Advantages of architectural fire-resistant glass for high-risk buildings

MAGAZINUL BUCURESTI, Bucharest, Romania. Systems in use: MB-60E, MB-60E EI, MB-78EI, MB-SR50N

Fire safety is a crucial consideration in modern construction. Particularly strict requirements apply to public buildings, production facilities, warehouses and multi-occupancy residential buildings. But effective fire protection goes beyond providing escape routes or installing sprinkler systems. Choosing fire-resistant materials at the design stage allows a building to be properly secured against the potential effects of fire.

The growing number of fires in both residential and commercial buildings across Europe, combined with the rapid expansion of the construction sector in the EU, underscores the need for more effective fire protection. According to data from the European Fire Safety Alliance (Fire Safe Europe), around 5 million fires occur every year across the continent, with a large proportion breaking out in buildings. Within the EU alone, the economic and social losses caused by fires are estimated at tens of billions of euros annually. High-temperature-resistant aluminium systems and fire-resistant glass that meets strict safety standards are excellent choices for protecting new developments against fire. Importantly, effective fire protection can be seamlessly combined with contemporary design and full building functionality.

CUBIC CENTER, Rumunia. Zastosowane systemy: MB-60, MB-78EI, MB-SR50, MB-SR50N EFEKT

High resistance and flexibility of aluminium

For investors seeking reliable fire protection solutions for their developments, the priority is always the same: ensuring the safety of future building occupants. Functionality and architectural compatibility are also essential. This is why architects are increasingly choosing systems that not only deliver high levels of fire resistance, but can also be adapted to the specific needs of each project. A perfect case in point is the use of thermally insulated aluminium windows and doors in the MB-79N and MB-86N systems, which make it possible to create fire-resistant partitions suitable for diverse uses.

“Fire-resistant partitions and doors are usually built with thermally insulated profiles. While the insulation itself does not directly affect fire resistance, thermal breaks make the system suitable not only for internal partitions but also for external façades,” explains Hubert Nuckowski of Aluprof.

PARK CLUB, Krakow, Poland. Systems in use: MB-86, MB-SR50 EFFEKT, MB-SR50N OW

What role does aluminium play in such systems? Its key strengths are its excellent malleability, making it adaptable to even the most demanding architectural designs, and its light weight, a feature that is particularly important in large-scale glazing. Although aluminium melts at around 600-700°C, it retains its properties for a long time when exposed to fire, helping maintain the high strength of the entire system.

Effectiveness of fire-safe glazing

Incorporating fire protection systems does not have to come at the expense of architectural style. Modern solutions now make it possible to design large-scale glazed partitions (fixed walls up to 4 metres high), as well as impressive glazed elements such as roofs. Fire-rated glazed roofs can be constructed using the MB-SR50N EI aluminium façade system. Here, mullion and transom profiles act as rafters and purlins, forming a skeletal aluminium structure through carefully engineered connections. The entire system is then anchored to the building’s structure with special brackets.

“As in standard façade systems, these profiles are fitted with dedicated fire-resistant inserts. They consist of an aluminium section providing reinforcement, encased in protective fireproof boards,” explains Hubert Nuckowski.

Fire resistance tests have confirmed that such solutions can be applied to roofs with an inclination of up to 80°, making them particularly well-suited to projects such as shopping centres.

HERIOT WATT UNIVERSITY – ROBOTARIUM INNOVATION HUB ACTIVE, Edinburgh, United Kingdom Systems in use: MB-78EI, MB-86 ST, MB-SR50 EFFEKT, MB-SR50N 

When talking about fire-resistant glass, it is impossible not to mention Aluprof’s newest brand: Glassprof, specialising in the production of fire-rated glass in classes EI 30, EI 60, and EI 90, as well as a range of other insulated glass units. With its advanced facilities and in-house laboratory, Glassprof delivers products that meet the highest European standards. The brand’s products are made from toughened glass (with automatically polished edges), featuring a neutral colour and exceptional transparency (with light transmittance reaching up to 88%).

“By using a special radiation-resistant gel in our products, one that crystallises in the event of fire, we have created a solution that provides both fire insulation and safety for building users,” explains Hubert Nuckowski.

Glassprof products also provide excellent acoustic insulation, reducing noise levels by at least 93%.

Aesthetics and functionality

Aluminium fire protection systems can be seamlessly integrated into a building’s architecture. This applies not only to fire-resistant glazing, but also to smoke control elements such as smoke exhaust windows and flaps. Serving as natural ventilation, they are essential in emergencies involving smoke and toxic fumes produced by fire. With the wide range of solutions offered by Aluprof, smoke exhaust windows and flaps can be installed as stand-alone units or incorporated into aluminium façades and roof glazing, adapting easily to a building’s architecture and style.

“Although these systems serve a critical safety function, they can still offer a high level of aesthetics. This is made possible by the use of compact drives, positioned parallel to the window surface,” explains Hubert Nuckowski.

FINANZAMT KARLSRUHE-STADT, Karlsruhe, Germany. Systems in use: MB-86 SI

Let’s build a better future!

Fire protection solutions are increasingly becoming a standard in the future of construction, particularly in public buildings and commercial projects. Modern structural solutions now make it possible to deliver products that offer not only the highest levels of safety, but also outstanding aesthetics. When you also consider their long-lasting durability, it is clear that Aluprof systems are designed to safeguard generations to come.