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
University Buildings | Oct 18, 2022
A carbon-neutral-ready university campus opens in Hong Kong
In early September, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) officially opened its new, KPF-designed campus in Nansha, Guangzhou (GZ).
Market Data | Oct 17, 2022
Calling all AEC professionals! BD+C editors need your expertise for our 2023 market forecast survey
The BD+C editorial team needs your help with an important research project. We are conducting research to understand the current state of the U.S. design and construction industry.
Codes and Standards | Oct 17, 2022
Ambitious state EV adoption goals put pressure on multifamily owners to provide chargers
California’s recently announced ban on the sale of new gas-powered vehicles starting in 2035—and New York’s recent decision to follow suit—are putting pressure on multifamily property owners to install charging stations for tenants.
Justice Facilities | Oct 17, 2022
San Antonio’s new courthouse aims to provide safety and security while also welcoming the public
The San Antonio Federal Courthouse, which opened earlier this year, replaces a courthouse that had been constructed as a pavilion for the 1968 World’s Fair.
Market Data | Oct 14, 2022
ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Jumps in September; Contractor Confidence Remains Steady
Associated Builders and Contractors reports today that its Construction Backlog Indicator increased to 9.0 months in September, according to an ABC member survey conducted Sept. 20 to Oct. 5.
| Oct 13, 2022
Boston’s proposed net-zero emissions code has developers concerned
Developers have raised serious concerns over a proposed new energy code by the City of Boston that would require newly constructed buildings over 20,000 sf to immediately hit net-zero emissions goals.
Education Facilities | Oct 13, 2022
A 44-acre campus serves as a professional retreat for public-school educators in Texas
A first-of-its-kind facility for public schools in Texas, the Holdsworth Center serves as a retreat for public educators, supporting reflection and dialogue.
Building Team | Oct 12, 2022
Real estate development practices worsened impact of Hurricane Ian
A century ago, the southwest Florida coast was mostly swamps and shoals, prone to frequent flooding and almost impossible to navigate by boat.
Market Data | Oct 12, 2022
ABC: Construction Input Prices Inched Down in September; Up 41% Since February 2020
Construction input prices dipped 0.1% in September compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today.
Hotel Facilities | Oct 12, 2022
Global hotel chain citizenM opens its first Chicago property and its fifth of the year
citizenM, a global chain of affordable luxury hotels, has opened its first Chicago property—its fifth opening of 2022.