Custom Fire-Rated Stairwell Steps Up Code-Driven Design at The New School University Center

In The New School University Center in New York, designed by SOM, fire-rated glazing helps turn a frequently traversed fire-rated stairwell into a central design element. SOM used Technical Glass Products’ (TGP) Pilkington Pyrostop^® fire-resistive-rated glass and Fireframes^® Heat Barrier Series fire-rated frames with custom corners and angles to mirror the stairwell’s elevations and diagonal trajectories. This design treatment gives movement to the vertical academic building and transforms a code-driven application into a point of visual engagement.

The fire-rated glass and frames also work together to create a pathway for quick, safe egress and also facilitate opportunities for interaction among students. Both Pilkington Pyrostop and Fireframes Heat Barrier Series frames provide a barrier to radiant and conductive heat transfer and carry fire ratings up to two hours. Together, they allow for unrestricted amounts of glazing in applications required to provide fire resistance by code. This design flexibility made it possible for SOM to incorporate large lites of fire-rated glazing in the stairwell to create a sense of openness and to extend the line of sight for students without reducing the level of fire protection. It also allowed them to bolster visibility and life safety by incorporating full-lite Pilkington Pyrostop glass in complementary Fireframes Heat Barrier Series doors.

To provide well-rounded life safety protection for students and faculty in the busy academic institution, the fire-rated stairwell and door assemblies also provide impact protection. Pilkington Pyrostop meets the impact requirements of CPSC 16CFR1201 Category I and/or Category II.

Learn more about Fireframes Heat Barrier Series and Pilkington Pyrostop transparent fire-rated glass wall panels.