How modern fire safety glass is helping balance functionality and design in today’s hospitality buildings

Fire safety glass is specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of flames, smoke and toxic gases, therefore protecting people, property and possessions in the unfortunate event of a fire. However, its capabilities extend far beyond just fire resistance, playing a crucial role in not only protecting guests but enhancing the overall look and feel of hotels and other hospitality spaces.

The composition of fire safety glass

Typically, fire safety glass is constructed from a number of layers of toughened glass with the space between them filled with intumescent gel. This gel reacts to heat, expanding to form a protective barrier against smoke and flames. By incorporating different counterpanes, manufacturers can tailor the glass to meet specific project needs, such as improving thermal performance or providing attack resistance.

Fire safety glass is not limited to traditional uses in windows and doors. Its versatility means it can be used in façades, atria, spandrel panels, balustrading and partitions in hotels.

The rise of multi-functionality

As building regulations become more stringent, projects are increasingly required to meet a variety of performance criteria. This includes not only fire safety, but also properties such as sound insulation, energy efficiency and reduced solar gain.

Acoustic performance

Within many hospitality spaces, creating open, light and contemporary areas has become a sought-after design trend, with glass at the heart of achieving this. Through the specification of laminated toughened fire safety glass and technical calculations around the number of glass layers used within a system, it can be carefully engineered to reduce the level of sound transmitted, offering hotels enhanced acoustic performance.

Energy efficiency and solar control

A partially glazed building envelope presents some challenges, such as how to prevent solar gain. By inserting a glass pane with a solar control coating within the larger glazed system, this problem can be mitigated, working to reflect the sun’s UV rays away from the building exterior. This can also work the other way, helping to keep heat in during the winter months for a consistently warm temperature. This not only contributes to a more comfortable indoor climate but also lowers energy costs associated with heating and cooling.

Case Study: TRIBE Hotel, Manchester

A recent example of a modern hotel making the most of the multi-functional benefits of fire safety glass is TRIBE hotel in the heart of Airport City Manchester’s hotel district.

TRIBE Hotel required a glazing solution for the internal atrium that provided both fire protection and high acoustic performance due to its proximity to the airport.

With guest rooms facing the atrium, the windows needed to be constructed from fire-rated glazing, requiring 60 minutes of integrity and insulation protection and necessitating a sound reduction of over 50dB.

OWS, the specialist responsible for the glazing systems, collaborated closely with Pyroguard’s technical team to integrate a toughened fire safety glass solution, Pyroguard Protect. This product not only met the required fire performance standards of 60 minutes but also delivered exceptional acoustic properties and light transmission. The glass was installed within aluminium frames across 98 windows throughout the hotel, ensuring compliance with safety regulations while enhancing guest comfort.

Multi-functionality for the future

The multi-functionality of modern fire safety glass represents a significant advancement in architectural design and construction. By offering a combination of fire protection, acoustic performance, energy efficiency, solar control and aesthetic appeal, the latest fire safety glass can meet the demands of hotel and hospitality venues.

For further information on the multi-functionality of Pyroguard’s fire safety glass, please contact us.