Promat provides fire resistant glazing solutions for Sheffield’s landmark Kangaroo Works

Fire resistant glazing and fire-rated glass door-sets from Promat UK have been specified to provide assured passive fire protection in key communal areas within a major build-to-rent development in South Yorkshire. 

Kangaroo Works, Sheffield, is a mixed-use development that is a key part of the Heart of the City II regeneration masterplan. The Whittam Cox Architects-designed scheme, constructed by Henry Boot Construction, has transformed a former industrial site in the city centre into 365 dwellings, offering a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as commercial space at ground floor level. 

Paying homage to the city’s industrial heritage the building’s design includes courtyards, a stepped roofscape and the use of brick as the primary façade material. Until the early 19th century, the factory of tool manufacturer Robert Sorby & Co occupied the site. Its tools were exported around the world, including to Australia where its Kangaroo brand grew strongly and was used until the 1980s. 

The new Kangaroo Works residential development features a range of high-quality shared facilities and amenities, including a roof terrace, gym, reception and co-working spaces. One of the co-working areas is located on the ground floor and it was here where Promat SYSTEMGLAS fire-resistant glazing and Promat PYROSEC Slimlite fire-rated doors were specified to provide the necessary passive fire protection. 

Fit-out contractor Whitehead Commercial Interiors awarded the internal fire rated glazing project to MD Glass Partitions, who are experienced Promat recommended installers. The brief was to provide two large screens and two double door sets – all with minimal framing and maximum glass to optimise natural light. They also had to meet a 1B1 safety rating and provide a high level of acoustic insulation. 

The design, including an industrial look and feel, sought by the interior designers along with high levels of EI fire performance concluded that the Promat SYSTEMGLAS Ferro screens and Promat Pyrosec SLIMLITE Doors with ‘Crittall effect’ bars would provide an effective solution. The SYSTEMGLAS Ferro and SLIMLITE doors are tested as complete systems and can be finished in any RAL colour. 

The larger of the two screens measures approximately 4.2m wide x 2.5m high and features butt-jointed glass with plant-on glazing bars applied. Within the steel frame are Promat SYSTEMGLAS F1 double glazed units which encapsulate an intumescent fire-resistant gel, specified with EI120 fire resistance (120 minutes integrity and insulation protection) and acoustic insulation with a sound reduction level of 47dB (Rw). The second screen is a similar construction and configuration with dimensions of approximately 3.6m x 2.5m, an EI60 level of fire protection and 45dB (Rw) sound reduction.  

Two double door-sets were created using the Promat SLIMLITE steel framed glass door system. The 2250mm wide x 2460mm high door-sets were specified to provide EI60 fire resistance and featured slim side panels at either side to keep within tested evidence, as well as full height back to back handles. The glass used in the door-sets was Pyrosec EI60 which combines fire resistance with a 40dB (Rw) sound reduction rating. 

Chris Hays, Project Coordinator at MD Glass Partitions, says: “It was a pleasure working with Promat and Whitehead Commercial Interiors to deliver this exciting project and I look forward to being involved in future similar fire rated glazing projects. The SYSTEMGLAS Ferro and Pyrosec SLIMLITE door systems provided solutions that balanced aesthetics and performance, with the added benefit of Promat’s technical support throughout the design, manufacture and installation stages.” 

The steel-framed Ferro is one of four different framing options available for Promat SYSTEMGLAS. As well as the Ligna timber version, two options are available which use PROMATECT-H, a calcium silicate based material. These are Advenerat, which can be overclad or painted, and Celare, a system designed to be concealed within surrounding walls, floors and ceilings to give a virtually frameless appearance. 

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