Behind the scenes

THE SAFETY of visitors to a large public building such as a museum must be considered an integral part of its design. Tackling this requires a many-pronged approach, beginning with the selection of construction materials, coatings and sealants that help prevent fires from starting, to the supply and installation of products that inhibit the spread of smoke and fire. The final defence system includes sprinklers to retard the flames, and alarm systems to alert visitors in the event of fire.

Firepro Centabuild is a manufacturer and importer of specialist building products, including passive fire products that carry the Firepro brand. These include intumescent coatings for steel and timber, fireboard for walls, fire-rated access hatches and fire collars and wraps that expand in the event of fire to prevent smoke and fire passing through walls. All these products have been used within the dome and atrium of the museum. The company also supplied some of its Centabuild acoustic-rated access hatches. At the museum, these products were all installed by Firepel Kidd. In addition, Firepel Kidd applied seismic fire seals to joints linking the glass floor to the dome. This allows the bowl to move in the event of seismic movement without compromising the structural integrity of the building.

For more details, contact Firepro Centabuild, 8 Botha Rd, Penrose, Auckland, phone (09) 579 0367, fax (09) 579 2511. Email: sales@firepro.co.nz. Website: www.firepro.co.nz. Or contact Firepel Kidd, phone (09) 579 0282, fax (09) 571 2490. Email: sales@firepelkidd.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas