For too long, the idea of creating buildings with the apparently mutually exclusive objectives of being both aesthetically beautiful and fire safe, seemed impossible. The conflict is especially strong in period properties where any additions must remain in keeping with the overall character of the build.
However, as demonstrated in an historic Dublin building, by employing technology developed by Zeroignition (Zi), it is possible to achieve passive fire safety without negatively impacting the aesthetics.
Zi is a fire-focused chemical technology company solely dedicated to tailoring chemistry to enable the production of non-toxic, highly effective fire-retardant products. It supplies manufacturers of construction products worldwide who are committed to meeting and beating fire safety requirements, and rapidly innovating their product ranges to satisfy new markets.
Stoneybatter is a district located on the north side of Dublin and is one of the oldest parts of the city. Centuries ago, it was known as Bothar-na-gCloch and acted as a thoroughfare into Dublin, long before the city extended as widely as it does today. In more recent times the area has undergone significant development, leading to Time Out naming it Ireland’s coolest neighbourhood in 2019. It was described by the magazine as a village-in-a-city, and the area is now brimming with exciting new eateries and bars, as well as residential housing and offices.
Within Stoneybatter, a part-listed set of interconnected buildings (which once housed a fishmongers), has been converted into a solicitor’s office and apartments.
For the ceilings, flame retardant OSB panels – SMARTPLY MAX FR B ‘powered’ by Zi – were specified and installed in the building to provide both enhanced fire protection and a unique, textured aesthetic.
The project made use of the industrial chic trend, which helped to really set it apart both in terms of design and safety.
“We created an office for a solicitor on the first floor with a two-bedroom apartment on the second floor,” said Caomhán Murphy, architect at The Ground is Singing. “The layout and finishes of the office and apartment are almost identical, making it feel like a unique, funky place to work and live.”
“Having worked closely with MEDITE SMARTPLY over a number of years to create the Euroclass B OSB product, it is very rewarding to see it used in such a brilliant project, not only giving a new and beautiful life to an historic building in the centre of Dublin, but also knowing that our technology is helping ensure the safety of those who work in and occupy it,” added Ian King, chief operating officer at Zi.
The SMARTPLY MAX FR B flame retardant panel is a structural, moisture resistant OSB/3 engineered wood panel with outstanding and reliable reaction to fire properties. It’s ideal for use where strength, moisture resistance and improved flame retardance are paramount.
Non-toxic Zeroignition Solution is impregnated into the cellular structure of the engineered wood components during production, ensuring fire protection at a nano scale in the material, with negligible impact on the wood itself, proven in both short and long-term strength and environmental testing.
This innovative panel is independently certified for the most demanding structural applications in permanent constructions such as wall sheathing, flooring and roofing. In addition, it is suitable for general free-standing applications where enhanced reaction to fire performance is required. Its versatility and flame retardant properties make it an outstanding panel for both residential and commercial applications.
