Fire resistant glazing system Promat SYSTEMGLAS® has been chosen for the replacement of a large multi-pane window as part of a refurbishment project at Scotland’s National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride.
Spanning nearly seven metres with a height of one metre, the new viewing window not only improves aesthetics and acoustics, but it helps the museum’s operator, National Museums Scotland, to optimise fire safety within the building it has occupied since it opened in 2001.
Working with Hoskins Architects, Promat UK was tasked with developing a fire rated solution for the prominently located window in the main exhibition hall. The brief demanded EI (integrity and insulation) protection for 60 minutes in line with the fire strategy.
The timber frame SYSTEMGLAS Ligna EI60 system was chosen, incorporating the intumescent Promat Promaseal-PL® Strip around the perimeter of the frame as part of a tested solution. The window was split with three vertical mullions, with Promat F1 glass used in line with its fire test certification which confirms its suitability for use in a landscape orientation. The resulting glazing provides an EI60 fire rating with the added benefit of UV stability, as well as an excellent acoustic rating of 45dBrw.
Main contractors FES engaged with Promat SYSTEMGLAS recommended installer, Rated Solutions, to complete the installation of the window, as well as provide a Promat timber fire rated door and over panel within the cafeteria area. Given this clear and traceable supply chain covering raw materials sourcing, manufacturing and installation, Promat UK was able to issue a certificate of conformity on completion of the glazing and door, in line with its 360-degree ‘wheel of assurance’ and the golden thread, to offer additional peace of mind for building staff and visitors.
In addition to the Ligna timber frame system, Promat SYSTEMGLAS provides architects with the scope to create fire resistant glass screens, with or without doors, and numerous other glazing elements with steel frames, or frames which can be over-clad, painted or concealed in the surrounding walls, floors and ceilings to give a virtually frame-less look.