The Scalpel is an iconic tall building in London’s financial district, known for its striking architecture and innovative approach to safety. Fire safety is a critical aspect of the building’s design, and Coopers Fire played a pivotal role by installing various fire curtain solutions.
These include vertical fire curtains, concertina fire curtains, fire curtains around staircases, and fire curtains within loading bays. Each installation meets rigorous safety standards and demonstrates how fire curtains can provide both functional protection and design flexibility. The FireMaster® Concertina Closed (EN1634-1) – EFP™ 4/1000/CPiers model exemplifies this approach, offering enhanced fire safety with aesthetic appeal.
Vertical fire curtains are a vital component in The Scalpel, providing a discreet yet effective barrier between different floors and zones. They are designed to automatically deploy in the event of a fire, creating a compartmentalized space that prevents the spread of flames and smoke. At The Scalpel, vertical fire curtains were installed in strategic locations to protect escape routes and critical areas, ensuring safe egress for building occupants. These curtains can be fully integrated into the building’s ceilings, remaining hidden when not in use and preserving the open-plan design that architects aim for. When deployed, they seamlessly descend, maintaining a sleek appearance that aligns with the building’s modern aesthetic.
The FireMaster® Concertina Closed (EN1634-1) – EFP™ 4/1000/CPiers represents the next level of fire curtain technology, offering a unique solution for curved and irregular spaces. At The Scalpel, this type of concertina fire curtain has been installed in areas requiring flexible coverage, such as open atriums and voids. Its design allows it to cover large spans without the need for corner posts, making it ideal for maintaining the building’s clean lines and contemporary design. From an architectural perspective, the concertina curtain can be showcased as a dynamic feature or concealed into ceiling voids, enabling designers to balance safety with aesthetic appeal. The concertina mechanism is not only functional but visually impactful, contributing to the overall ambiance of The Scalpel.
Staircases are crucial escape routes in high-rise buildings like The Scalpel, and their safety is of utmost importance. Fire curtains installed around staircases ensure that these paths remain smoke-free and accessible during an emergency. By deploying automatically in response to fire, they provide a physical barrier that slows the spread of heat and smoke, allowing more time for safe evacuation. The design of these fire curtains can be adapted to fit around stairwells without disrupting the architectural flow. Architects can choose to highlight the presence of these curtains with design elements or blend them seamlessly into the staircase structure, maintaining the visual harmony of the building’s interiors.
Loading bays often present unique fire safety challenges due to their larger openings and high traffic. At The Scalpel, fire curtains are used within these areas to ensure that fire can be contained while still allowing for operational flexibility. These curtains are designed to automatically deploy when needed, providing a fire-resistant barrier that helps protect both the building and surrounding areas. The fire curtains in loading bays are tailored to fit the industrial aesthetics, yet they can be concealed into overhead spaces when not in use. This allows architects and designers to maintain a sleek appearance in these functional spaces while adhering to stringent fire safety standards.
The installation of fire curtains at The Scalpel exemplifies how safety and design can go hand in hand. Through solutions like the FireMaster® Concertina Closed (EN1634-1) – EFP™ 4/1000/CPiers, architects are able to incorporate fire safety measures that are both effective and visually harmonious. Whether they are used as bold architectural features or concealed within ceiling voids, these fire curtains enhance the safety of the building without compromising its aesthetic integrity. The Scalpel’s approach serves as a model for how modern buildings can integrate advanced fire safety solutions into their design vision.
