Overview
As part of a high-spec refurbishment of a residential flat in central London, the architects required a fire-stopping solution that not only met stringent safety specifications but also seamlessly integrated with the planned aesthetics of the property.
Building control mandated a fire curtain with a radiation classification due to its proximity to egress routes, ensuring maximum safety for occupants in the event of a fire.
Challenge
The solution needed to balance compliance with building control requirements, maintain the visual appeal of the space, and provide reliable functionality in a residential setting.
The system also had to include additional safety features to address the specific needs of a domestic property, ensuring ease of use and occupant protection.
Solution
The FC60EW fire curtain was selected as the ideal solution, meeting all safety and aesthetic requirements. This bespoke curtain, measuring 2.5m wide by 2.5m high, was tailored to the project’s specifications and provided discreet, effective fire protection.
Key Features and Customizations
- Emergency Access and Obstruction Protection
To ensure occupants’ safety, the installation included an emergency retract button, allowing manual lifting of the curtain in case of entrapment on the non-exit side. Black photocells were integrated to detect and protect against any obstructions in the curtain’s descent path.
- Audio-Visual Alerts
The system featured audio and visual alarms to notify occupants if the curtain’s descent path was obstructed and to signal when the curtain was deploying. - Custom Aesthetic Finish
All visible components were finished in a RAL colour chosen by the client, allowing seamless integration with the surrounding environment while minimizing the product’s visual impact when not in use. - Reliable Operation
The curtain was controlled by a nearby panel equipped with two backup batteries, ensuring up to one hour of operation during power outages. The system also included a gravity fail-safe mechanism to deploy the curtain safely and at a controlled speed in any situation.
Result
The FC60EW fire curtain provided the perfect balance of safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal for this residential flat refurbishment.
The architects achieved their design vision without compromising on fire safety, while the building occupants benefit from advanced safety features tailored to their needs.
