Fire-Rated Glazing in Publicly Occupied Buildings: A Guide for Architects in Ireland

Striking the Perfect Balance: Fire Safety & Design in Public Buildings

When designing publicly occupied buildings in Ireland — from schools and hospitals to office developments or shopping centres — striking that balance between ensuring occupant safety and not compromising on aesthetics is a common topic of discussion. One way building designers find a happy medium is through the use of fire-rated glazing, a solution which provides superior fire resistance, when specified correctly, with beautifully modern, clean aesthetics allowing natural light to flow into each space which can transparency with robust fire resistance. For architects, understanding the regulations, performance criteria, and design possibilities of fire-rated glazing is key to creating safe, compliant, and visually appealing spaces.

 What is Fire-Rated Glazing?

Fire-rated glazing refers to specially designed glass and frame system that maintains its integrity and performance under high temperatures, preventing the spread of flames, smoke, and toxic gases. Depending on the specification, it can also provide insulation, protecting occupants from intense heat. This is a crucial consideration in building design from a fire strategy point of view, when planning emergency escape routes for any publicly occupied building.

Types of Fire-Rated Glazing:

1. Integrity-Only (E) Glazing: Prevents the passage of flames and smoke but does not offer heat insulation.
2. Integrity & Radiation Control (EW) Glazing: Limits the amount of radiant heat transmitted.
3. Integrity & Insulation (EI) Glazing: Provides full insulation, protecting occupants and contents from heat transfer as well as from the passage of flames and smoke.

Why is Fire-Rated Glazing Important?

In publicly-occupied buildings with high levels of footfall, fire-rated glazing serves a dual purpose:

• Life Safety: It enables safe evacuation in the event of a fire emergency by compartmentalizing fire and smoke, giving occupants and first responders critical time to escape via a protected, pre-planned route.
• Property Protection: It minimizes damage to infrastructure and contents by containing the fire, heat or radiation to a limited area.
• Aesthetic Continuity: It allows for open, light-filled spaces without compromising fire safety standards and can aid in way-finding.

Key Regulations in Ireland

In Ireland, fire-rated glazing in publicly occupied buildings must comply with:

• Technical Guidance Document B (TGD-B) of the Irish Building Regulations, which outlines fire safety requirements.
• European Standards (EN), including EN 13501, which classifies fire resistance performance.

It is essential that architects consult with fire engineers and certified suppliers to ensure the correct specification for each application.

Where to Use Fire-Rated Glazing

1. Corridors & Escape Routes

Glazed screens or partitions in escape routes must maintain fire integrity and insulation to ensure a safe passage for occupants in the event of a fire emergency.

2. Atriums & Open Spaces

In large public buildings like shopping centres or airports, fire-rated glass can divide spaces without disrupting the open-plan aesthetic on a day-to-day basis but will serve a protective function in the event of a fire emergency. When designing an atrium, load-bearing fire-rated glazed screens are a key consideration, offering essential structural support while maintaining fire safety and transparency — crucial for creating safe, open, and visually striking architectural spaces.

3. Doors & Facades

Fire-rated glass in doors and external facades can maintain architectural continuity while adhering to fire compartmentalization standards.

Common Misconceptions

“Specifying fire-rated glazing as part of a buildings’ fire strategy can seem like a daunting task. We often get asked if all fire-rated glazing is the same, if it is thick or unsightly or will it detract from the architect or designers vision for the space and where it’s actually needed. We have a team of skilled glazing experts here who are happy to advise clients on the different ratings, ie. integrity-only, integrity & insulation or integrity & radiation protection, and where it is advisable to specify each. Advances in technology now mean that architects and designers can still achieve slim, aesthetically-pleasing profiles while meeting fire-performance standards. Unfortunately fire safety and compartmentation is not restricted to high-risk buildings, it can save lives even in low-risk buildings and should form part of the buildings fire strategy,” advises Brandon Panther, Associate Director of KCC’s glazing department.

Best Practices for Architects

Brandon Panther advises…

“There’s a few points we always advise clients to consider when it comes to fire-rated glazing from design / specification stage.We would advise clients to engage early – It’s important to collaborate with the fire engineer / consultant and certified suppliers as early as possible in the design phase. I would also suggest that they consider light and visibility and how it moves through their building. Fire-rated glazing can be used strategically to maximise natural light. It goes without saying that certification is key – We always advise clients to specify products that are certified to EN standards. Finally I would say understanding compatibility is also important. Frames, seals, hardware and even installation methods must match the glazing’s fire-rating. It is essential that all components work together in unison if a fire emergency arises.”

How KCC Group can help

At KCC Group, we specialize in fire-rated glazing solutions tailored to the needs of publicly occupied buildings in Ireland. Our comprehensive product range includes:

• Fire-rated glazed screens and doors
• Specialist glazing systems with up to EI 120 ratings
• Custom-designed solutions for complex architectural projects

We work closely with architects to ensure our solutions meet the highest safety standards without compromising design vision.

Want to learn more about how fire-rated glazing can enhance your next project?
Get in touch with KCC Group to explore innovative, compliant glazing solutions tailored to your architectural needs.

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2. thekccgroup.com