The Natural History Museum, London

Fire Curtains in Historic Buildings

The Natural History Museum, a treasured historic building located in London, is renowned for its architectural grandeur and invaluable collections. Preserving such a landmark involves balancing the integrity of its historical features with the need for modern safety measures. This case study examines the implementation and maintenance of fire and smoke curtains in the Natural History Museum, highlighting their unobtrusive presence, their role in protecting the public and the museum’s assets, and the value of long-term service contracts.

Unobtrusive Integration in a Historic Building

One of the primary challenges for architects and specifiers in installing modern safety features in historic buildings is ensuring that they do not detract from the architectural aesthetics. Fire and smoke curtains installed in the Natural History Museum have been meticulously designed to blend seamlessly with the museum’s Victorian architecture. Coopers Fire have manufactured, installed fire curtains for architects in the most iconic historic buildings in the world including The British Museum, The Royal Albert Hall and even Royal Palaces.

1. Design and Aesthetics:
   • The fire curtains are concealed within the ceilings and walls.
   • Custom housings and finishes can be created to match the existing decor, to ensure no disruption to the visual experience of the museum’s grandeur.
2. Installation Techniques:
   • Advanced installation techniques were used to retrofit the curtains without causing damage to the historic structure.
   • Collaboration with conservation experts ensured that the installation process respected the building’s historical significance.

Protecting the Public and Historical Assets

In the event of a fire, the primary concern is the safety of visitors and staff, followed closely by the preservation of the museum’s priceless collections. Fire and smoke curtains play a critical role in achieving both objectives.

1. Public Safety:
   • Fire curtains are designed to compartmentalise the museum into fire-safe zones, preventing the spread of flames and smoke.
   • This compartmentalisation allows for safer and more orderly evacuations, reducing the risk of injury or fatalities.
2. Preservation of Collections:
   • The Natural History Museum houses millions of specimens, many of which are irreplaceable. Fire curtains help protect these collections from fire damage by containing the fire to a specific area.
   • Smoke damage can be as devastating as fire damage to delicate artefacts. Smoke curtains prevent smoke from infiltrating exhibition areas, thereby preserving the integrity of the museum’s exhibits.

Longevity and Maintenance of Fire and Smoke Curtains in historic buildings

The fire and smoke curtains at the Natural History Museum have been in service for over 21 years, a testament to their durability and the importance of regular maintenance.

1. Service Contracts for Fire and Smoke Curtains:
   • Maintaining the effectiveness of fire safety systems requires regular inspections and servicing. The museum has established long-term service contracts with Coopers Fire to ensure that the curtains are always in optimal condition.
   • These contracts include routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and updates to meet evolving safety standards.
2. Long-Term Performance:
   • The curtains’ longevity is a result of high-quality materials and robust design. Regular maintenance has ensured that the curtains continue to operate as intended, even after two decades of service.
   • Continuous investment in service contracts has proven cost-effective, as it prevents the need for frequent replacements and extensive repairs.

Importance of Protecting Historic Buildings using fire and Smoke Curtains

The use of fire and smoke curtains in the Natural History Museum underscores the broader importance of protecting historic buildings.

1. Cultural Heritage:
   • Historic buildings are irreplaceable cultural artefacts that embody the history and identity of a society. Preserving these structures for future generations is paramount.
   • Fire and smoke curtains provide a modern solution to protect these buildings without compromising their historical integrity.
2. Conservation of Art and Exhibits:
   • Beyond the structure itself, the contents of historic buildings, such as artworks and exhibitions, also require protection. Fire curtains help ensure that these treasures are preserved from fire-related damage.
   • In the context of a museum, protecting the exhibits is crucial as they represent significant scientific, cultural, and educational resources.

Fire and Smoke Curtains at the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum’s integration of fire and smoke curtains exemplifies how modern safety measures can be harmoniously integrated into historic buildings. These curtains play a vital role in protecting both the public and the museum’s invaluable collections. The success of this implementation, sustained over 21 years through diligent maintenance and service contracts, highlights the importance of investing in high-quality, unobtrusive fire safety solutions. Ultimately, these efforts ensure the preservation of cultural heritage and the continued enjoyment of the museum for future generations.