Designing with Fire-Rated Glass: Integrating Life Safety, Transparency, and Aesthetics

摘要

Developments in glazing techniques and technology are providing new design opportunities for use of fire-rated glass. Traditional wired glass, as opposed to newer laminated wired glass, has long been the only glazing material permitted in fire-rated areas, as set forth by local building codes. Complying with a fire rating often meant giving up clear visibility through doors and windows, due to the wires, and sacrificing impact safety, since wired glass is easy to break. Design choices often consisted of creating a solid wall without windows, or an opening with institutional-looking wired glass, with its inherent performance limitations.