No
longer an afterthought, today's stairwells can invite people into
buildings by supporting a bright and open design. In addition to
enhancing the visual connection between spaces, well-designed stairwells
also contribute intuitive wayfinding. However, when these features also
require fire-resistive ratings, it can seem difficult to design a
stairwell that is both beautiful and code compliant.
But advances
in fire-resistive glass have changed that. Available in large,
uninterrupted lites, this material, when paired with appropriately rated
frames, not only satisfies fire-safety code requirements but also
increases security and design aesthetics. As such, fire-resistive
glazing assemblies can help architects meet critical fire- and
life-safety standards issued from the International Code Council and the
National Fire Protection Association while also allowing previously
unattainable design possibilities for stairwell enclosures that require
fire-resistive ratings.