Designers have a wide range of clear optical, attractive, fire- and impact-safe glazing options to use in creating bright, lively and safe learning environments. Advances in fire and safety glazing technology allow glazing to be used instead of opaque materials like brick, steel and gypsum in fire doors, full-length sidelites, glass enclosed stairways, exit passageways and enclosures and floor-to-ceiling transparent walls. These clear building materials offer architects and facility planners the opportunity to bring daylight into interior corridors, study areas, and classrooms beautifully.
Examples of Fire Rated Glazing in School Settings
Here are some illuminating and inspirational examples of fire-rated and impact-safe glass used in schools. All examples use SaftiFirst fire rated glazing products and framing. Each complies with the 2012 IBC, current fire codes, CPSC impact standards and ADA. Click on the image to learn more about the products used.
Some Case Studies
University of California, Davis Medical Center
The university sought to upgrade an aged, undersized hospital facility, improve seismic safety and maximize natural light inside the building. Stantec Architects worked with SAFTIFIRST to install 20,000 square feet of fire-resistive glazing and framing with tremendous aesthetic appeal. Click here to read more.
Large Vision Areas in Fire Doors and Exit Passageways
The new 2012 IBC clears up any lingering confusion about fire rated glass in exit enclosures and exit passageways. It’s not a matter of fire endurance ratings, or how thick or thin the glazing is. What matters is if the glazing is fire resistive (offers radiant heat protection) or fire protective (like wired glass and ceramics). To place glazing larger than 100 square inches in 60 and 90 minute doors, door assemblies and walls in exit passageways, it must be fire resistive. Click here to see some school setting examples fire resistive glazing in fire doors and exit passageways that meets both the 2012 IBC and the ADA requirements.
San Fran
cisco International School
For decades, traditional wired glass was perceived as a safe product because the embedded wire gave the impression that it was strong. In reality, wired glass is weaker than annealed glass. Wired glass is the most commonly used fire rated glazing product in educational facilities. As a result, students comprise the majority of wired glass injury victims. SaftiFirst prepared a two part vide0 that documents how a San Francisco high school eliminated the danger of accidental impact with unsafe wired glass by using clear and affordable solutions that meet the highest federal impact safety standard (CPSC Cat. II) and provide additional protection from dangerous radiant heat. Click here to view Part I of “A Fire and Impact Case Study;” click here to view Part II.
North La
yton Junior High, Utah
AJC Architects of Salt Lake City, Utah looked to SAFTI FIRST when it came time to renovate the media center and build a new counseling center for North Layton Junior High School. They realized they could take advantage of a clear fire-rated glazing to keep the look of the media center and provide an open, welcoming entrance to the new counseling center. Click here to read more about the Utah school renovation.