Technal Middle East, a pioneer in architectural aluminium facade systems, said it has joined hands with SideRise Group, a key provider of innovative insulation solutions for acoustic, fire and thermal applications, to launch building façade solutions compliant with the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code 2017.

Technal’s new non-fire-rated curtain wall assembly with Siderise perimeter fire protection have successfully undergone the EN-1364-4 fire resistance test required in the UAE, said the company in a statement.

The novel products were launched at a seminar held at the Conrad Hotel in Dubai on November 22, which was attended by civil defence officials, contractors, consultants, specifiers and developers.

Officials of Technal Middle East and SideRise elaborated on the requirements of EN-1364-4 test to ensure façades are fire resistant. They also announced the successful test completion of Technal’s curtain-wall system with Siderise perimeter fire protection in compliance with the EN 1364-4 assembly test.

Building fires are a major hazard to civilians and a cause of death globally with around six million people being seriously injured in fire accidents per annum resulting in over 500,000 deaths.

In the GCC region too, the recent spate of fire incidents in high-rises has put the spotlight on the need to install quality façades that protect valuable life and property.

In response to this, the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code 2017 has outlined stringent measures and regulations that building contractors must follow to protect façades; and one such requirement is compliance with EN-1364-4 fire resistance test for curtain wall assembly, said the statement from Technal.

Speaking at the launch, Sam Robinson, the general manager, Technal Middle East, said: "The requirement for curtain-wall assembly with a physical barrier that prevents the flames, fumes and hot gases propagating will help to control the growth and spread of fire in a building, thus protecting both life and property by allowing occupants to escape."

"Fire resistance is determined through destructive fire testing and the EN 1364-4 fire test is one of the most stringent and hardest to get through, so I am proud that our curtain-wall system met the test requirements and to be a leader in providing such solutions. This will give building contractors, consultants and specifiers the confidence that our product will perform as expected," he noted.

Robinson pointed out that the façades and fenestration market in the Middle East continued to scale new heights of sophistication, where bespoke solutions were the order of the day.

"Technal, a market leader in propriety architectural aluminium systems, has risen to every challenge by creating customised solutions that meet the evolving architectural requirements of the region and respond to new trends and regulations," he stated.

The tested EN-1364-4 is proven to be the most stringent test compared to other standards used currently, he added.

Chris Hall, the commercial development officer, SideRise Group, said: "Like stringent code requirements for cladding assemblies on building envelopes, the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code 2017 specifies that glazed curtain-walls also need to demonstrate compliance through tested assembly to ensure safety of buildings."

"Technal’s curtain-wall assembly with our fire protection system is test approved and provides peace of mind to contractors and ensuring the safety of building residents in the case of a fire," observed Hall.

"Fully tested up to REI 180 minutes, the approved design extends the rating of the compartment floor to the exterior curtain-wall assembly up to three hours," he added.-TradeArabia News Service