Restoring Heritage at Zara store in Quarteirão do Rossio, Lisbon, Portugal with non-intrusive installation of Fire and Smoke Curtains
About the Building
The Quarteirão do Rossio project breathed new life into seven historic buildings nestled in the heart of old Lisbon. With a total area of around 10,000 square meters, these buildings, steeped in over 200 years of history, were seamlessly connected to create the largest Zara store worldwide. Situated in one of Lisbon’s most iconic and tourist-frequented areas, this project aimed not only to revive the charm of the Baixa Pombalina but also to preserve Portugal’s architectural heritage.
The restoration focused on maintaining the original shape, metrics, and Pombaline style, bringing back the essence of downtown Lisbon while infusing it with new life. Every detail was meticulously preserved, requiring nearly two years of dedicated work to implement the fire curtain solution. The project presented a significant challenge, requiring collaboration among architects, engineers, Exuvent, Coopers, and the heritage protection engineers of Lisbon city.
Why Fire/Smoke Curtains?
Fire and smoke curtains were essential for this project to ensure safety while preserving the architectural integrity of the historic building. They were strategically installed in the stairs between each floor and to separate spaces within each floor, providing compartmentation and facilitating safe evacuation routes.
Benefits of Fire/Smoke Curtains
The implementation of fire and smoke curtains played a crucial role in preserving the architectural heritage of the Quarteirão do Rossio. By seamlessly integrating into the building structure, these curtains helped maintain the flow of space without the need for additional structural elements that could compromise the historical aesthetics. Additionally, they contributed to the safety of occupants by containing fire and smoke, allowing for orderly evacuation in the event of an emergency.
Challenges and Team Effort
The assembly of fire and smoke curtains on-site posed significant challenges due to accessibility constraints and intricate architectural details such as ceilings and staircases. However, the collaboration among various teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, and heritage protection experts, exemplified the power of teamwork in overcoming obstacles and delivering a successful project.
Conclusion
The Quarteirão do Rossio project stands as a testament to the harmonious integration of modern safety solutions with historical preservation efforts. Through the strategic implementation of fire and smoke curtains, this iconic building not only ensures the safety of its occupants but also honours Portugal’s rich architectural heritage, captivating the hearts of both locals and visitors alike.
