Fire Safety
DELIVERING STYLE AND FIRE SAFETY ON DUBLIN ’ S FITZWILLIAM STREET
Balancing fire safety with aesthetics , Pyroguard Protect fire safety glass and the minimalistic Jansen steel framing profile was the system of choice for a new office development on Dublin ’ s iconic Fitzwilliam Street Lower .
» ‘ PROJECT FITZWILLIAM ’ IN Dublin has captured the attention of many in the architecture and design world , involving the restoration and redevelopment of a number of protected Georgian structures for ESB , the Irish state energy company . This restoration and specification have helped to reinstate the traditional Georgian streetscape , now the longest and uninterrupted of its kind in Europe . The 45,000 m 2 development also involved the construction of a new seven-storey office block , designed by Grafton Architects and O ’ Mahony Pike .
KCC Group has worked closely with the architects , design teams , contractors and client to deliver a range of glazing solutions for the renowned project . One of those was the design and installation of fire-rated internal doors and screens in the lift and entrance lobbies on each floor of the project ’ s new office space as a means of compartmentation , providing up to 90 minutes fire performance . Compartmentation is a key part of a passive fire protection strategy and involves splitting the building into a series of fire-safe compartments , not only helping to control the spread of a blaze but also creating a safe means of escape for occupants and safe access for emergency services in the unfortunate event of a fire .
Carefully balancing safety with aesthetics , a combination of Pyroguard Protect fire safety glass in classifications EI60 and EI90 were specified alongside Jansen ’ s steel system for doorsets and screens , providing 60 and 90 minutes fire performance respectively .
Speaking about the project , David Skelly , Director at KCC Group said : “ Working with both Jansen and Pyroguard , these glazing systems and screens were designed not only for their minimalistic
aesthetic and ability to allow maximum light into the interior space , but more importantly to comply with the fire strategy of the building . Pyroguard Protect fire safety glass enabled the creation of fire safe compartments on each floor and lobby , ensuring the protection of future building occupants .”
As well as fire protection , Pyroguard ’ s products can also offer a range of other qualities , which proved valuable on this project , as Andy Lake , Sales Director UK & IRE at Pyroguard explained :
“ By combining our technical knowledge and the multi-functional capabilities of our fire safety glass , we were able to offer KCC Group a solution that also delivered high-performance impact resistance and
acoustic properties – two qualities which are vital when you consider the application being central lobbies within a busy office space .”
Pyroguard Protect is a range of toughened fire safety glass suitable for both internal and external applications , offering integrity and heat insulation from 30-120 minutes ( EW classification ) and 30-180 minutes ( EI classification ). The glass can also provide a 1B1 impact rating , high-performance acoustics and excellent UV stability .
‘ Project Fitzwilliam ’ was completed in 2022 , with Dublin ’ s ESB Headquarters opening shortly after .
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CLEARVIEW-UK . COM SEPTEMBER 2023
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