing fire safety in high-rise residential and specialist housing projects throughout the UK.”

“A great achievement by all involved”– Neil Turvey, UCL Estates Assistant Director Capital ProjectsOverviewUCL is one of the world’s leading universities, as well as being London’s number one university for Research Strength, where they have consistently led the way with not only their academic excellence but also their global impact.UCL PEARL (Person-Environment-Activity Research Lab) was completed in Autumn of 2021 and is a unique facility, designed to explore how people interact with their environment in a groundbreaking 4,000m² building. Sophisticated systems are used to gather a rich array of information which will help to understand these reactions and how they can be used to create a better urban environment for the future.PartnershipHAG Ltd. were tasked with protecting the building both through the supply & installation of essential fire protection systems, such as fire shutters & fire curtains and high security steel door sets throughout the building, located in Dagenham, in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham.As a UK wide company with nearly 40 years’ experience in dealing with large scale contracts of this size, we were able to assist the main contractor by ensuring reliability, professionalism, safety and ensuring that the project was completed on time.All our fire protection products are fully compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and certified to UKCA.All of HAG’s fire curtains have been independently tested and certified by the international fire testing experts at Warrington Fire, are tested to the latest standard BS EN 1634:2014 and marked to BS EN 13241-1:2003.HAG Ltd.’s steel doors offer an exceptional level of security, whilst not compromising on aesthetics. Our doors were made to the specification of UCL PEARL, to seamlessly sit in their surroundings and ensured not only security, but they are suitable for high levels of use and offer thermal insulation. The ProjectThe original UCL PEARL site consisted of various buildings, one of which was Grade II listed 1940’s. The new building is the first zero-carbon in-use building for UCL, and one it hopes will set the bar for future developments.Within the 10m high building, you will find life sized environments, such as a train station, village square, high street, even a pop-up theatre, all of which have fully controlled conditions and the ability to change materials, such as the flooring or wall cladding. UCL can adjust lighting, sounds and experiment with smells and the other senses to see the impact that these changes have on people. “A building that will be able to house the world”– Nick Tyler, Chadwick Professor of Engineering and Director of UCL Centre for Transport StudiesUp until now, assumptions have been made about how people react to environments, but this has been based on outdated data. UCL PEARL can now pave the way, with the use of sophisticated systems, such as eye trackers, brain scanners & accelerometers, to ensure a more informed suite of ground-breaking data going forward.UCL PEARL are already working in partnership with the London Underground and are researching the design of the built environment for people with dementia.Not only are there legal requirements and obligations for fire safety and protection within this building, but fire shutters & fire curtains should be regularly maintained to ensure they are suitable for intended use, they are safe to use, in good repair and subject to a program of monitoring & reviewing.This is another reason that HAG Ltd. were chosen to assist with this unique facility, as we can offer a full & comprehensive maintenance & repair service, to ensure that their fire shutters & curtains continue to work efficiently and with ease.

The ChallengeNo. 1 Horgan’s Quay is one of the development’s three office buildings, with the upper floors of the new modern structure cantilevered over the site’s original Goods Shed. The lobby area features a large glazed partition on the first floor, helping to create an open, light space, as well as sympathetically blending the old restored structure with the new.KCC Group, a door and glazing contractor, were appointed to deliver the EI30 SWS Screen works on the project. Site Contracts Manager, Ger McNamee, said: “In order to ensure the safety of those within the building, 30-minute fire protection was required for the reception area, providing a fire barrier between the lobby and the first floor. Once we had the fire safety glass specification from the architect, O’Mahony Pike Architects, it was up to our team at KCC Group to source a supplier – this is when our relationship with Pyroguard began.”The SolutionTo ensure that the desired aesthetic was achieved, while also meeting building safety regulations, Pyroguard Infinity T-EI30/24-2 SWS fire safety glass was chosen by KCC Group and installed in the glazed partition, within a Jansen steel profile system.Pyroguard Infinity is a range of fire safety glass certified for butt-joint applications. With no vertical frame profiles required, it’s the ideal solution for providing visually appealing seamless partitions. Manufactured to EI classification, Pyroguard Infinity provides the highest level of integrity and heat insulation, protecting against flames, smoke and heat.

Doors in underground stations not only have to meet fire protection, security and safety requirements, but in particular they have to be able to handle pressure. This was also one of the key requirements for the doors of the new Crossrail stations in London. Here, security doors were required that had to be fire, sound and pressure resistant. Teckentrup was able to offer appropriate door solutions with corresponding conformity, which also complied with the revised, stricter version of LPS 1175 for proof of product certification. In addition, all required values for soft impact tests, structural strength data, „U“ values, cycle tests and life cycles could be met. This tipped the scales in favour of the German manufacturer when the project was awarded and, with the stations Whitechapel and Liverpool Street marked the start of a successful collaboration.

The Lindner Group took on a key role in the construction of the MOL Campus. Around 33,000 m² of the FLOOR and more® G40 hollow floor was installed in the high-rise building. The entire system complies with the REI 60 fire protection requirements and can therefore withstand a potential fire for a full 60 minutes, which makes a huge difference in an emergency. In addition, Lindner installed around 1,200 m² of NORTEC control room systems for the server rooms. The implementation of the project required extremely precise coordination on site, especially in close cooperation with electricians and other trades. In addition, there was a particularly tight schedule: At times, up to 2,500 m² of floor were delivered per week. However, with excellent teamwork, these challenges were quickly overcome and the project was completed within a very short time.

1 Nine Elms Lane, London SW8 5NQAs Europe's largest regeneration zone, Nine Elms is the most ambitious regeneration project undertaken in London for decades. Located on the south bank of the River Thames in Nine Elms, No. 8 and No. 9 Thames City are impressive new 53-storey residential towers. With their prime central and riverside location, they offer a vibrant destination for city dwellers and visitors.Nine Elms, London's dynamic urban district, is marked by its soaring residential towers. Ensuring the safety of the residents and the protection of the property is paramount. This case study highlights the successful collaboration between Nine Elms London's newest 53-storey residential towers and Rapid Access Ltd, a leading supplier of 920-minute fire rated Riser Doors with smoke seals.Challenges:1. Towering Heights: The residential towers reached considerable heights, increasing the complexity of fire safety and evacuation procedures.2. Stringent Fire Safety Standards: Compliance with stringent fire safety standards, including resistance to fire for a prolonged duration, was a primary concern.3. Smoke Control* Preventing the spread of smoke in the event of a fire was a vital aspect of the fire safety strategy.Solution:Rapid Access Ltd, renowned for their expertise in fire-rated access solutions, was chosen to address the specific needs of Nine Elms London's newest 53-storey residential towers. The solution included the supply and installation of 90-minute fire rated Riser Doors with smoke seals, designed to meet the following key criteria:1. 90-Minute Fire Rating: Rapid Access Ltd provided riser doors with an exceptional 920-minute fire rating, exceeding the fire safety requirements for such high-rise structures.2. Smoke Seals: The riser doors were equipped with smoke seals to prevent the spread of smoke and enhance the safety of residents during evacuation.3. Safety and Compliance: The installation adhered to the most stringent fire safety standards, ensuring the protection of residents and property.Implementation:The supply and installation of 920-minute fire rated Riser Doors with smoke seals by Rapid Access Ltd were executed with meticulous attention to safety and compliance. The installation process was conducted to meet the highest fire safety standards and the specific requirements of the residential towers.Conclusion:The collaboration between Nine Elms London's newest 53-storey residential towers and Rapid Access Ltd exemplified the successful integration of advanced fire safety solutions in high-rise structures. The installation of 920-minute fire rated Riser Doors with smoke seals not only met regulatory and safety needs but also provided an exceptional level of fire protection and peace of mind for the residents. This case study underscores the critical importance of selecting the right access solutions provider for projects that demand the highest levels of fire safety.

A key requirement of this project was for the design and build to have a sustainable structural solution to meet the future needs. Komfort’s double glazed Polar Vision with a 15mm +/- 3-part deflection head and 2-part base was installed. This system was specified due to the line loading over an Atrium. Polar Vision gives you a minimal, seamless style with confident lines and unrestricted views. The system is dry jointed and constructed without mullion posts, offering up to 30 mins fire protection for both integrity and insulation, and can provide up to 48dB (Rw) sound performance.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home was established in 1860 by Mary Tealby as the Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs. Since it opened, the charity has cared for more than 3.1 million dogs and cats. To increase capacity at their old Windsor site BDCH are adding a new wing.The animal charity required specialist doors for a new intake building which includes 27 kennels and 4 maternity kennels.Dortek supplied hygienic hinged doors with Stainless Steel frames throughout the new building. Some doors also had automations and access control locks for ease of access and increased security. Fire doors with 30 minutes certification were also supplied for the protection of animals and staff throughout the facility.The GRP construction of Dortek doors makes them easy to clean, waterproof and extremely robust. They are ideally suited to animal care facilities requiring a low maintenance design.