Fire Safety Innovation at the National Theatre

Fire Safety Challenges in a Landmark Building

Architects and fire safety engineers faced several key challenges when protecting the National Theatre:

High-Risk Zones in a Live Venue

• The theatre’s commercial kitchens and catering facilities posed a significant fire risk, requiring advanced compartmentalisation to prevent fire spread.

Preserving Open-Plan Design

• Maintaining the open-plan layout was essential for both functionality and the theatre’s architectural integrity.

Integrating Fire Safety into Iconic Design

• Fire protection systems needed to remain discreet, complementing both historic and modern elements of the venue.

Long-Term Reliability & Compliance

• As a busy public space, ongoing maintenance and servicing of fire safety systems were critical to ensuring long-term compliance and performance.

How Coopers Fire Delivered a Bespoke Solution

Coopers Fire collaborated with the National Theatre’s Maintenance and Management Team to design and install tailored fire curtain solutions:

Fire Safety for Commercial Kitchens

• Advanced fire curtains were installed to contain potential fires while remaining virtually invisible when not deployed.
• This ensured compliance with fire safety regulations without interfering with the kitchens’ open-plan design.

Protecting Bars & Catering Areas

• Discreet fire curtains were fitted in bars and catering spaces, blending seamlessly into their surroundings.
• The curtains stay hidden until needed, maintaining the venue’s aesthetic appeal.

Architect-Led Fire Safety Design

• Early collaboration with architects ensured fire curtains were an integral part of the theatre’s design.
• BIM modelling allowed precise planning for seamless installation.

Ensuring Long-Term Performance

• A structured servicing programme was implemented to maintain optimal fire curtain performance.
• Coopers Fire’s expert Service and Maintenance Team ensured minimal disruption to theatre operations.

Results: A Fire Safety Success Story

Enhanced Fire Protection – Critical fire compartmentalisation safeguards visitors, staff, and the building.
Invisible Integration – The discreet design ensures fire safety doesn’t compromise aesthetics.
Functional, Open Spaces – Fire curtains enable compliance without sacrificing design vision.
Ongoing Reliability – Regular servicing guarantees long-term compliance and performance.