Understanding Concertina Fire Curtains: Names, Variations, and Differences

Different Names for Concertina Fire Curtains

Depending on the manufacturer, region, or specific application, concertina fire curtains may be referred to by various names, including:

• Concertina Fire Curtain – The most common name, referencing its folded, accordion-like shape.
• Accordion Fire Curtain – Used interchangeably with concertina fire curtain, emphasising the way it expands and folds.
• Flexible Fire Barrier – Sometimes used in reference to concertina curtains due to their ability to bend and form around architectural features.
• Folding Fire Curtain – Highlights the curtain’s ability to retract neatly when not in use.
• Concertina Smoke Curtain – A variant designed specifically to control smoke rather than fire, often used in combination with fire-rated versions.
• Self-Supporting Fire Curtain – A name that highlights its ability to function without the need for vertical side guides.
• Diagonal Concertina Curtain – A specific variation used in cases where the curtain does not follow a standard rectangular layout.
• U-Shaped Fire Curtain – Used when the curtain forms a U-shape, often around open staircases or atriums.

Open vs. Closed Concertina Fire Curtains

Concertina fire curtains are available in two main configurations: open concertina and closed concertina. Each has distinct applications and benefits.

Open Concertina Fire Curtains

An open concertina fire curtain closes against a solid surface, such as a wall or another structural barrier. This type is ideal when a suitable closing surface exists within the space, ensuring a complete fire and smoke seal upon deployment.

Key Features:

• Closes against a fire rated wall or fire rated partition.
• Commonly used in corridors, lobbies, and areas where one side of the opening is already enclosed.
• More space-efficient compared to closed concertina designs.

Closed Concertina Fire Curtains

A closed concertina fire curtain forms a fully enclosed barrier by meeting its opposite end when deployed, effectively closing back on itself. This design is typically used in open-plan environments where no existing structural surface is available for sealing.

Key Features:

• Forms a continuous enclosure by meeting its opposite end.
• Ideal for open-plan spaces such as atriums, large retail areas, and stadiums.
• Provides a fully self-contained fire and smoke compartment.
• Often preferred when fire separation needs to be maintained from all directions.
• Most commonly seen as either circular, rectangular, but we have done triangular ones at META facebook head office. The main thing is that the Concertina Curtains seal back on themselves. These are typically used in applications where a 360-degree fire barrier is needed, such as around stairwells or central atriums.

Variations and Custom Configurations

Apart from the standard open and closed configurations, concertina fire curtains can be customised to suit complex architectural layouts. Some common variations include:

• L-Shaped Concertina Curtains – Designed to wrap around two sides of an area, often used in corner spaces. For example this example in Germany, for Bitzer.
• Multi-Sided Concertina Curtains – Designed with multiple bends and folds to match irregular layouts. For example those used at Monash University in Australia.

Case Studies

Monash University Chancellery

Multi-sided Concertina – While light can be spread through the atrium voids of the Chancellery, fire and smoke can easily spread too. To prevent the spread through the levels and funnel the smoke through the top of the building, a 72m FireMaster Concertina with 32 facets and laser-cut capping to match the contours was incorporated into the design. This solution seamlessly integrates with the architectural vision while ensuring high-performance fire safety.

Tallest Concertina Fire Curtain – Tallinn, Estonia

Fire safety in historic buildings presents unique challenges, especially when dealing with significant heights. In a museum and historic Estonian Church in Tallinn, we developed a concertina fire curtain covering a lift shaft with a drop of 15.5m—the longest drop in the world for a concertina fire curtain. This custom-engineered solution demonstrates the adaptability of concertina curtains, providing high-level fire protection while respecting the integrity of a historic structure.

Choosing the Right Concertina Fire Curtain

Selecting the right type of concertina fire curtain depends on several factors, including the space layout, fire strategy, and aesthetic requirements. Key considerations include:

• Architectural Integration – How the curtain will blend into the building’s design when retracted.
• Compliance & Fire Ratings – Ensuring the selected curtain meets required fire safety regulations.
• Space Constraints – Whether an open or closed configuration best suits the available area.
• Installation Requirements – Assessing how the curtain will be fixed and deployed without interfering with other building elements.

Concertina fire curtains offer an innovative and flexible fire protection solution, available in various forms to suit different architectural needs. Whether opting for an open or closed design, or a custom layout, these curtains provide essential fire safety without compromising the aesthetics of modern spaces. Understanding the differences and variations ensures the right solution is chosen for each unique project.