Supporting life safety systems in low spandrel designs

{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[["images-card",{"images":[{"url":"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/dpcbzfiye\/image\/upload\/v1687387060\/rmkqjaew77jsqpwuhywi.png","id":"6640609"}]}]],"markups":[["a",["href","https:\/\/krmarchitecture.com\/","target","_blank"]],["b"],["i"],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.owenscorning.com\/en-us\/insulation\/products\/thermafiber-impasse-zero-spandrel-system?utm_id=PR:CommercialTradePub:2306:unknown:1:1:AIAZeroSpandrel:us","target","_blank"]],["em"]],"sections":[[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"As spandrel areas shrink to allow for more vision glass, AIA partner Owens Corning explores a PFC solution that can support passive life safety objectives while achieving modern, innovative designs."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Advances in building materials and technologies are helping designers introduce more natural light into the commercial enclosure while mitigating some of the challenges daylight infiltration has traditionally presented. For example, innovations in glazing technology are making it easy to reduce solar heat gain. And more naturally lit spaces may even lower the energy costs of electrical lighting in some buildings. Supporting the designer\u2019s vision, advanced glazing systems and innovations in structural technology make it possible to achieve clean sightlines with minimal interruption, allowing more natural light to enter."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"But while these advances are letting the sunshine in, designers must ensure that more daylight doesn\u2019t come at the expense of life safety. The trend toward increased use of vision glass and shrinking spandrels presents a dilemma for designers when it comes to passive life safety systems. Perimeter fire containment (PFC) is a critical example. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"As passive life safety elements, perimeter fire containment systems play an essential role in extending the amount of time for occupants to exit a building during a fire. Tested and listed PFC systems rely on components that are designed and demonstrated to work together to help slow the spread of smoke or flames through the void between a building\u2019s rated-floor and non-rated exterior curtain wall. "]]],[1,"h3",[[0,[],0,"More glazing spotlights needed for PFC"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Historically, building designs have included sufficient spandrel area to conceal the components that make up PFC systems. But as glazing has increased, architects have been challenged to fit PFC systems into their designs. \u201cMore glazing seems to be a universal trend in current architecture,\u201d said Rachel Shettle, AIA, a registered architect at "],[0,[0],1,"krM Architecture+"],[0,[],0," in Anderson, Indiana. Shettle said that larger expanses of glazing can create some challenges with considerations like structural support and lateral bracing, acoustic separation of spaces, additional need for sun shading, and maintaining fire separations. \u201cIn general, more large-scale exterior glazing will increase the need for perimeter fire containment systems.\u201d"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"As spandrel areas shrink to allow for more vision glass, the question becomes identifying a tested and listed PFC solution that can support passive life safety objectives while achieving modern, innovative designs that bring more light into the enclosure. The opportunity to resolve this dilemma inspired the development of the Owens Corning Thermafiber Impasse Zero Spandrel Perimeter Fire Containment Systems. The patent-pending system is designed for commercial buildings with spandrels 19 inches and lower and revolutionizes the way zero spandrel systems are built with new, sturdier Thermafiber FireSpan 120 mineral wool insulation and new, innovative Thermafiber Impasse 2.0 Hanger technology, as well as Thermafiber Safing and Thermafiber Spiral Anchors. The system is Intertek tested and listed to provide up to three hours of fire containment, and as it is fully compliant with ASTM E2307, there is no need for designers to utilize the E119 exception. "]]],[1,"h3",[[0,[1],1,"Solving for efficient and sustainable installs "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[1],1,"\n"],[0,[],0,"A PFC system should be designed with an eye toward efficient material use and installation on the jobsite. The Thermafiber Impasse Zero Spandrel Perimeter Fire Containment System eliminates the need for a reinforcing back pan to support the curtain wall insulation \u2014 a design consideration that reduces costly components and facilitates efficient installation. As the system requires fewer hangers and does not require a backer reinforcement member and requires no silicone on the underside of the transom, it supports efficient installation. In addition, the mechanical attachment at the horizontal transom avoids interference with various types of curtain wall anchors. The system can be installed at the jobsite or shop-installed in curtain wall panels and shipped to the project site for the installation of safing and mullion covers."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"As architects, contractors, and building owners seek to minimize the environmental footprint of their buildings, the new PFC system contains mineral wool products made with 70% recycled content, contributing to credits in green building programs such as LEED and Green Globes. Thermafiber mineral wool is also available in a formaldehyde-free formulation. "]]],[1,"p",[]],[10,0],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Looking to the future, Shettle expects the trend toward more glazing will continue in commercial buildings. \u201cEnergy codes, material costs, operational costs, and human comfort are all limiters of how much glazing is practical,\u201d she said. \u201cHowever, if glazing technology continues to innovate to keep pace with the energy requirements, we can expect to see large amounts of glazing to be common features on projects.\u201d "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Innovative approaches to perimeter fire safety systems can help to support designers\u2019 visions and life safety systems in commercial buildings."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[2],0,"Learn more about Owens Corning\u2019s Thermafiber Impasse Zero Spandrel Perimeter Fire Containment Systems "],[0,[3],1,"here"],[0,[],1,"."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[4],1,"AIA does not sponsor or endorse any enterprise, whether \npublic or private, operated for profit. Further, no AIA officer, \ndirector, committee member, or employee, or any of its component \norganizations in his or her official capacity, is permitted to approve, \nsponsor, endorse, or do anything that may be deemed or construed to be \nan approval, sponsorship, or endorsement of any material of construction\n or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in\n any material or product."]]]]}