Project: Mill Brook Elementary School
Location: Concord, N.H.
Architect: HMFH Architects
Glazing Contractor: R & R Window Contractors
Product: Fireframes® Aluminum Series frames with Pilkington Pyrostop® glass firewall
A core objective of the Mill Brook Elementary School renovation in Concord, N.H., was creating an environment that promotes collaborative learning. HMFH Architects helped fulfill this vision by developing a multi-use “learning corridor” that brings education beyond the classroom.
The corridor weaves its way throughout the school’s shared spaces, incorporating areas for presentations, personal study and group projects. Vibrant colors evoke a playful, energetic ambiance to foster inter-grade learning, while easy access to technology and Wi-Fi support modern day curriculum needs and encourage interdisciplinary teaching methods.
Among the building elements contributing to the success of the elementary school’s public learning areas is a fire-rated stairwell that supports the school’s vision for collaboration. HMFH Architects designed the stairwell to be bright and open, reflecting the playful energy of students. They achieved this goal by pairing Fireframes® Aluminum Series fire-resistant frames with Pilkington Pyrostop® fire-resistant glass, both supplied by Technical Glass Products (TGP).
Rather than the bulky, wrap-around frames often associated with traditional fire-rated framing systems, the Fireframes Aluminum Series fire-rated frames have slender profiles that can be custom wet painted, anodized or powder coated in nearly any color. Custom aluminum face caps are also available for design teams seeking to create a unique look or maintain visual consistency with surrounding windows and curtain walls. In this application, the narrow fire-rated frames were powder coated a bright purple to match the interior color scheme—a key aesthetic benefit since learning areas are integrated into public spaces outside student classrooms.
The Fireframes Aluminum Series fire-rated frames also provided the design team with the flexibility to follow the stairwell’s custom corner angles and create a tall expanse of fire-rated glazing with minimal framing. These elements add to the assembly’s sleek design, and improve visibility for students using the stairway. As was the case in Mill Brook Elementary School, design professionals can use the Fireframes Aluminum Series in applications requiring a two-hour barrier to radiant and conductive heat transfer.
Pilkington Pyrostop is fire-tested as a wall assembly, allowing for unrestricted amounts of transparent glazing. In the elementary school stairwell, the clear glazed lites help draw daylight deep into the stairwell core and extend line of sight for students and faculty. Pilkington Pyrostop also meets the impact requirements of CPSC 16CFR1201 Category I and/or Category II – a critical performance benefit for glass used in busy stairwells.
Together, Fireframes Aluminum Series fire-resistant frames and Pilkington Pyrostop fire-resistant glass offer fire-ratings of up to two hours and block the transfer of radiant heat, providing essential protection should students need to exit a building during a fire. For more information on the products, along with TGP’s other specialty fire-rated and architectural glass and framing, visit www.fireglass.com.
Technical Glass Products
800.426.0279
800.451.9857 – fax
sales@fireglass.com
www.fireglass.com
Related Stories
| May 22, 2013
Architecture billings take a step back in April, ending growth streak
For the first time in 10 months, the AIA's Architecture Billings Index slipped into negative territory, falling to 48.6 in April, down from 51.9 the previous month. This is the ABI's lowest mark since July 2012.
| May 21, 2013
Foster + Partners reveals plans for London residential towers
British firm Foster + Partners has unveiled plans for two residential skyscrapers as part of a mixed-use development in north London.
| May 21, 2013
RSMeans cost comparisons: pools, racquetball courts, bowling alleys, hockey/soccer facilities
Construction market analysts from RSMeans offer construction costs per square foot for four building types across 25 metro markets.
| May 21, 2013
7 tile trends for 2013: Touch-sensitive glazes, metallic tones among top styles
Tile of Spain consultant and ceramic tile expert Ryan Fasan presented his "What's Trending in Tile" roundup at the Coverings 2013 show in Atlanta earlier this month. Here's an overview of Fasan's emerging tile trends for 2013.
| May 20, 2013
4 emerging trends in parking structure design
Survey of parking professionals reveals how technology is transforming the parking industry.
| May 20, 2013
Jones Lang LaSalle: All U.S. real estate sectors to post gains in 2013—even retail
With healthier job growth numbers and construction volumes at near-historic lows, real estate experts at Jones Lang LaSalle see a rosy year for U.S. commercial construction.
| May 17, 2013
First look: HKS' multipurpose stadium for Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA), the Minnesota Vikings and HKS Sports & Entertainment Group have unveiled the design of the State’s new multi? purpose stadium in Minneapolis, a major milestone in getting the $975 million stadium built on time and on budget.
| May 17, 2013
40 Under 40 winners: Meet the architects
Of the up-and-coming AEC professionals to be named 40 Under 40 winners by the editors of Building Design+Construction, 18 make their living in the architecture profession.
| May 17, 2013
5 things AEC pros need to know about low-e glass
Low-emissivity glasses are critical to making today’s buildings brighter, more energy-efficient, and more sustainable. Here are five tips to help AEC professionals understand the differences among low-e glasses and their impact on building performance.
