Fire safety isn’t just about compliance. It’s about protecting lives. It’s about making buildings safe without sacrificing design. Fire curtains do both. They stop fire and smoke from spreading, and they do it without bulky doors or walls.
Coopers Fire makes fire curtains that blend into ceilings and walls, ready to deploy when needed. Here’s how to use them right.
Fire Curtains and Their Role
1. Know What Fire Curtains Do
- Understanding the Role of Fire Curtains in Architectural Design
Fire curtains drop into place during a fire, creating a barrier against flames and smoke. When not in use, they disappear into the ceiling. Unlike fire doors, fire curtains don’t block sightlines or restrict movement, making them perfect for open spaces and modern architecture.
They’re tested to meet tough standards like BS 8524, ensuring reliability and fitness for purpose. Use them where fire doors don’t fit the design or an open-plan design demands a hidden solution.
- Passive fire protection
Knowing how these curtains function and where they are most effective is key
Fire curtains provide passive fire protection, automatically deploying when smoke or heat detection systems activate.
They seal off sections of a building to contain fire and smoke, improving evacuation time and reducing fire damage. Knowing how these curtains function and where they are most effective is key to seamlessly integrating them into a building’s fire safety strategy.
Designing with Fire Curtains in Mind
2. Bring in Experts Early
Fire curtains aren’t an afterthought. They need to be part of the design from the start. Work with fire safety specialists early in the process to avoid costly changes later.
Coopers Fire can help users choose the right locations and ensure that the structure supports the system. Early engagement ensures that fire curtains are integrated seamlessly, maintaining safety and design integrity. Architects, engineers, and fire consultants should collaborate from the initial planning stages.
- Allocating necessary spaces
Engaging fire safety experts early ensures that necessary space allowances for headboxes, side guides, and control panels are factored into the design.
Without early integration, architects may find themselves needing structural modifications late in the project, leading to increased costs and delays. So it is advised to get in touch early into the structural phase of the design.
3. Keep It Discreet, Keep It Safe
Fire curtains can be fully concealed in ceiling cavities or recesses, making them virtually invisible
A great fire curtain is one user doesn’t see—until the user needs it. That’s why architects love them. They preserve open spaces, fit heritage buildings, and disappear into modern designs. Fire curtains can be fully concealed in ceiling cavities or recesses, making them virtually invisible when not deployed. Coopers Fire offers bespoke options to match the vision, with custom finishes and integration into various building styles. With careful planning, fire curtains can complement aesthetics rather than disrupt them.
For buildings where appearance is paramount—such as luxury hotels, high-end retail spaces, or heritage buildings—fire curtains offer an ideal solution. They provide the necessary fire protection without intrusive visual elements. Materials, finishes, and housing solutions can be tailored to blend with a building’s overall design.
4. Functionality Matters
Fire curtains must work without blocking access. In busy areas, like corridors or lifts, they can retract automatically when safe. They should enhance safety while maintaining the building’s functionality. Coopers Fire integrates them with building management systems (BMS) for smooth operation, ensuring they deploy only when necessary.
Smart technology allows for remote monitoring and scheduled maintenance alerts, reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency. Functionality extends beyond deployment. Fire curtains should be tested regularly to ensure they work when needed. Integration with emergency lighting and audible warning systems can improve safety by ensuring occupants are aware when fire curtains are deployed.
Planning for Compliance and Long-Term Performance
5. Use BIM & NBS
Building Information Modelling (BIM) helps plan fire safety from the start. It creates detailed digital models, ensuring fire curtains fit into the bigger picture. It allows architects and engineers to see how fire curtains interact with other building elements, preventing last-minute conflicts in construction. Coopers Fire’s BIM models and NBS specifications are available for download, providing a comprehensive resource for professionals. Using these tools helps streamline specification, improve accuracy, and reduce costly errors.
BIM allows for advanced coordination between different trades involved in construction, reducing risks of misalignment in fire safety provisions. By incorporating NBS specifications early, architects and contractors can ensure the correct products are specified and installed according to industry standards.
6. Stay Compliant
- Ensure Compliance with Building Regulations
Adhering to fire safety standards is essential for insurance and liability considerations
Fire safety isn’t optional. BS 8524 sets the UK standard for fire curtains. It covers both specifications and best practices, ensuring that the products installed perform as required in an emergency. Understanding national and international regulations is key to ensuring compliance. Choose tested, certified products that meet industry standards. Coopers Fire provides the documents and support to keep the project compliant, simplifying the approval process for architects and contractors.
Adhering to fire safety standards is essential for insurance and liability considerations. Building owners and designers should verify that their selected fire curtains are tested to meet performance criteria under real-world conditions. Compliance documentation should be readily available for inspections and audits.
7. Plan for Maintenance
Fire curtains must work when needed. Regular checks and servicing keep them ready. Without proper maintenance, there’s a risk of malfunction when it matters most. Fire safety equipment should be inspected and tested according to manufacturer recommendations. Coopers Fire offers maintenance packages to ensure reliability, extending the life of the curtains and ensuring continued compliance. Routine maintenance also helps detect wear and tear early, preventing potential failures.
Planned maintenance agreements ensure that fire curtains continue to meet regulations long after installation. Fire protection is only effective if the equipment functions properly, making maintenance a critical component of a building’s fire safety plan.
Integrating Fire Curtains with Overall Safety Strategies
8. Make It Part of a Bigger System
- Integrate Fire or Smoke Curtains with Other Fire Safety Systems
Fire curtains don’t work alone. They should integrate with sprinklers, alarms, and smoke control systems. A well-coordinated fire protection plan ensures maximum safety. By working together, these systems provide layered protection against fire and smoke spread. Coopers Fire ensures all elements work together, offering expert guidance on seamless integration. A connected system enhances emergency response times and increases overall building safety.
In multi-story buildings, coordination between fire curtains and stairwell pressurization systems is crucial for safe evacuation. Fire curtains should be programmed to respond dynamically to fire scenarios, preventing disruption to escape routes.
9. Solve Unique Problems
Fire safety should be a flexible solution, adapting to the needs of different structures
Every building is different. Some have unusual lauserts. Some are historic. Some need specific fire ratings. Coopers Fire creates custom solutions for challenging projects. Whether it’s a listed building where minimal intervention is required or a high-rise with specific fire safety demands, tailored fire curtains provide the perfect solution. Coopers Fireworks with architects and engineers to meet the unique challenges of each project, ensuring the best fit for safety and design.
Some projects require custom-built fire curtains with special configurations to accommodate architectural constraints. Fire safety should be a flexible solution, adapting to the needs of different structures while maintaining the highest standards.
- Safety without compromise
Fire curtains offer safety without compromise. They protect people while preserving design. They blend function with aesthetics, providing an alternative to traditional fire safety barriers. Used correctly, they can enhance the architectural integrity of a space while delivering superior fire protection. See them in action:
Whether it’s a listed building where minimal intervention is required or a high-rise with specific fire safety demands, tailored fire curtains provide the perfect solution. Coopers Fire's extensive testing database ensures that every solution is backed by real-world performance data, giving users confidence in safety and compliance.
