Robinson ... addressing the Dubai seminar during the launch.

Technal Middle East, a pioneer in architectural aluminium facade systems, said it has joined hands with SideRise Group, a key provider of innovative insulation solutions for acoustic, fire and thermal applications, to launch building facade solutions compliant with the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code 2017.

Technal’s new non-fire-rated curtain wall assembly with Siderise perimeter fire protection have successfully undergone the EN-1364-4 fire resistance test required in the UAE, said the company.

The novel products were launched at a seminar held at the Conrad Hotel in Dubai on November 22, which was attended by civil defence officials, contractors, consultants, specifiers and developers. Officials of Technal Middle East and SideRise elaborated on the requirements of EN-1364-4 test to ensure façades are fire resistant. They also announced the successful test completion of Technal’s curtain-wall system with Siderise perimeter fire protection in compliance with the EN 1364-4 assembly test.

Speaking at the launch, Sam Robinson, the general manager of the Bahrain-based Technal Middle East, said: “The requirement for curtain-wall assembly with a physical barrier that prevents the flames, fumes and hot gases propagating will help to control the growth and spread of fire in a building, thus protecting both life and property by allowing occupants to escape.”

“Fire resistance is determined through destructive fire testing and the EN 1364-4 fire test is one of the most stringent and hardest to get through, so I am proud that our curtain-wall system met the test requirements and to be a leader in providing such solutions. This will give building contractors, consultants and specifiers the confidence that our product will perform as expected,” he noted.

Robinson pointed out that the facades and fenestration market in the Middle East continues to scale new heights of sophistication, where bespoke solutions are the order of the day.

“Technal, a market leader in propriety architectural aluminium systems, has risen to every challenge by creating customised solutions that meet the evolving architectural requirements of the region and respond to new trends and regulations,” he stated.

The tested EN-1364-4 is proven to be the most stringent test compared to other standards used currently, he added.

Chris Hall, the commercial development officer, SideRise Group, said: “Like stringent code requirements for cladding assemblies on building envelopes, the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code 2017 specifies that glazed curtain-walls also need to demonstrate compliance through tested assembly to ensure safety of buildings.

“Technal’s curtain-wall assembly with our fire protection system is test approved and provides peace of mind to contractors and ensuring the safety of building residents in case of a fire.”

“Fully tested up to REI 180 minutes, the approved design extends the rating of the compartment floor to the exterior curtain-wall assembly up to three hours,” he added.