A new world-class research and development centre in Ireland has been fitted with the Promat SYSTEMGLASS® fire-rated glazing system from Promat. The system uses the very latest in mullion-free, glass-to-glass silicone jointing technology and was chosen for its ability to combine outstanding fire protection with maximum design flexibility.
The new Centre has been built in Galway by the leading internet networking solutions provider, Cisco Systems. The interior has been fitted throughout with
double-glazed, mullion-free, acoustic partitions, combined with the patented Promat SYSTEMGLASS® system. The system’s glazed screens provide the maximum possible light transmission by replacing mullions and joining adjacent glass panes with a simple butt joint. Promat SYSTEMGLASS® provides fire integrity and insulation performance of up to 60 minutes in a butt-jointed configuration.
For the Galway project this allowed the architects to include flush finished maple doorsets which feature rebates to the frames that allow the glazing to be sealed directly into the doorset with silicone. This allowed them to incorporate large expanses of uninterrupted glass which complement the minimalist design scheme, while still providing the required fire protection.
“This project underlines the point that fire performance requirements don’t need to restrict freedom of design,” says Peter Keenan, Promat Business Manager for Ireland. “The various parties involved in the design and construction of the building worked closely together to create a solution that satisfied both the practical and aesthetic aspects of the project.
“Glass has traditionally been the last material architects think of when specifying fire barriers but the various products in the Promat range have turned that traditional attitude on its head. We have a wide range of systems for fire-resistant applications of up to 120 minutes ratings and they offer tremendous creative potential for the designer and specifier without compromising the fire performance in any way.”
Picture caption: A new world-class research and development centre in Ireland has been fitted with the Promat SYSTEMGLAS® fire-rated glazing system. This uses the very latest in mullion-free, glass-to-glass silicone jointing technology and combines outstanding fire protection with maximum design flexibility.
www.promat.co.uk
