Promat SYSTEMGLAS® specified for Scottish museum’s fire rated viewing window

The Promat SYSTEMGLAS® fire resistant glazing system 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. A museum, historic farmhouse and working farm, the National Museum of Rural Life explores the land, people and ways of working that have shaped Scotland's rural history.

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. 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.