A modern solution for a historic building

Historic buildings form a substantial part of our architectural landscape. In order to protect these unique spaces for future generations, a sensitive approach must be taken to restoration, as Andy Lake, UK Projects Director for Pyroguard discusses.

Category B listed, Marr College in Scotland is one such example of a site with special historic interest. When the need for expansion arose, balancing the building’s heritage with the need to meet modern safety demands and building regulations, was vital.

Adequate fire protection

Achieving improved building circulation was a crucial part of the development. This involved a change of use of two existing courtyard spaces to create large multi-use atria, made possible with the installation of an Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) roof. Ensuring effective fire protection without detracting from the courtyards’ architectural features was critical.

Pyroguard worked closely with steel fabrication specialists, Martec Engineering – who provided the steelwork within the courtyards, including Schueco Jansen fire-rated glazed screens – supplying a variety of fire-rated glass solutions to sit within the new screens.

Designed to have the smallest visual impact possible whilst providing the required protection to the rooms beyond, adhering to EI30 and EI60 ratings as required, the screens allow the building’s 1930s ‘Crittall’ style metal windows to remain in the spotlight.

Expert technical guidance

In addition, Pyroguard provided expert technical guidance to cater for the project’s constraints of working within a listed building, helping with the specialist design of additional fire-rated glazing to be incorporated in existing timber windows and doors.

Due to the ambitious nature of the project, more than 300m² of Pyroguard toughened glass, including Pyroguard Integrity Plus T EW30/6, Pyroguard Rapide Plus EI30/EI60 and Pyroguard Protect T-EI60, was chosen for its unrivalled quality and safety features. Protecting against flames, smoke and radiant heat, the selected glazing range has the advantage of providing Marr College with additional radiant heat control and greater fire protection. In tests this glass demonstrates the ability to maintain the amount of radiant heat to below 15 kW/m² on the unexposed face, protecting critical evaluation routes for occupants.

Keith Milne, Design Manager at Martec Engineering, said: “The information and guidance from the technical team at Pyroguard was invaluable on this project, particularly in regards to creating a custom detail for the fire protection within the existing timber windows and doors.”

The result of this collaboration was the creation of a space which is light, airy and elegant, providing all safety protections in the event of a fire without impacting on the architectural language of the original building.

For further information please visit www.pyroguard.eu